Thread may just be one of the most important parts of making a quilt. Without thread, you just have a pile of fabric. Since thread is so important to quilting, you want to make sure you get the right type for the right project. Remember, you buy quality fabric, so you want to partner the fabric with quality thread to increase the life span of your project. Here is what type of thread you need for each project:

Embroidery:   For embroidery, you want a thicker thread. At the shop, see carry a line of thread called Sulky®. Their thread is weighted, and has double strands of thread specifically for embroidery and counted-cross stich projects. We carry a large variety of their rainbow of colors. Sulky® has designed hundreds of shades, including variegated thread.

   

Hand Quilting: You may, or may not have thought about needing to uses specifically designated thread for hand quilting. This overlooked detail can make your life a lot easier when hand quilting. There are specific threads that are made to withstand the natural tugging on the thread endured during hand quilting. We supply our customers with hand quilting thread by Coats & Clark.® If you can’t find the right shade of thread for your hand quilting project, Coats & Clark’s® All Purpose Thread will suffice.

       

Projects Made to Endure Heat: Many of today’s all-purpose threads contain polyester. This is fine to use, as long as your project will not endure heat. If you are making any sort of microwavable or heat pads, you are going to want to use 100% cotton or silk finished thread. This way your thread won’t melt during the heating process.   Mettler® and YLI’s® thread are usually safe to use, but you should always check the spool before use.

Machine Use: For most projects all-purpose thread will work. If you plan on using metallic thread, make sure you get special needles made for metallic thread. Metallic thread is more delicate to use regular universal needles.

~E. Geiss