Quilting Threads: Choosing the Right Thread for Your Quilts
There’s no debate - quilting is one of the most fulfilling hobbies. There’s nothing better than proudly showing off a new quilt, or creating a heartfelt gift for a loved one. While you might be aware that the choice of thread matters, you may not realise just how significant it is. The thread you select plays a vital role in the final look, feel, and even the durability of your quilt, making it essential to choose wisely.
Fortunately, the team at Sewingtime has plenty of experience under our belts, and we’re here to unravel everything you need to know to achieve professional-quality results in your quilting projects. Whether you’re a beginner or simply looking to sharpen your skills, we’ve got you covered with the best tips and tricks to help you quilt like a pro.
Types of Quilting Thread
Cotton Threads
Cotton threads are the go-to option for a reason. Known for their softness and natural fibre quality, these threads blend seamlessly with cotton fabrics, making them the preferred choice for traditional quilting. They provide a smooth, cohesive look and feel, ensuring your quilting projects have a polished finish.
Benefits:
- Blends perfectly with cotton fabrics
- Cotton threads do not stretch, which helps prevent quilts from puckering after washing
- Ideal for traditional quilting projects
Polyester Threads
Polyester threads are known for their strength, durability, and colour fastness. These threads are ideal for machine quilting, producing less lint and offering excellent performance. They ensure that your quilts are long-lasting and can withstand frequent use and washing.
Benefits:
- Ideal for machine quilting with minimal lint
- Polyester threads are significantly stronger than cotton
- Polyester threads maintain their colour well, even after repeated washing
Specialty Quilting Threads
Speciality threads, including metallic, variegated, and silk threads, add unique decorative elements to your quilts. These threads enhance your quilt designs, adding texture, shine, and visual interest. Perfect for when you want your quilt to have that extra flair.
Benefits:
- Adds decorative elements and enhances quilt design
- Certain threads like silk can make your quilt feel more luxurious
Factors to Consider When Choosing Thread
Choosing the thread material is just the beginning. If you’re looking to really upgrade your quilting game, here are a few other factors to take into consideration.
Thread Weight
When purchasing thread look out for a number next to the label ‘Tex’ which is the weight (in grams) of 1,000 metres of thread. The general rule of thumb is, that the higher the tex the thicker the thread. However, in your quilting journey, there’s a high chance you’ll come across some thread measured in “wt.” Look out for this label because it means you have to inverse the rule - the lower the “wt”, the thicker the thread.
Light-weight Threads (Tex 8-25): These are delicate and fine, ideal for detailed quilting where the thread should blend into the fabric. Use these for intricate designs and when you want the quilting to be subtle.
Medium-weight Threads (Tex 25-40): This range is versatile and perfect for most quilting projects. It offers a balance of visibility and subtlety, making it great for both piecing and quilting. Medium-weight threads are strong enough to hold your quilt together while remaining inconspicuous.
Heavy-weight Threads (Tex 40 and up): These threads are thicker and more durable, suitable for bold quilting lines and heavy-duty projects. Use them when you want your quilting to make a statement or for items that will undergo frequent use and washing.
Fabric Type
The fabric you’re working on dictates the thread you should use. For optimal results, we recommend quilters focus on fabric thread compatibility
Cotton: The classic choice. Cotton threads blend beautifully with cotton fabrics, ensuring a harmonious look and feel.
- Linen: This sturdy fabric calls for the durability of polyester threads, which can handle linen’s dense weave without breaking or fraying.
- Blends: When working with fabric blends, opt for a versatile cotton-polyester thread. This ensures you get the best of both worlds: the strength of polyester and the softness of cotton
Quilting Technique
Believe it or not, your technique should also influence your thread choice. This is because hand quilting has very different requirements from machine quilting. For hand quilting, we recommend slightly thicker threads or wax-coated speciality threads. They offer durability and ease of use, ensuring your hand-stitched work stands the test of time. On the other hand, polyester threads are ideal for machine quilting. Their strength and low lint production will keep your machine running smoothly and your quilting looking crisp and clean
Colour Selection
Choosing the right colour is the fun part. Here you can unleash your creativity and choose a thread that either blends in or stands out.
- Blend In: Most quilters choose to match their thread colour to the fabric. This technique is perfect for piecing and when you want your quilting lines to be subtle and unobtrusive.
- Stand Out: Use contrasting colours for decorative stitching. This not only highlights your quilting patterns but also adds a vibrant, dynamic element to your quilt.
- Variegated Threads: These threads feature multiple colours and can add depth and complexity to your quilt without the hassle of changing threads frequently. They’re perfect for adding a unique, artistic touch to your work.
Tips for Quilting Success
We’re not done yet! Here are some insider tips to ensure your quilting projects turn out perfectly, every single time:
- Storage and Maintenance: Store your threads in a cool, dry place to prevent fibre breakage. For the brightest colours, keep your thread away from sunlight. This will prevent fading and other integral damage.
- Thread Breakage: Reduce breakage by ensuring your needle is sharp and the right size for your thread. Replace needles regularly to avoid dull points causing snags.
- Tension: If you’re using a machine, make sure to adjust its tension settings with each new thread or fabric. Incorrect tension can lead to skipped stitches or puckering.
- Scrap Testing: Always test new threads on a fabric scrap before diving into your project. This lets you check tension settings and thread behaviour, saving you from unexpected mishaps.