Can I quilt with this thread?

[Rabbott]

I will soon be free motion quilting for the first time (just on a normal sewing machine) and am hoping for some advise on thread choice. I have very limited thread options locally but I have found a color I like. It is a 100% cotton thread with a weight of 30. Could it work? Will it be too noticeable or hard on my sewing machine?

Thanks!

[quiltsRfun]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

Try it on a scrap sandwich of the same fabric as the quilt to see if you like the look. It’s always good to practice with the same materials as the quilt before doing the real thing. Be sure to share with us when it’s finished.

[Deegles]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

My machine does better with 30 wt on the top and 50 wt in the bobbin. Part of machine quilting is figuring out thread. Good advice for practicing on a scrap before you start.

[JCY]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

30 wt. thread is heavier than you need. I had to have the tension in the bobbin adjusted for 30 wt. thread, which was YLI. 40 wt. works better for FMQ. Angela Walters uses a lot of 50 wt. thread as well. The heavier the thread, the more it will show. I've always used the same wt. thread in the bobbin as the top.

[snowbird]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

I have had successful results using 30wt in both top and bobbin for machine quilting. I like the look of the heavier quilting thread on my civil war and folkart projects. All personal preference for each of us. As mentioned above, I would first do a trial stitch out on a sample sandwich of the same fabrics.

An afterthought: I do use a size 16 titanium needle (Superior) when using the 30wt because it eliminates shredding of the thread.

[Brian]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

You can actually make any thread work, it's a matter of preference. Heavier threads will not "pull" down into the fabric as much and appear bolder which can be a good thing. Fine threads can appear to almost disappear. Don't be afraid to experiment. I have know people who have used the same brand, same weight, same everything for years, the reason being that they never learned how to adjust their machine. We have an Innova longarm, a Juki 2010, a Juki industrial, and a Consew walking foot. They will all sew with any thread we put on them, just maybe a little tweak to bring things in line. There is no special "quilting thread" that is just marketing, if you notice the price is usually higher on an item when it is labeled "for quilting" . I purchase everything I can from the vendors that specialize in the garment industry as what they offer is high quality and proven to work and usually much less expensive. So long story short, You can quilt or piece with pretty much any thread that you can find. Just a matter of preference.

[Carolyn]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

Just a comment, I like the look of 30 wt. on my reproduction quilts also.

[Grey Lady]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

I have used 30 weight and like the results. It is bolder, which is sometimes just right. Pls come back & show us your quilt.

[Vonnie]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

If my machine likes it, I use it! I sometimes use embroidery thread on top and a matching cotton thread in the bobbin. On my longarm and my regular sewing machine.

[lourixe]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

I have also used 30 wt thread for FMQing. You just need a thicker needle. When using thicker thread I usually pick up an all over design with spaced quilting lines (1-2").

[Rabbott]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

Thanks everyone!

It seems to be working good. I'm just playing with the tension now. It is ok if a little bobbin thread is visible on top? If I loosen the tension any more the back has loops.

If the link works, the top is the polkadot fabric.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uo9LbgaD4BVNQ9jg9

[quiltsRfun]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

You might try adjusting the bobbin tension. Refer to owner’s manual and adjust a little at a time.

[grammaterry]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

Best thing to do is just DO IT!! If you don't like it, don't do it again. That's the wonder of quilting, different results with different stuff

[Kas]

Re: Can I quilt with this thread?

I agree the bobbin tension needs to be tightened just a teeny bit.