| What kind of quilting thread should I use? This is one of | | | | Spun silks are made of shorter fibers. They come |
| the most common questions we hear. The answer is | | | | from broken cocoons or the beginning and end of |
| simple, and difficult, at the same time. | | | | cocoons. |
| The first thing to decide is what fiber to use. Rayon, | | | | Thinner silk threads are ideal for hand appliqué, |
| polyester, cotton, silk, or metallic? All have their pros | | | | the stitches tend to sink into the fabrics and |
| and cons, but basically it comes down to personal | | | | "disappear". Silk threads are used in many high quality |
| preference. I believe in using whatever quilting threads | | | | sewn garments. |
| work for your project. If it works well in your machine, | | | | Silk thread, and projects created with silk thread can |
| and you like the effect you get while using it, then don't | | | | be gently washed in the washing machine with a mild |
| hesitate, enjoy it! Don't let the quilting "police" tell you | | | | soap. Bleaching agents should not be used as they |
| what you should or should not use in your project. As | | | | can damage the threads. |
| odd as it sounds, sewing machines have preferences | | | | Polyester Thread |
| too. So experiment, and don't be afraid to use a | | | | Polyester quilting thread is very strong and economical. |
| particular thread just because it's not "made for that". | | | | Polyester thread won't fade or shrink in the wash. |
| Cotton Thread | | | | The luster, or sheen, of polyester thread falls between |
| 100% cotton thread is the traditional choice for quilting. | | | | that of cotton and rayon. A medium luster thread, it is |
| A 50wt cotton thread is still the most popular choice | | | | suitable for almost any quilting project. |
| for quilt piecing. Cotton is a natural thread that gives a | | | | Polyester threads do have some give or stretch to |
| soft, matte look. | | | | them. |
| Cotton quilting thread is available in a wide range of | | | | Polyester quilting threads are available in a wide range |
| weights, and is suitable for most sewing and | | | | of solid and variegated colors. Like Rayon, the most |
| embroidery projects. 40wt and 50wt are the most | | | | popular thread size is 40wt, but 30wt and 50wt can |
| common, but cotton threads range from 8wt to 100wt. | | | | be found. |
| Cotton thread does not stretch a great deal, and will | | | | Rayon Thread |
| break if pulled too tightly. Cotton threads will fade with | | | | Rayon threads perform consistently well in sewing |
| the sun, and shrink in the wash, so treat them as you | | | | machines with very little breaking and fraying. Rayon is |
| would cotton fabrics. | | | | a high sheen thread, and often used as a lower cost |
| Most cotton threads sold now are mercerized. This is | | | | alternative to silk threads. |
| a chemical and heat process that increases the luster | | | | Most rayon quilting threads are available in 40wt, |
| of the thread. During the mercerizing process, fuzzy | | | | though 30wt can be found without effort. A wide |
| threads are burned off, creating a smoother surface. | | | | range of colors and shades are available, including |
| This smooth surface reflects light, increasing the luster | | | | variegated colors. |
| of the thread. It also has the effect of increasing water | | | | Though some brands can be, rayon threads are not |
| absorbency, making the thread easier to dye. | | | | generally colorfast. It is best to avoid using any |
| Long staple cotton is finer and stronger than regular | | | | bleaching agents, including those made for colors. |
| cotton. Most high quality threads are made with long | | | | Rayon threads do deteriorate over time, so attention |
| staple cotton, creating a softer, stronger, higher luster | | | | should be paid to how it is stored. In low humidity |
| thread. Long staple threads tend to have fewer slubs, | | | | regions, rayon threads can be stored in the refrigerator |
| lumps of lint spun into the cotton threads. | | | | to extend thread life for a long as possible. |
| Silk Thread | | | | In most cases, when it comes to quilting thread, you |
| Silk is an elastic, though very strong thread, and is | | | | get what you pay for. Good quilting thread will stand up |
| among the most beautiful of natural fibers. It has a high | | | | to high-speed machines without breaking or shredding. |
| sheen, and creates a distinctive look when used in | | | | Bargain bin threads are inexpensive, but of poor quality, |
| embroidery projects. | | | | and will cost you in time and frustration. |
| Pure filament silk is the highest quality silk, as the fibers | | | | Have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with |
| do not need to be spun, they come naturally in long | | | | thread. |
| strands from the silkworm. | | | | |