Thread used to piece and machine quilt

[wendanik1]

Can anyone tell me about the large cones of thread being used on the sewing machine in some of the tutorials? It looks like maxi lock thread or overlock? I was wondering if Maxi lock or overlock can be used to piece with in a regular sewing machine? I have only used the 100% cotton coats and clark thread on the smaller spools, but would like to know if the large cone looking thread is only serger machine thread or if they make machine quilting and piecing threads on the large cones as well.
Any info you guys have would be appreciated!
Thanks!!!!

[Texsam]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

I have seen cone holders that sit by your sewing machine that hold the larger cones. Some of the fancier ones are expensive (to me), but you can probably find one at Amazon or some other site that isn't as expensive.

[hillbilly]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

They do make them on the cones. I haven't used any but some bobbin thread I accidentally bought from my Madeira dealer. (Which is real fun when trying to thread bobbins. I just do a BUNCH! at a time)I found a cone holder to sit by your machine at JoAnnes for less than $10 I think. I didn't buy it though. It may not be as sturdy as more expensive ones.

[rebeccas-sewing]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

I only use the large spools of serger thread on my serger. I don't think it's as strong as regular dual duty thread. When you serge you are combining several threads, so it isn't necessary for it to have the same strength. I use the dual duty thread in both needle and bobbin for piecing and machine quilting. I use my embroidery machine to quilt so I only know what works best for this method.

Those little spools that are sold in the fabric stores are not economical. I purchase larger spools from Threadart.com and have been very happy with the quality. For .89 you get 600M. Even with shipping it's still a very good deal. I am told one should use cotton thread on cotton, polyester thread on polyester, but I am using polyester only and it works great on cotton. I just think polyester is stronger, but don't really know if that's true. Threadart sells both.

Hope this is helpful.

[patticakes]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

I got several cones and thought I saw hint that you could use a coffee mug as a holder but that did not work for me. This is the one I bought at Joanns for about $6.50 or so and it is working just fine. I was running out of thread so quickly using the small spools. Hope this helps!
Patti

[shell.scraps]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

I am told one should use cotton thread on cotton, polyester thread on polyester, but I am using polyester only and it works great on cotton. I just think polyester is stronger, but don't really know if that's true.

The main reason for this is that when you wash your quilt, it shrinks. Poly thread won't shrink with it....then you can end up with loose stitching.

[wendanik1]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

Thanks you guys for all the responses. I do have the attachment needed for my machine to use the large spools, but what I wasn't sure about is the types of thread available on the big spools. I usually use the coats and clark 100% cotton (star) on the 1200 yd spool, but was offered some large cone spool threads made by Maxi lock and I just don't know what that thread is used for. Since I saw some of the MSQC tutorials using large cone thread in their machine, I was wondering if they were using this maxi lock thread or if machine quilting thread is available on the large cones? Guess I just don't know enough about thread. I'm one of those people who when taught to use 1 particular brand or type of product for quilting, just keeps using it being afraid to try something else unless they are told it is okay to use.
Again, thanks for all the responses!

[sash]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

Connecting Threads has great thread and on larger spools, not cone size but ample thread.

[jrchapman]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

I accidentally bought a large cone of thread when I was ordering online from a site without pictures. For an engineer I have a worrying lack of idea about how long 1000m is!

The thread is exactly the same as on a smaller spool and I found that if you put a normal spool of thread on your spool holder and then put the cone over the top it stops rattling around and works just as well as a proper holder. Costs nothing and saves the embarrassment of returning stupid purchases.

[sandyquilts]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

I only use the large cones on my Janome 6500. I use either Aurifil or Masterpiece (Superior Threads). They are 50wt threads, 3000yds on a cone, thus the thread doesn't take up much room when piecing. I probably use close to 2 cones a year. Yes they are expensive but it's what I like. I also use it in my bobbin. I buy 99.9% of my thread supply each year at NQA Show where good deals can be found. I don't use thread from Joann's as it's much thicker and I don't like all the lint created. That's just me though.

And I use Superior Threads (SoFine (top) and BottomLine (bottom) on my Nolting longarm for quilting. I really like Superior Threads.

[KarenB]

Re: Thread used to piece and machine quilt

On another forum I belong to, someone mentioned this site for thread for the longarm but I think there is thread for piecing too. I just ordered some thread from here though I haven't had a chance to use it yet.

Here is the link:

http://stores.ebay.com/SEWINGTHREADSRUS

happy quilting everyone!