All About Thread For Quilting
Thread for quilting falls broadly into two categories- sewing thread and thread for embellishing. Let's discuss sewing thread first, as it is the most commonly used, especially for quilting projects. Sewing thread can be purchased in several different weights and fibers. Weights of thread can range from 28 to 60. Thread for quilting needs to be strong, and to stand the test of time, so generally you will want to choose a thread in the range of a 40 weight. Thread in the 28 weight range is most commonly used for embellishment, while 50 weight would be used for piecing. You can easily find the weight of the thread you are considering by reading the label. You may see a number like this: 40/2. The first number is the weight of the thread, the second the number of plies. In this example, the thread is a 40 weight of two plies.
Thread for quilting is most often made from cotton, rayon, polyester, metallic or plastic. The metallic and plastic thread will be used for embellishments and specialty stitches only. Cotton thread is common, and often it is mercerized. This is a process where the fiber has been made to swell and straighten out repeatedly, which removes any tendency towards fuzziness, and makes for a very high luster thread. Cotton thread is available in 30 to 60 weight.
Rayon thread is also highly lustrous, and polyester thread has a colorfast, non-shrinkable finish. The metallic thread choices are going to be a bit more difficult to sew with and are not for beginners, though they make for stunningly beautiful finished quilting projects. Some brands that quilters might want to look for include the old favorite Coats and Clark, Guterman, which is a popular alternative known for its strength and ease of use (try it for hand quilting), Madeira rayon thread, which is strong enough to use to embroider on denim or leather, and Mettler, which comes in several different fibers.
It is often not a good idea to attempt to use up old sewing thread, which tends to degenerate on the spool. Unreel a bit and pull on it. If the thread snaps, it will also snap when you put it in your sewing machine. With the wide variety of quilting thread, and its relatively low cost, there's no reason not to just buy new thread when you need a different color. You'll save a fortune in frustration alone.
Some manufacturers also produce special threads for embellishing, and you can find these at your local quilting store. If you like to quilt by hand, you can use embroidery floss, available in a multitude of color and fiber. Learning about the different kinds of thread can enhance your love of the craft of quilting.
Patricia Thomasson, EdD; YLC Associates; Yorba Linda, California
Great Quilting Books
Step-by-Step Instructions from America’s Foremost Quilt Designers
One Hundred and One Patchwork Patterns…
Quilt name stories, cutting designs, material suggestions,
Yardage estimates, definite instructions for every step of quilt making - by Ruby Short McKim...
plus a FREE bonus of 24 Bird Life McKim patterns, Ruby’s 48 state flower patterns,
19 Eveline Foland patterns and 14 other vintage 1930’s patterns!
Click Here!
Make your own unique patchwork quilt -
It really is EasyAs!
I love to quilt and learning from my 'EasyAs Method' -
You can learn specific steps and strategies
To quickly boost your skills quilting and confidence.
You get expert teaching for a fraction of the cost of attending classes.
107 pages of info-packed reading
Click Here!
Either Selling Your Own Quilts or Offering Quilting Services to Others...
from the Internet's Leading Quilting Business Expert"
This helpful guide will show you how to start, run, and market
a successful quilting business that will allow you
To earn a healthy part-time or full-time income...
Discover the Joys of Quilting!
New Hands-On Guide Provides You With Everything
You Need to Know to Become an Expert Quilter!
Step by Step Techniques that will Astonish and Amaze Your Friends!
Click Here!
Let me show you the easy steps to creating an income from your quilting hobby!
Click Here!
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Quilting 101All About Quilting
How To Choose The Right Batting
All About Appliqué
What Are Quilts?
Choosing And Preparing Fabric
Best Books For Quilting
Sewing Tips For Beginning Quilters
Where To Find Free Quilt Patterns
Essential Supplies For Quilting
Add Life To Your Quilting With Embroidery
Choosing Fabrics For Quilting
The Best Quilting Pattern ForYour Needs
Choosing Quilt Fabric
All About Thread For Quilting
Patchwork Techniques
So You Want To Make A Quilt
Moda
How To Use Templates In Quilting
How To Use Stencils For Quilting
Quilting Is A Hot D.I.Y. Craft!
Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns
Discovering RJR Fabrics
All About Hoffman Fabrics
My Articles All About Hoffman Fabrics For the quilting enthusiast, one of the most important considerations is the.. All About Thread For Quilting The boom in quilting as a hobby and craft has caused manufacturers to.. Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns There are literally thousands of quilt patterns already in existence, and more.. Quilting Is A Hot D.I.Y. Craft! You may have heard the initials D.I.Y. and wondered what.. |
|
|
Related News:
|
