Which thread for fmq?

[cpwagner78]

I have been reading through many threads. It's probably been discussed, but I was wondering what is a good thread choice for fmq on my home machine. Should I be quilting with the same thread that I am piecing with?

[stitchwishes]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

Yes there are a lot of threads, you could peruse them but that's a lot of reading and searching (but so full of info). I think a nearly live chat is much easier.

50wt thread typically used for piecing, especially Aurifil (the thinnest) will make your FMQ disappear into the fabric and not stand out. It's a nice subtle look if you don't want to distract from your fabric or piecing.

I've been liking Superior Thread Magnifico, it's a thicker poly thread. My machine loves it, it makes pretty stitches that stand out and are a little glossy. It's the only poly thread I know of that's heat treated, I love that.

What I'm just starting to experiment with is M* house brand of 50wt cotton thread. It's gorgeous. Since it's a bit thicker than Aurufil it stands out nicely when quilting, but it's not bold. Their color palette looks like it will coordinate with the most popular fabric lines they sell. So far I just love it and may switch to it once I've used it a bit more because it's just a really good all around thread.

Here is a pic of the M* 50wt cotton thread. This was just my first test of it, I don't have a pic yet of recent work with it. The color is Stone Blue, or something similar to that, I can't quite recall. Rock Blue, perhaps? It goes almost gray in dimmer lights, really nice neutral sort of blue.

image.jpg

[DeniseSm]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

If you were quilting with your walking foot you could easily use the same thread you were piecing with. The motions of free motion quilting put a lot more stress on the thread and the needle. You will need to increase your needle size by at least one size. I prefer FMQ with a 90/14 top stitch needle. The top stitch needle has a bigger eye and reduces the stress on the thread. When I was just learning FMQ I found I got less thread breaks with polyester thread, which is stronger than cotton thread. Now that I have been FMQ for three years I can use cotton thread for FMQ because I have better hand/speed co ordination.

In summary, if you are just learning FMQ you will be better off with a polyester thread or a very high quality cotton thread. A good polyester choice is Isacord. Good cotton choices would be Aurifil or Superior Threads.

[JCY]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

I use Superior's King Tut cotton 40 wt. thread for quilting or Signature's 40 wt. cotton quilting thread. I used both of these on my DSM & now use them on my longarm. The LAer who does my large quilts uses nothing but King Tut. Karen McTavish uses Glide threads, which I think may be polyester. I bought a cone to try, but haven't used it yet.

[Auntie Uli]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

I am using Aurifil 50wt cotton thread for quilting when I want the quilting disappear in the fabric especially on the back of my quilts, so I have it in my bobbin all the time, Isacord polyester thread if I want a more shiny look and Madeira Rayon thread for hyperquilting and embellishments

[klgls]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

I mostly use Aurifil 50wt cotton thread to FMQ. I did purchase the MSQC thread, and although I love the price, I found while FMQ when I stop to change my hands or decide where to go next, the thread almost knots there each time. I though maybe I was doing something different, so I changed the thread back to Aurifil and, lo and behold, no knots. "Knot" sure what the difference is in the thread, but I'm sticking with Aurifil. I have used a 40 wt Sulky thread when FMQ and had no problems with it.

[Lyndaj]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

I just use Aurifil 50 wt.

[lauthala]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

Okay,whats the best for bobbins FMQ.I have been using Ransant,but I bought Bottom line the other day has anyone used it,looks rather thin.

[Annav]

Re: Which thread for fmq?

It really depends on the effect you are loo,ingredients for. I'd you are doing all over stipple, a matching thread in 50 wt is a good choice. If you are doing microstippling in background, you'll want a 60 wt, if you want your quilting to stand out, try 30 or 40 wt. The higher in the number, the finer the thread.