Selecting Thread

For most piecing, good-quality cotton or cotton-covered polyester is the thread of choice. Inexpensive polyester threads are not recommended because they can cut the fibers of cotton fabrics.

Use the best quality thread you can find. Inferior cotton threads create a lot of lint, especially when machine sewing. This lint gathers in the sewing machine's moving parts and creates problems. Avoid bargain threads. They are not usually durable in the finished product.

Choose thread colors that will match or blend with fabrics in your quilt. If using dark fabrics, a dark gray would be a good choice. If using light fabrics, off-white blends well. When making scrap quilts that include many colored fabrics, choose a neutral thread, such as medium gray. Threads should not be seen when pulling at the seam of your fabric. Test a sample seam to prevent this problem.

The same threads used for piecing can be used for quilting, but they need to be waxed to keep them from tangling when quilting. Quilting threads, made specifically for quilting, may be purchased in a variety of colors. Quilting thread reduces tangling and adds strength to quilting stitches. Do not use quilting thread for machine quilting unless the thread is labeled as machine-quilting thread.

For machine applique, rayon threads add luster to the stitches. For hand applique, use colors that match or blend with each piece to be appliqued. This may mean changing threads often.

Specialty threads such as metallics are sometimes used for quilting. Nylon monofilament thread is available in clear for light backgrounds and smoke for darker backgrounds. These threads work well for machine quilting and add luster to your finished project.