What is the difference between quilting thread and regular thread?

Quilting thread is kind of a special type of thread meant for quilting while regular thread is more of an all-purpose thread. Regular thread doesn’t have the same strength and durability needed for quilting which involves layers of fabric that get a lot of wear and tear over time. Quilting thread holds up better to the stress of quilting .n

Is regular thread okay to use for quilting?

You can technically use regular thread for quilting but it probably won’t last as long as quilting thread. The regular thread may break more easily when piecing the quilt layers together or during washing and drying cycles over the years. At the same time, it’s not the end of the world to use regular thread for practice quilts or non-washable wall hangings. But for heirloom quilts, quilting thread is really the way to go.

What makes quilting thread stronger?

Quilting thread is made with stronger fibers that don’t fray or break down as easily from abrasion compared to regular thread. They put it through basically more steps to thicken it and treat it with a finish that reinforces the fibers. The core threads are wrapped with other threads to strengthen the whole strand. So it takes more force to basically pull it apart.n

How much stronger is quilting thread?

Tests appear to show quilting thread can be over 50% more durable than regular craft thread. Of course it depends on the brand, but in general quilting threads can handle way more stress and abrasion before breaking compared to a regular thread. So your piecing and quilting stitches will definitely hold up better, especially over multiple wash/dry cycles spanning many years. I guess you could say regular thread is for light-duty tasks while quilting thread is industrial strength!n

Is there a big difference in price?

There usually is a somewhat bigger difference in price between regular thread and quilting thread. You’ll pay a little more per spool or skein for the quilting thread since it uses stronger fibers and a reinforced construction. However, the extra cost is usually very worthwhile because your quilts will literally last generations if made with quality quilting thread. In the long run, it’s more cost effective than your quilt falling apart faster from using a cheaper regular thread.n

The Differences Between Quilting Thread and Regular Sewing Thread – Which Is Best for Your Project?

Quilting Thread vs Regular Thread: What’s the Difference?

If you’re wondering whether you need special quilting thread for your projects or if regular thread will do the trick, you’re not alone. As a quilter myself, I’ve faced situations where choosing the right thread type can make or break a quilt. In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between quilting thread and regular thread so you can decide which option is best for your next project.

Fiber Content

Quilting thread is generally made from cotton or polyester fibers.
Regular sewing thread may contain cotton, polyester, nylon, or rayon mixtures.

The all-natural cotton or synthetic polyester fibers in quilting thread help it hold up better over time compared to thread with blended fibers. From my experience, quilts made with quilting thread seem to retain their beauty for longer before showing signs of wear.

Thickness and Strength

Quilting threads are noticeably thicker than regular threads. Their increased thickness and density results in stronger, more durable stitches that can withstand substantial handling, washing, and long-term storage without breaking down. Regular thread simply may not flex or bend as well over the life of the quilt without snapping.

Its enhanced strength and flexing abilities are particularly valuable for quilting techniques that involve lots of stitching through layers like quilt sandwiching, binding, and decorative topstitching designs. The heartier quilting thread ensures your hard work lasts for many years of enjoyment.

fiber density

The tighter fiber construction of quilting threads compared to regular threads translates to less looping or knotting at the stitches over time. This results in flatter, neater seams that don’t pull loose and pucker after washing. Quilting threads basically keep their shape better than regular threads.

The Differences Between Quilting Thread and Regular Sewing Thread – Which Is Best for Your Project? photo 3

From my experience quilting, tightly woven threads are sort of amazing at laying flat and holding their line even with heavy use. Loose or fuzzy stitches caused by inferior thread are no fun to contend with later on.

Shininess

Many quilters prefer the soft, matte finish of quality quilting threads over the shiny texture of regular threads. Shininess can sometimes distract the eye or “pop” in an undesirable way. However, a silky sheen isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if that’s not a concern for your specific project style.

It really comes down to personal taste. For a vintage or traditional appearance, flat matte threads are hard to beat. But too much emphasis on thread sheen alone shouldn’t disqualify regular thread if other factors suit your needs.

Cost and Availability

Quilting threads tend to cost a bit more due to their superior manufacturing process and materials. On the other hand, most brands are widely stocked at fabric and craft stores making them readily available. Regular threads offer cheaper options, but specialty colors may be harder to locate locally depending on the brand.

In the end, it’s about deciding what factors matter most for your project – cost, materials, or something else. I’ve definitely used basic colored thread when cost was a concern with no regrets.

The Differences Between Quilting Thread and Regular Sewing Thread – Which Is Best for Your Project? photo 2

Summary

To sum it all up, quilting threads provide enhanced performance through their high-quality cotton or polyester composition, increased thickness for strength and flexibility, tighter fiber construction for better stitch definition retention, and typically matte finish. These attributes lead to quilts that hold up exceptionally well over many years of use and washing.

However, regular threads can still work just fine depending on your particular needs – especially if a simple project doesn’t require intense stitching through layers or long-term durability is less important. And their lower cost is definitely a plus! At the end of the day, only you can decide what thread characteristics suit your vision. But hopefully this overview has helped you better understand the key differences.

No matter which type of thread you choose, I think the real joy comes from getting started on your creative project! Let me know if any other questions arise as you sew. Maybe it’s time to hit the craft store and start putting stitches into your next quilt masterpiece. Happy quilting!

Quilting Thread vs Regular Thread Comparison

Category	Quilting Thread	Regular Thread
Strength	Specifically designed for machine piecing and quilting. Strong fiber core allows it to withstand many passes through fabric layers without breaking.	May break or shred more easily when pulling through multiple layers of fabric during piecing and quilting. Better suited for hand sewing or simple machine stitches.
Fiber Content	Most commonly made from cotton or polyester fibers which resist breaking down over time.	Found in a variety of fiber blends but not specifically engineered for quilting. May contain less durable fibers.
Thickness	Available in a range of thicknesses calibrated for piecing or quilting different fabrics and thread types.	Thickness may not be appropriate for bulky fabrics or tight quilting stitches.
Colorfastness	Dyes are selected for colorfastness and color clarity important for quilt designs.	Color may fade more quickly over time or washing.
Price	Typically more expensive than regular thread due to specialized engineering and fiber selection.	Inexpensive option but quality may not be suitable for intricate piecing and quilting work.

FAQ

What is the difference between quilting thread and regular thread?

Quilting thread is kind of a special type of thread meant for quilting while regular thread is more of an all-purpose thread. Regular thread doesn’t have the same strength and durability needed for quilting which involves layers of fabric that get a lot of wear and tear over time. Quilting thread holds up better to the stress of quilting.
Is regular thread okay to use for quilting?

You can technically use regular thread for quilting but it probably won’t last as long as quilting thread. The regular thread may break more easily when piecing the quilt layers together or during washing and drying cycles over the years. At the same time, it’s not the end of the world to use regular thread for practice quilts or non-washable wall hangings. But for heirloom quilts, quilting thread is really the way to go.
What makes quilting thread stronger?

Quilting thread is made with stronger fibers that don’t fray or break down as easily from abrasion compared to regular thread. They put it through basically more steps to thicken it and treat it with a finish that reinforces the fibers. The core threads are wrapped with other threads to strengthen the whole strand. So it takes more force to basically pull it apart.
How much stronger is quilting thread?

Tests appear to show quilting thread can be over 50% more durable than regular craft thread. Of course it depends on the brand, but in general quilting threads can handle way more stress and abrasion before breaking compared to a regular thread. So your piecing and quilting stitches will definitely hold up better, especially over multiple wash/dry cycles spanning many years. I guess you could say regular thread is for light-duty tasks while quilting thread is industrial strength!
Is there a big difference in price?

There usually is a somewhat bigger difference in price between regular thread and quilting thread. You’ll pay a little more per spool or skein for the quilting thread since it uses stronger fibers and a reinforced construction. However, the extra cost is usually very worthwhile because your quilts will literally last generations if made with quality quilting thread. In the long run, it’s more cost effective than your quilt falling apart faster from using a cheaper regular thread.

What type of knots should I use with quilting thread?

For quilting thread, it’s best to use small, secure knots that don’t bulk up too much on the back side of the fabric. Common recommendations include reef knots or double overhand knots. Some quilters swear by surgeons knots which are apparently the most basically low profile knots. Just don’t use hugeclunky knots or your quilting may pucker or bubble up oddly. Trial and error will show you what works best!

Should I use different colors of quilting thread for the top vs. the bobbin?

This is purely a matter of personal preference, but many quilters choose to use a slightly different color for the bobbin thread compared to the top thread. This makes it easier to see if you’ve any stray bits of bobbin thread showing on the top after quilting. On the other hand, some purists argue the threads should match perfectly. Perhaps try different combos and see what looks best or is easiest for you to work with!