Best Thread for Quilting – Choosing the Right Thread Type for Your Quilting Projects

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Quilting Thread

As a lifelong quilter, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right thread for your projects. A high-quality thread can make or break your quilting experience. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll reveal everything you need to know to select the ideal thread for your skill level and quilting style.

Consider Your Fabric and Quilting Technique

The first step is evaluating your fabric and how you plan to quilt it. Thread weight and fiber content should match the weight and fibers of your quilt fabrics. For light cottons or silks, a smooth cotton or polyester thread around 50 weight works well. Heavier cottons and linens require a slightly heavier thread around 60 weight for strength and visibility when piecing or quilting.

When free-motion quilting densely, opt for a fine polyester thread 40-50 weight. It glides smoothly and withstands multiple layers without shredding. For longarm quilting on multiple layers or thick battings, choose a durable cotton or poly thread 60-80 weight. The higher weight holds up better under a machine’s pressure without breaking.

Select for Durability or Aesthetics

With thread choice, you must decide between durability and aesthetic appeal. 100% cotton threads have a lovely, soft sheen but can fuzz or shred more easily over time. Polyester and poly-wrapped cotton threads are stronger and hold their shape washing after washing. Some quilters use cotton for piecing and polyester for quilting to get the best of both qualities.

Naturally, thread color is also a consideration. For intricately pieced or appliquéd quilt tops, coordinating thread tones allow seamlines to disappear. When free-motion quilting, choose threads a few shades darker than your quilt fabric for visibility and professional results.

Consider Your Budget

Thread prices vary widely depending on fiber content and quality control standards. Entry-level cotton and polyester threads work well for beginners but may pill or weaken faster than higher ends brands. Spend a little extra for superior performance from brands like Aurifil, Superior, and Mettler. They glide smoothly through layers and hold their strength wash after wash.

While affordable options exist, avoid the cheapest threads laden with chemicals. Often called “bottom of the barrel,” they leave residue, collect lint, and increase risk of breakage during complex projects like free-motion quilting.

Sample Before You Commit

No two thread lines are created equal. Get small samples of different weights and fibers in similar dye lots to your projects. Test-stitch them on fabric swatches before unveiling a whole quilt. Some threads sprint smoothly through the eye of the needle but snag or shredd easily in dense stitching situations. Take the guesswork out by sampling first to find your perfect match.

Top Thread Picks for Every quilting Style

Now that you understand what to look for, here are some of the best thread options based on quilting technique:

1. Piecing: Aurifil 50wt cotton for easy piecing of cotton quilts. It’s soft without being fuzzy.
2. Foundation piecing: Mettler 60wt polyester for precise piecing of tricky patterns. Its consistent thinness prevents distortion.
3. Applique: Superior Threads 30wt silk for beautiful hand applique. The silky finish lies flat.
4. Free-motion quilting: WonderFil 40wt polyester for hours of smooth quilting on domestic machines. It glides through layers beautifully.
5. Longarm quilting: Gutermann 80wt cotton for high-speed, high-pressure quilting on longarms. Its waxed coating cuts down on breakage.
6. Heirloom quilting: Aurifil 50wt cotton for traditionally quilted projects to be treasured for generations. It withstands heirloom laundering.

Stock Up and Care for Threads Properly

Once you find your go-to thread brands, buy several bobbins or cones in your base colors to avoid running out mid-project. Store threads in a dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and take care when winding them onto bobbins. A lint-free environment like a thread chest or jar promotes longevity.

Most experts recommend hand-washing thread if it gets too soiled. Agitate gently in warm water with a drop of mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to air dry completely before returning to storage. With proper care, your threads can last for many quilting adventures to come!

I hope these tips help you select just the right thread for your next quilt. Feel free to experiment too – you may be amazed at what different threads can do. Happy quilting!

Determining the Best Thread for Quilting

FAQ

1. What thread is best for quilting?

   Cotton thread is generally considered best for quilting. It is durable enough to go through multiple layers of fabric without breaking. Cotton thread also comes in a wide variety of colors to match your project.

2. Are there any alternatives to cotton thread?

   Polyester thread can work too for some quilting projects. It’s a little stronger than cotton and resists fading. However, it doesn’t have quite the same texture as cotton. For piecing smaller pieces, you might try a fine polyester thread.

3. What thread thickness or size should I use?

   Most quilters recommend using an “all purpose” sewing thread that is size 50 weight or thickness. A thicker thread doesn’t allow the needle to maneuver as easily through multiple fabric layers. But a thinner thread may break more easily. A size 50 thread strikes a happy medium for most quilting needs.

4. Should I use a different thread on top versus bottom?

   Some quilters like using a slightly thicker thread on the bottom so it blends into the fabric better and doesn’t show through. You can use a 50 weight on top and go up to a 60 weight for piecing the bottom layers. It’s mainly personal taste though. As long as the thread differences aren’t drastic, it shouldn’t cause issues.

   

5. What about specialty threads?

   For some detailed projects or intricate patterns, a topstitch, embroidery, or other specialty thread may be better. These thinner threads allow for tighter stitching and smaller detail work. For example, topstitching the seam lines on a yo-yo quilting pattern may require a finer thread. So consider the thread needs based on your particular project.

6. How do I store my quilting thread?

   Properly storing thread is important to prevent tangles and keep the thread in good condition longer term. Either wind the thread into balls and store in a cool, dry location or use plastic storage boxes meant for thread. Exposing thread to extreme temperatures, dampness or sunlight can cause it to deteriorate faster. So keep thread protected when not in use.