I've been using my
Handiquilter and frame to finish my quilts for a few years now and never taken the time to think much about thread. It doesn't seem to be picky and sews along without complaint most of the time. Never knowing what color of quilt will come together next, I like to be able to go out and pick up a spool when I am ready to finish up a top. I'm a big fan of
Connecting Threads as a rule and have enjoyed using their
Essential PRO cones. However, the only cones that they have at my local Joann's are serger thread, and I have been using those as well with no problems. I was happy to read
Jo's post
earlier this week about using Maxilock serger thread and was relieved to know I wasn't some oddball quilting rebel for using cheap thread. It doesn't list a size on the cone, but by comparison I'd have to say it is about 60 wt and 100% polyester. So what thread do you use for quilting? Is it worth the extra price for the name brands or is it all about getting it done?
I finally had a break this afternoon to get the borders sewn onto Crossroads. It has been hanging out on the floor for two days now, so it will be nice to get the back cut and put it next in line to be quilted. It was my turn to volunteer at math camp today so we all went in and helped with kite building. Then we were off to piano lessons and home to make dinner. Meatloaf had just gone in the oven when Kurt got home and told me he was going to volleyball tonight. So out came dinner and into the car went all three kids and the dog! It is nice and quiet here so I am enjoying the solitude
9 comments:
Crossroads is stunning.
I rarely do large pieces (no larger than 'throw' size) as I am an art quilter and the thread I usually use is 40-50 wt on top, and matching on the bottom. Sometimes Bottom Line if I'm doing dense free-motion. I confess I go for colour more than weight and that's gotten me into trouble a few times till I can coordinate the two to suit the project. I don't have anything larger than a domestic machine -- don't have the room.
Is it hard to use the handi quilter?
I am glad that you did this post...it will be interesting to read the responses.
It is so nice to have some quiet time!
My Bernina, both the new one and the old one, is really fussy. If I don't use the same weight thread top and bottom and the correctly sized needle, the stitches are all wonky.
Interesting post. Love your quilt top with the borders. Hope you had a nice quiet evening of sewing.
Thread - I always have bottom line on the bottom. For piecing I use whatever is on the machine (superior threads, gutterman, coats and clark to use off the old ones). When FMQ I find that Masterpiece and bottom line work best with my Viking. I just have a little domestic machine.
Excellent conversation started here!
With piecing, my Bernina is NOT fussing one bit! I am still working through some of my Grandma's OLD thread with no breakage; mostly I use the Maxilock serger thread for piecing.
On my Juki98 (shortarm), thread is a different story. Maxilock breaks way too easily! And I'm not interested in going at the slower speed to reduce breakage. I've tried the EssentialPRO cones (via ConnectingThreads) too with minimal breakage, but breakage all the same. The heavier (50wt) Essential threads cotton spools don't break for me (much), but it's SO linty on the Juki. SO, finally, I tried a spool of Aurifil, and FELL IN LOVE. Sadly, it IS pricey, but it has VERY little lint and rarely rarely breaks, even at higher speeds.
Enjoying the discussion on thread for quilting. In my Bernina I use the Gutermann thread the most and have no problems with it at all. I also use some different cones: Surelock, MaxiLock, Nova. If I have problems with thread it's the way I've threaded the cones, they don't seem to get "set" into the feeder just right.
Aurifil 50wt for piecing. Superior Threads So Fine for longarming. No lint. No breaks. Buy them when they are on sale! Craftsy has regular sales on Aurifil.
Store your thread in a drawer, away from dust and sun.
Post a Comment