BQTC #3 Selecting Thread for your Quilts
10/08/08 17:58 Filed in: BQTC #3
The number of different
threads available today is really quite impressive.
The only trouble with this great variety is choosing
the best thread for your needs. Here is a run down of
what's available and the suitable uses for each.
1. Cotton - Of course my number one choice! For any pieced patchwork job, machine or hand quilting, or binding, cotton should be the top choice. Since cotton fabric is most often the choice for discriminating quilters, it can only be paired with cotton thread. It is a fact that fabric and thread will deteriorate over time.
Should you choose to use cotton fabric and polyester thread, you will find that poly thread is stronger and will actually pull right through the cotton when it begins to break down.
Of course, we all hope this won't happen for many many years, but when it has become a long loved keepsake family heirloom, cotton on cotton will actually be a better choice.
Cotton thread is available in numerous weights, colors, and sizes. Something to remember in regards to thread weight is the SMALLER the number, the THICKER the thread.
For example 30 weight cotton thread will be thick, multi strand and also suitable for embroidery. 60 weight thread is often used for the bobbin when machine quilting. It becomes nearly invisible due to the light weight but this is something you can base on your own preference.
Piecing - I use Gutermann 50 weight thread on a 3000 yard cone. It is very affordable this way, and is available is neutral colors which are perfect for piecing. For light fabrics I'll use white or cream. Medium fabrics, I'll choose grey, and for dark fabrics I like to use black.
The reason for this is that when seams are folded open, you will always see your thread showing just the smallest bit. It won't be so noticeable if the thread is close to matching the fabric.
But imagine black fabric with white thread peeking through? Pretty noticeable right?
Machine Quilting - If I am using cotton for quilting, I like to use a weight that is noticeable. If I'm going to do all that gorgeous quilting, I want it to be seen! For this reason I will use a 30 or 40 weight cotton thread. Now what about color?
Generally I like to choose a color that’s already in my quilt, but doesn't disappear. It will depend on the look you are trying to achieve with your quilt. Many quilters like there stitches to blend, so they will choose the identical thread that matches their fabric.
This is a preference that you will develop over time and with experience.
2. Polyester - Likely the most commonly available thread, polyester comes in various sizes of spool and a wide variety of colors. Often used for garment making, and can also be labelled serger thread. In regards to quilting, I never use polyester when I am piecing fabric together. The ONLY time I might use polyester thread for piecing fabric would be if I were using fabric that was a poly/cotton blend. Polyester thread, however, can be used for machine quilting your quilt sandwich. Many reputable thread companies have high quality polyester threads available that will look stunning on your finished quilt.
Superior threads (http://www.superiorthreads.com/) has an amazing selection of beautiful polyester threads in various weights, colors, and even variegated (a thread that gradually changes color). I personally love using their threads for my Handi Quilter16 - a compact long arm sewing machine - and they even included some free samples with the machine. You've got to love FREE! I also know a couple of women who own APQS long arms, as well as a Gammill owner and they all love Superior Threads.
3. Rayon or Silk - A beautiful shiny thread which is stunning as top stitching on garments, and adds a lovely sheen to decorative quilting. I have used rayon very heavily while doing McTavish quilting on an applique art quilt. It was truly breathtaking and it should be used when you want the piece to shine. I would not recommend it for your baby's nine patch or any quilt that would require washing. Rayon does tend to be weak and the color may fade or leak if washed.
4. Metallic - Very reflective and not very strong. Good for art quilts, or a Christmas quilt. Remember to loosen your tension when using metallic threads.
5. Invisible Thread - Made of polyester, invisible is good for quilting you want to blend. This works if you can't find quite the right color or for stitch in the ditch (quilting along the seam lines). Not to be used in quilts for babies or children.
In summary, it seems that all types of thread can have their special place when it comes to quilting. Cotton is certainly a heavy favorite, and I've even met quilters who refuse to use anything but cotton. If you are ready to dabble in art quilts, the thread world is full of great possibilities. One thing that I always do when working with a new thread is to play around on a mini quilt sandwich. Use some scrap fabric and batting to practice your stitching. This will allow you to see your stitch length and check the tension and eliminate any possible troubles without putting them into your good quilt.
And The Winner Is....
1. Cotton - Of course my number one choice! For any pieced patchwork job, machine or hand quilting, or binding, cotton should be the top choice. Since cotton fabric is most often the choice for discriminating quilters, it can only be paired with cotton thread. It is a fact that fabric and thread will deteriorate over time.
Should you choose to use cotton fabric and polyester thread, you will find that poly thread is stronger and will actually pull right through the cotton when it begins to break down.
Of course, we all hope this won't happen for many many years, but when it has become a long loved keepsake family heirloom, cotton on cotton will actually be a better choice.
Cotton thread is available in numerous weights, colors, and sizes. Something to remember in regards to thread weight is the SMALLER the number, the THICKER the thread.
For example 30 weight cotton thread will be thick, multi strand and also suitable for embroidery. 60 weight thread is often used for the bobbin when machine quilting. It becomes nearly invisible due to the light weight but this is something you can base on your own preference.
My personal preferences for thread are:
Piecing - I use Gutermann 50 weight thread on a 3000 yard cone. It is very affordable this way, and is available is neutral colors which are perfect for piecing. For light fabrics I'll use white or cream. Medium fabrics, I'll choose grey, and for dark fabrics I like to use black.
The reason for this is that when seams are folded open, you will always see your thread showing just the smallest bit. It won't be so noticeable if the thread is close to matching the fabric.
But imagine black fabric with white thread peeking through? Pretty noticeable right?
Machine Quilting - If I am using cotton for quilting, I like to use a weight that is noticeable. If I'm going to do all that gorgeous quilting, I want it to be seen! For this reason I will use a 30 or 40 weight cotton thread. Now what about color?
Generally I like to choose a color that’s already in my quilt, but doesn't disappear. It will depend on the look you are trying to achieve with your quilt. Many quilters like there stitches to blend, so they will choose the identical thread that matches their fabric.
This is a preference that you will develop over time and with experience.
Other Options To Consider
2. Polyester - Likely the most commonly available thread, polyester comes in various sizes of spool and a wide variety of colors. Often used for garment making, and can also be labelled serger thread. In regards to quilting, I never use polyester when I am piecing fabric together. The ONLY time I might use polyester thread for piecing fabric would be if I were using fabric that was a poly/cotton blend. Polyester thread, however, can be used for machine quilting your quilt sandwich. Many reputable thread companies have high quality polyester threads available that will look stunning on your finished quilt.
One of my Favorites Brands
Superior threads (http://www.superiorthreads.com/) has an amazing selection of beautiful polyester threads in various weights, colors, and even variegated (a thread that gradually changes color). I personally love using their threads for my Handi Quilter16 - a compact long arm sewing machine - and they even included some free samples with the machine. You've got to love FREE! I also know a couple of women who own APQS long arms, as well as a Gammill owner and they all love Superior Threads.
My Pretties, Oh My Pretties!
3. Rayon or Silk - A beautiful shiny thread which is stunning as top stitching on garments, and adds a lovely sheen to decorative quilting. I have used rayon very heavily while doing McTavish quilting on an applique art quilt. It was truly breathtaking and it should be used when you want the piece to shine. I would not recommend it for your baby's nine patch or any quilt that would require washing. Rayon does tend to be weak and the color may fade or leak if washed.
4. Metallic - Very reflective and not very strong. Good for art quilts, or a Christmas quilt. Remember to loosen your tension when using metallic threads.
5. Invisible Thread - Made of polyester, invisible is good for quilting you want to blend. This works if you can't find quite the right color or for stitch in the ditch (quilting along the seam lines). Not to be used in quilts for babies or children.
In Other Words!
In summary, it seems that all types of thread can have their special place when it comes to quilting. Cotton is certainly a heavy favorite, and I've even met quilters who refuse to use anything but cotton. If you are ready to dabble in art quilts, the thread world is full of great possibilities. One thing that I always do when working with a new thread is to play around on a mini quilt sandwich. Use some scrap fabric and batting to practice your stitching. This will allow you to see your stitch length and check the tension and eliminate any possible troubles without putting them into your good quilt.
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BQTC Introduction
20/07/08 12:36 Filed in: Course Intro
I am dividing the
quilting lessons up into easy weekly classes that you
can subscribe to through QuiltCetera's Yahoo Group.
I'm constantly adding to the list of beginner quilting topics for teaching you how to quilt.
We are starting with absolute basics to cover all bases. If you are a more experienced quilter, then consider this a review! You may surprise yourself and learn a new trick or tip that will help your quilts come out flawless.
This will create a solid foundation for quilters who are just starting out or have limited experience.
Are you looking for simple beginner projects to get started quilting? Want to learn to make a baby quilt or maybe a table runner. What ever it is you would like to learn, I would be more than happy to create a tutorial for you. Drop me a line!
happy quilting... Bradie
I'm constantly adding to the list of beginner quilting topics for teaching you how to quilt.
We are starting with absolute basics to cover all bases. If you are a more experienced quilter, then consider this a review! You may surprise yourself and learn a new trick or tip that will help your quilts come out flawless.
- Quilting Basics Tutorials
- Choosing a Quilting Pattern
- Selecting Fabrics for your Project
- What type of thread to use
- Tools: rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat
- Sewing Machine and attachments
- Squaring Fabric
- Cutting Fabric including cross cutting
- Cross cutting fabric which is already sewn
- What is a scant quarter inch seam allowance and how to measure
- Chain piecing
- Corners and points
- Attaching sashing and borders
- Sandwiching quilts
- Basting quilts pin method vs stitching method
- Machine quilting on a domestic machine
- Cutting binding strips
- Joining binding strips
- Attaching binding
This will create a solid foundation for quilters who are just starting out or have limited experience.
Are you looking for simple beginner projects to get started quilting? Want to learn to make a baby quilt or maybe a table runner. What ever it is you would like to learn, I would be more than happy to create a tutorial for you. Drop me a line!
happy quilting... Bradie
