When you’re ready to sew, do you use whatever thread you happen to have within arm’s reach? While all sewing thread serves the same purpose - holding two pieces of fabric together - you will discover that certain types of threads work better in certain situations.
Quilting thread is a specialized type of thread used specifically for quilting projects. It is designed to be strong and durable, capable of withstanding the stress of stitching multiple layers of fabric together. Most quilt threads are usually made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both materials.
The best thread for quilting will depend on many factors such as personal preference, the specific project you are making, and the desired outcome. Here are some general guidelines to consider when choosing your quilt thread:
Quilt Thread Weight
Let’s start with some basics: thread weight explained. Quilting thread comes in different weights, typically categorized by a number - the lower the number, the thicker the thread.
The weight (wt) of a thread is a measurement of how many kilometers of thread (length) it takes to reach a weight of one kilogram. The higher the number, the finer the sewing thread. For example, a 60 wt thread will need 60 kilometers of thread to reach a weight of one kilogram. A 40 wt thread requires 40 kilometers of thread to reach a weight of one kilogram. 60 wt thread is finer and lighter than 40 wt thread. You can filter your search for quilting thread by weight when you shop on our site.
Most of the sewing thread that customers buy from Missouri Star is medium weight 40 or 50 wt quilting thread. Many quilters prefer finer 50 wt for piecing quilt tops but 40 wt for machine quilting because the heavier thread helps the stitches stand out. 40 wt is commonly used for machine embroidery and appliqué. It is also a good sewing thread for clothing construction, home decor, and craft projects.
A 12 wt thread requires only 12 kilometers of thread to weigh one kilogram; it is a heavy weight thread. Missouri Star offers Aurifil 12 wt cotton thread which is a perfect embroidery thread for hand or machine. It also works well for hand or machine appliqué, Sashiko, bold machine quilting, and big stitch hand quilting. Presencia perle cotton is another heavy hang quilting thread that is also ideal for knitting, crochet, needlepoint, punchneedle embroidery, hardanger embroidery, edge stitching, Sashiko, or big stitch quilting. Missouri Star carries 12 wt quilting thread in a wide array of beautiful colors.
Fiber Content of Quilting Threads
Quilt threads are commonly made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. Cotton thread is often favored for its natural feel, while polyester thread is known for its strength and colorfastness. Some quilters prefer a cotton thread for piecing and a polyester thread for quilting to achieve the best of both worlds.
Generally speaking, you will want to match your thread to the fiber content of your chosen fabric; however, many quilters and sewists use polyester or poly-cotton thread on cotton fabric with good results. Sewing thread choice is truly a matter of personal preference. Cotton thread is strong, accepts dye well, adjusts easily to changes in the fabric such as shrinkage, and tolerates high heat from pressing. If you are sewing synthetic blend fabrics, consider using polyester thread. It is strong and smooth, won’t shrink or fade, and has some give–making it a good choice for fabrics that stretch.
Quilt Thread Colors
Quilting thread comes in a wide range of colors specifically chosen to complement quilting fabrics and designs. Quilters often have access to specialized quilt thread collections with coordinated colors for various projects.
Depending upon the design of your project, you may want the stitching to blend in with the colors of your fabric. On the other hand, you may want the stitching to be the star. In this case you will probably choose a contrasting color thread.
Look closely at the main fabric(s) in your project. Determine the dominant color or colors and consider whether you want the stitching to blend in with the fabric or stand out as a contrasting element.
For a subtle look, choose a thread color that closely matches the main fabric. This is particularly important for visible stitching on seams or topstitching where you want the stitches to be less noticeable. Alternatively, you can select a thread color that blends well with the fabric colors, creating a cohesive overall appearance.
Sometimes, contrasting thread can add visual interest and highlight certain aspects of your project. For example, using a darker thread on light-colored fabric or a lighter thread on dark-colored fabric can create a striking effect. Consider where you want to draw attention and use contrasting thread strategically.
Low-Lint Quilting Thread
Look for quilt threads labeled as low-lint or designed specifically for quilting to minimize lint buildup and keep your quilt looking clean and crisp over time.
Quilting thread is often treated to minimize lint buildup, which is crucial for maintaining the appearance and longevity of quilts. Low-lint quilt threads help keep sewing machines clean and running smoothly during the quilting process.
Regular thread may produce more lint, especially if it's made from natural fibers like cotton. While lint can be managed with regular cleaning and maintenance of your sewing machine, it's generally less of a concern for everyday sewing tasks compared to quilting.
Polyester thread produces minimal lint compared to some other types of thread, which can help keep your sewing machine running smoothly and reduce maintenance. That’s why polyester thread is the perfect longarm quilting thread and machine embroidery thread to choose - in fact, it’s what we use in our Machine Quilting Department!
Quilt Thread Brands
Experiment with different thread brands to find the ones that work best for you. Missouri Star carries numerous options here too, including our own brand of quilt thread made to our exacting standards.
You might like the Missouri Star thread packs; these are an economical way to build your stash of thread. Superior Thread, which manufactures King Tut cotton thread as well as OMNI polyester thread–both very popular among quilters. Many sewists like Gutermann quilting thread for all-purpose use as well as quilting. Aurifil quilting thread, an Italian thread manufacturer, is a favorite among quilters and those who do machine embroidery and appliqué.
As your quilt thread collection grows, you will need strategies for keeping it organized. Missouri Star has spool racks and storage boxes as well as solutions for bobbin storage. Do you need thread cutter gadgets, needle threading gadgets, or a device to keep thread neatly wound around its spool? We’ve got all of the thread-related notions to keep your quilting and sewing threads neat and tidy.
Ultimately, the best quilt thread is one that meets your needs in terms of strength, appearance, and ease of use. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect thread for your quilting projects, but experimenting with different options can be part of the fun and creativity of quilting.
