| Author | Content |
TxBelle326
Dallas, TX
November 01, 2009
01:13 PM Post #7230267
| So, I'm ready to attempt my first block. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about quilting. Everything says to use cotton thread or monofiliment. I have TONS (obscene amounts) of thread. All of it is either 100% polyester or Embroidery thread. ( I also have some specialty threads that I know won't work - Woolly Nylon, Jean stitch, etc.) What kind of thread does everyone recommend? Does anyone recommend the Superior Mono-poly clear thread? That way I wouldn't have to invest in a ton of spools of thread in different colors. Please help this newbie!!
Thanks,
Linda |
abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 01, 2009
01:16 PM Post #7230270
| I wouldn't use it to assemble the block. |
barefootT
Wildwood, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
01:34 PM Post #7230315
| I use 100 % cotton as much as possible, I do sometimes use a poly / cotton mix for hand quilting.. 100% cotton for piecing I do not like the mono filament at all some folks do tho |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
01:44 PM Post #7230353
| For 99.9% of my pieceing I use a light gray Coays & Clark blend thread.
If you use a beige or light gray thread it will blend with 99% of the fabrics. Even Black & white.
You can't piece with monofilament. It will melt when you press. |
barefootT
Wildwood, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
01:59 PM Post #7230393
| yes Coats &Clark blend is very good thread..and I too use grays for most of my piecing.. |
TxBelle326
Dallas, TX
November 01, 2009
02:32 PM Post #7230481
| Thank you. I'll use what I have for my practice pieces and pick up some cotton or cotton blend thread for any "real" projects. Why is polyester sewing thread (I use Guterman for sewing. I also have Maxilock that I use for serging.) not good for piecing? |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
02:42 PM Post #7230534
| Ive got to say, I got the more 'expensive thread'..cant remeember the name, during the signature block swap. I cant tell you what a differance it made. At first I thought...whats the big deal, but as time whent on, I realized I wasnt getting knotted up when starting..when pulling it thru the needle it doesnt make 'lint'. I sure would not hesitate to use my good ole coats and clark..but when this is on slae, Im really gunna stock up.
Im sure that the reason Im having such good luck is because I have a european machine, and the way the thread is wound is the whole thing. This feeds the way the machine was built for thread feeding. |
TxBelle326
Dallas, TX
November 01, 2009
02:55 PM Post #7230575
| What are some of the "better" (more expensive) threads? Where is the best place to buy them? |
abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 01, 2009
04:06 PM Post #7230782
| I use Gutermans thread for piecing and yes, I use Maxilock with my serger. I prefer Gutermans for the same reasons Pam (Gardenglory) stated. Less lint and shredding. They do make an all cotton thread I use also. Watch Joanne's for sales and stock up. Sign up for their emails. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
04:23 PM Post #7230837
| Thats it...yes. I try to stock up at joanns when its 50% off. Altho, I like it so much now, I would pay full price. Get just what you need and keep watching for those sales. |
TxBelle326
Dallas, TX
November 01, 2009
04:53 PM Post #7230930
| I hate to be dense. This is different from the Guterman's Polyester thread? I have over 50 spools of that in every color in the rainbow. Guterman also makes a cotton thread?
This message was edited Nov 1, 2009 3:23 PM |
abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 01, 2009
04:56 PM Post #7230939
| Yes, they also make a cotton thread. It usually is at the bottom of the display--or at least it is here at our Joanne's. Sorry, but I swear by their thread and sharp needles as opposed to the "universal" needle point. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
05:10 PM Post #7230980
| Is there any reason you count use the polyester thread. Or is it best to mix cotton with cotton. |
TxBelle326
Dallas, TX
November 01, 2009
05:29 PM Post #7231026
| I see a trip to Joann's in my immediate future. All of their quilting notions are on sale and I'll also pick up some Gutterman cotton thread! |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 01, 2009
05:37 PM Post #7231057
| C&C (and others) is a poly wrapped cotton. Nothing really "wrong" with polyester threads just the cotton faabric + cotton thread + cotton batting unstated rule. And cotton does "roll" off the spool better. |
quilter_gal
Arlington, TX
November 04, 2009
10:28 PM Post #7242687
| As I understand it, one of the main concerns with polyester thread is that it's so much stronger than the threads that make up cotton quilting fabrics.
As the quilt wears and is used, washed, dried, etc, you want the thread to break at high-stress points in the quilt, you don't want the thread to remain intact and tear the fabric, instead. It's easier to re-sew a seam that's come unstitched than it is to repair fabric that has torn.
Have fun!
Elizabeth
|
barefootT
Wildwood, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 05, 2009
07:46 AM Post #7243487
| very good explanation, elizabeth |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 05, 2009
08:50 AM Post #7243578
| I actually had to pick up one spool yesterday, waiting for a sale. I took good notice this time, and the cotton is the one on the natural wood spool, the others all have white spools.
Looks like joanns is having a take 10 0r 20 percent off sale stuff this weekend. Will have to check that out, heard the clerks talking and didnt get the whole story. |
abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 05, 2009
09:35 AM Post #7243670
| Ohhh thanks for the heads up on this coming weekend at Joanne's Pam. Hummm guess I better plan to stock up. |
Quilter5bdsr
(Barb) Hillsboro, NH
November 05, 2009
09:56 AM Post #7243723
| You should all go on-line to JoAnne's. Then you sign up for their newsletter.. It does come quite often but also includes all the coupons to print out!!!!!!! You'll never miss a sale that way because you'll know before hand. |
abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 05, 2009
09:59 AM Post #7243734
| Better yet, have your daughter sign up for them and you get double the pleasure--wait that's chewing gum isn't it? I will say Joanne's is fantastic to teachers!!! She has a wonderful discount card they give on top of the sale prices as a thank you. Trouble is, she is into crafts and uses it for her items--bad girl--she could help her Mom out. LOL |
