(this picture has nothing to do with anything other than I want that donut)
To answer "thread" questions from the last post:
1. I use the large spool of serger thread mainly for quilting….NOT piecing. It won’t be the end of the world if you piece with it, but it’s not as trustworthy. Serger thread is finer, but also smoother than regular thread because it has to pass through so many guides on the serger. Which…to me is good for quilting..not so much for piecing. I like the thread to disappear into my quilts which brings me to:
2. Polyester vs. Cotton. I’ve used both…and I’ve been told by the quilting police MANY times to use cotton only but I still prefer polyester for quilting, and cotton for piecing. Cotton has a little bit more flexibility, and also will be more visible when you quilt with it. If you want cotton on a big spool you can find it here….that is what I use for piecing. Only because it’s suitable weight for sewing machines machine and I don’t trust serger thread in my bobbins. Basically it comes down to trying both of them for yourself and see what you prefer.
3. The tension of using a big spool on my machine in the thread holder was A-OK for me. But my machine also slightly adjusts the tension for me. It wasn’t a problem for me but if it is for you…you can try a stand that sits behind your machine and holds the thread. There are some good tips in the comments section of the last post if you need help on that.
4. As I said above…I don’t use serger thread in my bobbin. Again, its probably not the end of the world if you do…but I wouldn’t.
Hope that clears up some questions and sorry to have led you astray with photos of serger thread and no explanation! I was in the middle of quilting when I took the pictures. And the quilt turned out awesome by the way. I’ll show you soon, but for now I have a birthday cake to take out of the oven for my newborn baby that’s turning 1!
Boo hoo.
![IMG_9179_thumb[1]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MPkCV3opsDA/Tlh5E1grZ1I/AAAAAAAAIfE/R3bPi6gpq8g/IMG_9179_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_9179_thumb[1]")
Strip and Flip Quilt
Bow-Tie Blocks
![IMG_7036_thumb[6]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-maW0aQnP0Fg/Tlh5FVIAhdI/AAAAAAAAIfI/3PMglaTipJY/IMG_7036_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_7036_thumb[6]")
Lined Stocking with a Cuff![IMG_8978_thumb[1]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UmlZ-3lCF18/Tlh5FnIzgXI/AAAAAAAAIfM/_i9bssSrtTE/IMG_8978_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_8978_thumb[1]")
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23 comments:
Oh man, the quilting police! I really laughed at that, I have had a lot of encounters with them. I haven't been quilting for long, but I like the durability and performance of my polyester threads and they will have to drag me to sewing jail because I won't stop using it.
As usual you are so helpful to me. I go through those small spools so quickly. I have been using the thread aurifil, which is expensive, for piecing and quilting. But in the future I'm going to take your advice. As a beginner I will try some polyester for the top. Anything to help me! Thank you wonderful lady!
Wow, thank you for the info! My LQS insists machine quilting requires a thick cotton thread but I hate the look of it! Being new to quilting, tho, means I am afraid to step out too far on my own... So thanks a million!
I may have missed the answer to this previously, but why don't you use serger thread in your bobbin?
I've used serger thread exclusively for quilting since I starting making quilts about a year ago. I've had no problems so far and even use it in the bobbin while quilting. It really allows the fabrics to shine through. It's also a much more economical option. (And sometimes, when I have too many bobbins of half-filled serger thread I use them to piece. Don't tell! But I always use a regular weight thread for the top spool.)
Don't worry about the quilting police. It's like parenting and advice from other parents. Listen politely, take it to heart, and then do what you want! Because it's YOUR quilt!
Thanks again for sharing the topless spool idea! It's genius!
Quilting police....LOLOL! How funny!
Have you considered using thread from ConnectingThreads.com ? I've used their thread for sewing and quilting for a few years now and love it. It is so much more affordable. Their spools hold much more and are very reasonably priced. Also, they have thread on large spools like you're using. Haven't tried those, but Amandajean from CrazyMomQuilts blog uses the larger ones.
Have fun quilting!
Karen
Watched a video from Superior Threads that said there is no real difference between poly and cotton for piecing. I prefer cotton bc it is easier to unsew!
interesting thread commentary, thanks for sharing!
but you DON'T get a thank you for that picture... cuz now my 8.5 month pregnant self wants a doughnut too! (and chocolate covered with sprinkles are my FAVORITE!)
off to the donut shop i go!
I am live/let live on the quilting preferences. My mother's quilts are falling apart and all I can think is that it could be the poly thread. The analogy I have been given is that it is stronger than cotton so it's almost like an abrasive or a saw when the fibers rub together. Maybe polyester thread has some a long way since the 70s. If you go to quilt festival this spring they should have GIGANTIC 15000yd rolls of piecing thread (all cotton) for 18.95. So worth it! Don't buy an off brand quilting thread there, though...learn from my mistake on that one. Your quilts are lovely, by the way!
So much info about thread! Thanks everyone. So this is my question, what are some reliable brands of both cotton and poly threads that people have come across? (On the flip side are there brands you should stay away from?)
Thanks!
SEW Adorable!!!!!
and mmm I want that donut! ask can I have a bite?
I had to shake my head to concentrate on what you were writing about thread. Because I couldn't get the picture of that yummy donut out of my head...
So anyway, having actually taken a class on thread (which was fascinating BTW, at least it was to me...) from Bob of Superior Threads, he says the whole "never use polyester because it will eventually cut through the cotton fabric" is a myth. I love Superior thread, even though it is a little pricier. I am willing to spend a little more on thread because I want good quality to match the quality of my fabric. But I think it is safe to use polyester for sure.
Ya gotta love the quilt police. A very wise woman (thanks Allison) once told me that the quilt police are not the be all and end all. It is so true. Off to Krispy Kreme I go!
The quilting police caught me a few days ago about to buy polyester thread. It actually was an accident so I appreciated the "warning". It did end up sparking a huge debate in the store.
But will he share his donut?
We just had a first birthday boy over here (March 2nd)!
I really am NOT prejudiced just because I live in St. George, UT and that is the headquarters of Superior Threads, but....you really should go to their website and watch the video about threads. The owner, Bob Purcell, really, really knows a thing or two about thread (and I might be in the background of the video in a red shirt)and it is very informative. Their thread is definitely worth the price. If you are a quilter and you have "graduated" from using Joanne's fabric, it is time for good quality thread! Try the titanium needles too, they last 10 times as long as regular.
HaHa Ha - I think that I am guilty of being the quilting police. And I personally think that polyester is much more stable than cotton thread. I think it is fine to piece with poly and quilt with poly. I have some friends that are cotton purists and like religion and politics we have an agreement to not talk about poly and cotton thread when we sew.
Yep! I have had run ins with the quilting police over my large than 1/4" seams at times!
Thanks for the tips. One already???? My oh my how time does fly. Happy Birthday little one.
What's in your bobbin when you are quilting with the poly serger thread? Am a little surprised if you are putting a heavier weight thread in bobbin. Check out Leah Day's Blog 365 Days of Freemotion Quilting. She uses Isacord Poly thread in top and bobbin when quilting. It's pretty light, but I think might be heavier than serger thread. Does anyone know the weight of serger thread?
thanks for the tips. and i hate buying thread too. it always runs out right when im finally just getting into a good groove while making a good quilt!
and btw, i really love your blog! today i did a refashion that i think you'd like, a lace-cut out t-shirt that is no-sew! and easy to do with very little time.
come and visit me at:
thestyleprojects.blogspot.com
thanks! sharde
Allison your sons are so adorable. I'm 3 months pregnant and I just found out today that it's a boy.... I hope sonny boy is half as precious as your little guys!
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