Thread color

[Hhmomma]

How do you decide what color thread to quilt with

I am stumped.

[pcbatiks]

Re: Thread color

I would try auditioning possible thread choices by laying them on the quilt top. Decide what you like best then you can try the thread by quilting on scraps of the same fabric. Looking on pinterest or instagram is a good way to find inspiration. Look up quilts in the same color scheme and see what thread colors others have used.

[Lyndaj]

Re: Thread color

It depends on if you want your quilting to stand out or no. If you don't, choose a colour that will blend into the background. If you do, choose a colour that will stand out.

[grammaterry]

Re: Thread color

I choose based on what I have on hand.

[Carlie Wolf]

Re: Thread color

I only occasionally purchase a specific color. Usually I use a pearl grey, a flax (med/lt gold color) or white for the top color and since I usually use just plain muslin for the back the bobbin is usually white.

[Iris Girl]

Re: Thread color

I love the variegated threads when many colors are in the top. Otherwise based on what I have on hand and what works. Also whether you want it to stand out or not , and lastly who its for.

[Judy, USMC]

Re: Thread color

Here's a short (<8 minute) video from Leah Day that may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liFlkHK4ymw

[JCY]

Re: Thread color

That's a good Leah Day video. A lot of common sense there. I make an extra quilt block of any quilt I make just so I can practice with my design & thread color. I also use the same color thread on the top as in the bobbin -- most of the time. If I'm using a tri-color thread on top, I will use a plain similar color in the bobbin. I have multiple cones of quilting thread on hand, so I lay out various threads to see which ones look the best. For several years I've been using Superior's King Tut or Signature's plain colored threads. I recently have been watching Amy Johnson's videos on quilting with rulers. I really liked the thread she was using. It had a pretty sheen to it. So I e-m'd her & asked. She uses trilobal polyester embroidery thread, Glide, & Isacord. I know Karen McTavish uses Glide. I hadn't heard of using the trilobal (a new term to me) poly embroidery thread. So I will be checking out some different quilting threads from what I've been using.

[cv quilter]

Re: Thread color

Joy, I love reading your posts. You are way ahead of me in FMQ, but I do learn a lot from you and your posts. I have never heard of trilobal threads, but will certainly look for them. I might have to go online to find since we only have ONE LQS here in Prescott. Do you buy them online or locally. At this time, I am only using MaxiLock or Madera Aerofil threads in my Tiara. Is the Tiara the machine you normally do your FMQ with? I have been tentative about using embroidery threads, though I must admit I like the sheen they provide.

[MNnancy]

Re: Thread color

I, too, love the sheen of Glide poly thread, and it comes in so many colors and in varigated. I also buy the Glide magna-bobbins. They prevent backspinning and thread tangles. Sharon, I order Glide directly from Fil-Tec. http://www.bobbincentral.com/top-thread.html

[Sylvia H]

Re: Thread color

When I first started FMQ, I was having difficulty with cotton threads. I learned that Leah Day used Isacord, and gave it a try. It eliminated all the problems I was having, so I stayed with that thread for about two years. But I personally preferred the matte look of the cotton threads, so started to experiment with them again. Voila! the problems I had previously had with cotton thread were gone. I can only surmise that they were due to inexperience.

Now, I keep both types in my repertoire. I keep in mind that when I use the trilobal, it will reflect light, and the thread will not 'melt or meld' into the fabric. But, in some cases, I want the 'bling' that this thread provides. In other cases, I want the quilt pattern to be dominant, and so prefer to use a subtle cotton thread.

[cv quilter]

Re: Thread color

I, too, love the sheen of Glide poly thread, and it comes in so many colors and in varigated. I also buy the Glide magna-bobbins. They prevent backspinning and thread tangles. Sharon, I order Glide directly from Fil-Tec. http://www.bobbincentral.com/top-thread.html

Thanks, Nancy.