Even though I choose cotton thread for my quilting simply because I like it and it works for me I enjoy listening to you and other quilters share there preferences so that I can try different ways to make my quilts.❤
I discovered your channel just now and am thrilled! Will share with all my quilting friends. I’ve used Superior Threads for a long time but have used 50 wt So Fine top and bottom. I’m going to take your advice and try the Bottom Line and silk. Now, for a little binge watching . . .
Just finished my very first quilt. I used cotton thread about 65% of the way through. Until I thought I’d lose my mind. I switched to my all purpose thread, my usual favorite and finished in no time with beautiful results. Amen!
Very informative. I have an open mind and will try your advice. I prefer Mettler over Gutterman. Mettler seems smoother and less fuzzy. I doubt I would try silk thread though. I did think people used same thread in upper and bobbin thread, except for embroidery machines.
I think that each thread type has it's proper application based on materials, style, environment and intended use. But, it's personal choice ultimately and that choice can impact the look and whether it holds up or not. I try to match the thread type and size with the purpose and polyester is my choice for most garments or anything that may need to stretch. I think for quilts, just about anything goes and I often use polyester, but don't rule out cotton for something to have more of a vintage look. If hand quilting, I would look for a thread meant for that so that the twisting will not cause tangles. TFS
I didn't know "better" and used AP thread with excellent results for all my quilts. The quilt police talked me into cotton and I hate it! I have washed some of my quilts near weekly for years and no problems with wear and tear using good old Coats and Clark AP Dual Duty
I like to use natural products where possible. Linens, silks, cottons and wool. It's a choice I make to help our environment and I think the natural products feel better against the skin. As you said, people can use what they like. These are my reasons for rarely using anything polyester. Thank you for the video. ✅🍀
I agree with you that natural products feel so much better. I was sad to find out that currently cotton production (with large farms, herbicides, insecticides, water consumption, fuel for manufacturing, dyes, etc.) is not as environmentally sound as we would be led to believe. I love wool batting, and merino wool is my new fascination (the tee shirt weight). It would be interesting to see a head-to-head comparison of all of the steps in production of all of the fibers.
@@kthybrown007 I must admit that I wasn't looking at the production side of cotton products, but more the decomposition. I do use polyester threads for some projects. 👍🙂👍✅✅🌷🩷
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
This is interesting. I am playing with some different threads, but silk is just too expensive for everyday piecing. Which of the polyesters do you find works well for everyday piecing? You mentioned bottom line shreds. Have you tried Superior’s So Fine? I am planning to give that a try. :)
What about cotton threads that have stood the test of time??? Antique quilts used cotton and many other natural fibers and many survived with little to no damage. I agree with the Bottom Line thread tho. I use it in my bobbin for ALL of my piecing and all my machines love it. However, I always use a high quality cotton or other natural fiber thread as the top thread. I haven’t had a problem… YET, but I get encouraged when I see all the antique/vintage quilts that survived using it, so I carry on! 😊
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Here are a few details to be added to the converstation. You are correct that Higher thread weught number is a finer thread. However some thread is labled by tex numbers in that case a higher number is a heavier weight. I do use polyester for most sewing projects. I have used nylon for upholstery. I guess I am not as refined as your are in my piecing. Rayon is a beautiful fiber and I love it as a fabric for gaments, but I would only use it for decorative stitching. Your best advice is "find what works for you." There are many variations of sewing materials and each of us may prefer something different.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Hi there! I’m a beginner and I bought thread on Amazon and didn’t realize what I bought. It ended up being “embroidery” 100% polyester thread 40wt. Will this be okay for regular sewing and quilting also??
Have you ever tried Glide thread? It is a poly, but works great in the top and bobbin together. I do sell Glide. I also use it in my long arm quilting. Let me know if I can get some Glide your direction.
I love the look of Glide, but both my longarm (Juki) and my regular machine (Pfaff) give me fits with shredding and breaking and making knots underneath. It is frustrating because I just love it.
I know that you make many art quilts. I prefer to make quilts that will be used, washed, dried. I've been using Aurifil for piecing and poly for topstitching. Is the fine poly, as described, able to hold up to use/wash/dry?
I also make both art quilts and quilts made to use/ wash / dry. I always use the 60 weight bobbin thread in the bobbin both in my domestic machine and in my longarm. I have veered away from cotton thread due to LOTS of lint, however, I do have some Aurifil cotton and it seems better. My best luck has been with the various poly threads on top for the longarm and Gutermann in my Pfaff.
I can’t disagree with you more. I’ve seen polyester thread eventually cut the patchwork seams of quilting cottons and it’s extraordinarily difficult to repair. I would rather have the cotton thread break in a seam, which can be more easily repaired if necessary. If you are making a “utility” quilt with a relatively short life expectancy, feel free to use polyester, but, if you’re making a quilt for a wedding gift or to pass down to your children, I would say cotton thread is a must. If you want to split the difference, you can use a cotton wrapped polyester thread for added strength while protecting the fabric in the seams from being cut through. Rayon is great for quilting, but an unnecessary expense for patchwork. Silk is also too strong for seaming cotton fabrics and an unnecessary expense. A good quality cotton thread is a much better investment in your patchwork.
Hello, and thank you for your feedback. Everyone has a different preference and Philippa chooses to use polyester thread. There is no right or wrong here!
she says she uses poly as bottom thread and silk for top for piecing. With shiny poly for quilting, not piecing. Hope that helps. I’m a newish sewist so followed the rules of using same thread for upper and lower thread so no expert at all.
Wonderfill make a thread called decobob, which is an 80 weight bobbin thread. I don't like it as much as bottom line because I find I have to mess with my tension more because it is finer. Alternatively, Gutterman make a fine polyester thread so that's worth a try. If I'm making a special piece I would use the kimono silk top and bottom but that is an expensive option. I hope this helps!
Nothing like poly threads breaking in the seams of your garments. They poke at you. Poly stretches?? Plus it cuts grooves in your machine Have at it if you enjoy being poked.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
My machine repair man told me years ago that the nylon thread over time will wear grooves in to pathway of the thread. Aside from this, nylon thread breaks with heat On garments the cut ends can poke and irritate the wearer.
😂I have to say I have always used poly threads .. I had a moment in time I bought Aurifil thread. I have to say it's too delicate for me. I actually don't like it. I've made dozens of Baby quilts, haven't had one fall apart yet. I think it's a bunch of bunk! You want to use Cotton thread, go for it! There are no absolutes in this life folks❤
Aurifil is made in a 50 weight (same as all-purpose), and a 40 weight (a little thicker). The 40 is nice for quilting (not piecing) but I still lean toward poly.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
The cotton thread she is breaking must be old thread and needs to be thrown away. Good/new cotton thread should not be able to break no matter how hard you pull it!
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience and it clearly works!
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Even though I choose cotton thread for my quilting simply because I like it and it works for me I enjoy listening to you and other quilters share there preferences so that I can try different ways to make my quilts.❤
Oh thank you!
I discovered your channel just now and am thrilled! Will share with all my quilting friends. I’ve used Superior Threads for a long time but have used 50 wt So Fine top and bottom. I’m going to take your advice and try the Bottom Line and silk. Now, for a little binge watching . . .
Thank you for your take on thread. Very interesting.
My pleasure!
Just finished my very first quilt. I used cotton thread about 65% of the way through. Until I thought I’d lose my mind. I switched to my all purpose thread, my usual favorite and finished in no time with beautiful results. Amen!
Great job!
Very informative. I have an open mind and will try your advice. I prefer Mettler over Gutterman. Mettler seems smoother and less fuzzy. I doubt I would try silk thread though. I did think people used same thread in upper and bobbin thread, except for embroidery machines.
Do we need to adjust the thread tension when using the 100 wgt silk thread?
I think that each thread type has it's proper application based on materials, style, environment and intended use. But, it's personal choice ultimately and that choice can impact the look and whether it holds up or not. I try to match the thread type and size with the purpose and polyester is my choice for most garments or anything that may need to stretch. I think for quilts, just about anything goes and I often use polyester, but don't rule out cotton for something to have more of a vintage look. If hand quilting, I would look for a thread meant for that so that the twisting will not cause tangles. TFS
I didn't know "better" and used AP thread with excellent results for all my quilts. The quilt police talked me into cotton and I hate it! I have washed some of my quilts near weekly for years and no problems with wear and tear using good old Coats and Clark AP Dual Duty
I like to use natural products where possible. Linens, silks, cottons and wool.
It's a choice I make to help our environment and I think the natural products feel better against the skin.
As you said, people can use what they like. These are my reasons for rarely using anything polyester.
Thank you for the video. ✅🍀
I agree with you that natural products feel so much better. I was sad to find out that currently cotton production (with large farms, herbicides, insecticides, water consumption, fuel for manufacturing, dyes, etc.) is not as environmentally sound as we would be led to believe. I love wool batting, and merino wool is my new fascination (the tee shirt weight). It would be interesting to see a head-to-head comparison of all of the steps in production of all of the fibers.
@@kthybrown007 I must admit that I wasn't looking at the production side of cotton products, but more the decomposition.
I do use polyester threads for some projects. 👍🙂👍✅✅🌷🩷
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Hi, that would be an intersting compariosn I agree.
This is interesting. I am playing with some different threads, but silk is just too expensive for everyday piecing. Which of the polyesters do you find works well for everyday piecing? You mentioned bottom line shreds. Have you tried Superior’s So Fine? I am planning to give that a try. :)
What about cotton threads that have stood the test of time??? Antique quilts used cotton and many other natural fibers and many survived with little to no damage. I agree with the Bottom Line thread tho. I use it in my bobbin for ALL of my piecing and all my machines love it. However, I always use a high quality cotton or other natural fiber thread as the top thread. I haven’t had a problem… YET, but I get encouraged when I see all the antique/vintage quilts that survived using it, so I carry on! 😊
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
What weight is bottom line thread? What weight do you use if they vary?
Here are a few details to be added to the converstation. You are correct that Higher thread weught number is a finer thread. However some thread is labled by tex numbers in that case a higher number is a heavier weight. I do use polyester for most sewing projects. I have used nylon for upholstery. I guess I am not as refined as your are in my piecing. Rayon is a beautiful fiber and I love it as a fabric for gaments, but I would only use it for decorative stitching. Your best advice is "find what works for you." There are many variations of sewing materials and each of us may prefer something different.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Hi there! I’m a beginner and I bought thread on Amazon and didn’t realize what I bought. It ended up being “embroidery” 100% polyester thread 40wt. Will this be okay for regular sewing and quilting also??
Love that jacket in the corner!! Is there a pattern?🙂
Hi, it's Butterick B6496
@@quiltersquestiontime Thank You
Have you ever tried Glide thread? It is a poly, but works great in the top and bobbin together. I do sell Glide. I also use it in my long arm quilting. Let me know if I can get some Glide your direction.
I love the look of Glide, but both my longarm (Juki) and my regular machine (Pfaff) give me fits with shredding and breaking and making knots underneath. It is frustrating because I just love it.
Great suggestion!
Thanks. What size needle for the silk thread?
Philippa generally uses a 60/8 microtex needle (which is a very fine needle) for all her work - and she changes them often!
@@quiltersquestiontime Thank you!
Very interesting. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
I know that you make many art quilts. I prefer to make quilts that will be used, washed, dried. I've been using Aurifil for piecing and poly for topstitching. Is the fine poly, as described, able to hold up to use/wash/dry?
Hello Shelley, we look at wadding on this blog post here - hope it helps! www.quiltersquestiontime.com/blog/wadding
I also make both art quilts and quilts made to use/ wash / dry. I always use the 60 weight bobbin thread in the bobbin both in my domestic machine and in my longarm. I have veered away from cotton thread due to LOTS of lint, however, I do have some Aurifil cotton and it seems better. My best luck has been with the various poly threads on top for the longarm and Gutermann in my Pfaff.
What should I use when making hot pads, potholders, ovenmits….anything for the kitchen…items that need to be 100% cotton.
I would use cotton in that intance.
Every lesson, a gem! Thank you Philippa. 💖
Glad you think so! Many thanks, Kelly
I also use only Polyester. Cotton will die sooner or later AS you can See in old quilts.
Thank you for that feedback.
agree
I can’t disagree with you more. I’ve seen polyester thread eventually cut the patchwork seams of quilting cottons and it’s extraordinarily difficult to repair. I would rather have the cotton thread break in a seam, which can be more easily repaired if necessary. If you are making a “utility” quilt with a relatively short life expectancy, feel free to use polyester, but, if you’re making a quilt for a wedding gift or to pass down to your children, I would say cotton thread is a must. If you want to split the difference, you can use a cotton wrapped polyester thread for added strength while protecting the fabric in the seams from being cut through. Rayon is great for quilting, but an unnecessary expense for patchwork. Silk is also too strong for seaming cotton fabrics and an unnecessary expense. A good quality cotton thread is a much better investment in your patchwork.
Hello, and thank you for your feedback. Everyone has a different preference and Philippa chooses to use polyester thread. There is no right or wrong here!
She clearly said she does not use polyester for piecing
she says she uses poly as bottom thread and silk for top for piecing. With shiny poly for quilting, not piecing. Hope that helps. I’m a newish sewist so followed the rules of using same thread for upper and lower thread so no expert at all.
@@dcwatashiAt minute 3:52 she said she uses poly for piecing quilt top.
@@dcwatashi Minute 3:51.
Hi, Superior does not make botton line for bobbin. What do you use for bobbin thread?
Wonderfill make a thread called decobob, which is an 80 weight bobbin thread. I don't like it as much as bottom line because I find I have to mess with my tension more because it is finer. Alternatively, Gutterman make a fine polyester thread so that's worth a try. If I'm making a special piece I would use the kimono silk top and bottom but that is an expensive option. I hope this helps!
You must wind your own bobbins with the bottom line thread.
Deconbob bobbin thread
Superior does make Bottom Line and you wind your own bobbins.
what about aurifil
It is certainly an option!
I use cotton thread and have very lille lint in my machine.
Nothing like poly threads breaking in the seams of your garments. They poke at you. Poly stretches?? Plus it cuts grooves in your machine Have at it if you enjoy being poked.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
What do you mean that it cuts grooves in your machine? Where? Can you please tell me more about this issue? Thanks.
My machine repair man told me years ago that the nylon thread over time will wear grooves in to pathway of the thread. Aside from this, nylon thread breaks with heat On garments the cut ends can poke and irritate the wearer.
😂I have to say I have always used poly threads .. I had a moment in time I bought Aurifil thread. I have to say it's too delicate for me. I actually don't like it. I've made dozens of Baby quilts, haven't had one fall apart yet. I think it's a bunch of bunk! You want to use Cotton thread, go for it! There are no absolutes in this life folks❤
Aurifil is made in a 50 weight (same as all-purpose), and a 40 weight (a little thicker). The 40 is nice for quilting (not piecing) but I still lean toward poly.
Great point!
Maybe I'll try the 40 weight. I am open to anything, but it has to be easy and pain free😂
It's all about personal preference, and mine is cotton.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
The cotton thread she is breaking must be old thread and needs to be thrown away. Good/new cotton thread should not be able to break no matter how hard you pull it!
it breaks for me.
I prefer cotton thread, but all that I have tested by pulling until it breaks, will break at some point
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
The problem with polyester is that it’s made out of petroleum, is not biodegradable, and burns easily and hot.
Unfortunately so - I know you can get biodegradable lyocell thread however.
I regularly throw my cotton scraps in our fireplace - they burn very hot and very quickly.
Eh. I piece with cotton, quilt with polyester. My preference and I couldn’t care less about the quilt police who say that’s wrong.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience and it clearly works!
No! The polyester thread will cut your fabrics! If you’ve seen quilts that have been used for years, you’ll know what I mean!!
New polyester threads have come a long way since “old” quilt days.
I have been handed down some old well-used quilts where the thread was intact but some of the cotton pieces had worn or disintegrated.
Thank you for your comment - each person has their own preference, and we respect that choice. This is just to Philippa chooses to quilt with all her experience.
Great point!