Thread

I always learn something with every quilt I make. This time around I learned about the importance of using a good quality thread. 

I just finished machine quilting three quilts. I started one quilt with a Signature trilobal polyester, 30 weight thread. I learned very quickly that this was not going to work. The thread was too thick, even though I was using a 100/16 needle; the thread was fraying and I was getting boogers (thread build up) on the back of the quilt. Size 30 thread would probably work for embellishment, but not for machine quilting a whole quilt. So I bought a King Tut, 40 weight thread, which worked out better. But I  found that it was expensive - about $8.00 for just 500 yards. 

The next quilt I started, I used Auriful, a 50 weight thread (the higher the number the thinner the thread), and a 90/14 microtex sharp needle. It worked beautifully, with no thread fraying or boogers on the back. You can't beat the price for the yardage ($8.00 for the spool,1400 yds/spool). In the past I have also tried a poly King Tut thread that work well. 

I found a helpful website that talks about Thread Theory, including how to choose the right thread for your project and sewing machine. There are so many different types of thread out there now, it can be confusing.
I think a big part of enjoying machine quilting is using the right thread and sewing needle. It is no fun  stopping frequently to rethread the needle and check the bobbin. It is such a pleasure to machine quilt with a good quality thread. It can make or break a machine quilter.

I found a great website on Thread Theory, covering how to choose the right thread for your project and sewing machine. Check out Quiltbug.com - there is a wealth of info in their "article" section.

Here are the quilts that I just machine quilted for Verna and Jan.