All-purpose thread for binding

[dlane2530]

Hi everyone,

I found some all-purpose (polyester/cotton blend) thread in my drawer that exactly matches the binding I'm about to put on a quilt.

Should I go ahead and use it?

Or is it important that I go searching at fabric stores for a 100% cotton thread for the binding?

The quilt is all pieced, sandwiched, and quilted, with unwashed cotton fabrics (and a 90/10 blend batting).

Will terrible things happen, like ripping when it's washed, and stuff like that, if I use the all-purpose thread?

Thank you!!!

[DeniseSm]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

According to Superior Threads it is not correct that polyester thread will rip through a cotton quilt. So go ahead and use you poly/cotton blend thread.

[DramaMama]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I use Superior Threads' poly thread for everything in a quilt sometimes.

[dlane2530]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

Whew, this is such a relief to know! Thank you! I had heard the rumor that it would rip the quilt and I'm so glad to hear that that's not true.

And if by any chance it somehow is actually true, well, I guess I'll find out and be sure to let y'all know!

[KarenC]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I use it all the time. Have not encountered any problems

[Bubby]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

Use it....it will not cause a problem. I like it for the strength.

[Wende]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I've used it several times and never had a problem (and the quilts have endured repeated washing).

[Peggi]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

Whew, this is such a relief to know! Thank you! I had heard the rumor that it would rip the quilt.

Old wives tale.

[grammaterry]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I can't seem to see any difference no matter what kind of thread I use. I tried to use up everything in my old sewing drawer when piecing and now that I have gotten rid of all the odds and ends, I am experimenting with different brands and types.

[stationarymom]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I think a long time ago, when the thread didn't have the cotton mix and the cotton fabric may have been from worn clothing the polyester may have torn fabric from wear.Fabrics are strong enough to tolerate poly cotton mix without trouble today.

[dlane2530]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

This is so great to know, because these days I do more quilting than other sewing, so I've got all this cotton/poly blend thread from past non-quilting projects just sitting there! Now I will try using it!

[easyquilts]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I use whatever thread I have that matches my binding.... Doesn't matter what brand,..

[janbee]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

This is my personal opinion so take it for what it is worth. Having worked in a sewing machine dealership, I have heard all kinds of cock and bull stories by sales people in order to sell customers thread. Recently, I took a quilting class at a large quilt store that sells several brands of machines. The instructor refused to allow any of the students to use any kind of thread except Aurifil. I had a spool of Superior Threads 50 wt. polyester but she would not hear of me using it. She handed out samples of Aurifil to all the members of the class that didn't already have it on their machine. It was nothing more than a ploy to get the members of the class to buy Aurifil thread. I found it to be okay but it was not any better than my Superior Thread and it was a whole lot more expensive. I have used a gallon bucket full of Coats and Clark thread in my lifetime and I have never had a problem with it. I like Superior Threads bottom line thread for FMQ on my domestic sewing machine and I love love love their 50 wt. threads for piecing and for FMQ on the top. Do not believe everything a sales person tells you. It could be they are just trying to make a sale.

[easyquilts]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

This is my personal opinion so take it for what it is worth. Having worked in a sewing machine dealership, I have heard all kinds of cock and bull stories by sales people in order to sell customers thread. Recently, I took a quilting class at a large quilt store that sells several brands of machines. The instructor refused to allow any of the students to use any kind of thread except Aurifil. I had a spool of Superior Threads 50 wt. polyester but she would not hear of me using it. She handed out samples of Aurifil to all the members of the class that didn't already have it on their machine. It was nothing more than a ploy to get the members of the class to buy Aurifil thread. I found it to be okay but it was not any better than my Superior Thread and it was a whole lot more expensive. I have used a gallon bucket full of Coats and Clark thread in my lifetime and I have never had a problem with it. I like Superior Threads bottom line thread for FMQ on my domestic sewing machine and I love love love their 50 wt. threads for piecing and for FMQ on the top. Do not believe everything a sales person tells you. It could be they are just trying to make a sale.

Great story, and do yo the point..... I've been using Aurifil threads lately, but really love Mettler, and have used lots of sll purpose threads on bindings.... Superior threads are very nice, too....

Aurifil is way too expensive... I buy it on sale, or in on sale sample packs.... I just got a really nice big spool of Mettler silk-finish thread from M*, when I spent a certain amount of money on a recent order... I'll probably orfder more, now that I iniw it comes in big cools ( my LQS only sells the little ones).

My advice? Use what you like, and can afford....

[Claire OneStitchAtATime]

Re: All-purpose thread for binding

I have a totally unfounded theory about how this myth developed! Similar thoughts to stationarymom's. Cotton deteriorates more quickly than polyester. So the cotton may have begun to deteriorate while the poly thread didn't, leading to the myth that it tears the fabric.