Top Threads for Piecing and Quilting

Piecing Threads

For piecing or patchwork, I recommend a 50 weight (wt), 100% cotton thread. There are three brands I recommend. My favourite piecing thread is Aurifil from Italy. Be aware that this thread can be linty, so you will have to clean under your needle plate more frequently, but it is a fabulous, high quality thread.

I also recommend Gutermann and Mettler threads both from Germany. They are wonderful threads at a lower price point (CAD$7.89 Aurifil 200 meters vs. CAD$4.18 Mettler 150 meters).

Quilting Threads

Since we are talking about machine piecing, I will warn you to stay away from hand quilting threads. Hand quilting threads are coated with wax which makes it easier to pull the thread through the quilt sandwich. Using a hand quilting thread in a sewing machine leads to wax build up under your needle plate which is not something you want, and could result in a trip to your sewing machine repair person.

For machine quilting you can choose either a cotton or a 100% polyester thread. I have used the same Aurifil 50 wt thread I pieced with to quilt and the result was great. I usually use Glide 40 wt to quilt with. A 40 wt thread is slightly thicker than a 50 wt thread which works well in quilting. 

In the past it was not recommended that you use polyester threads in quilting, but times have changed and the quality of polyester has improved. As a result, it is ok to use a 100% polyester thread in your quilting. I love the look of polyester thread quilting because it’s shiny, but that’s my personal preference, which may not be yours too.

My Final Thoughts

Although thread is a fairly inexpensive purchase compared to many things we use in quilting, it is an important tool. Using cheap thread results in breakage and seams coming apart. Please leave the bargain bin threads in the bargain bin, no matter how enticing the deal is.

I hope this has helped you and you will pause when making thread choices in the future.

On another note, I send out a weekly email full of all things quilting including tutorials, tips and more. Join us and be the first to know when I have new offers. I have some exciting changes coming soon, so get on the list now so you won’t miss out. Click here to join now and get my Free Guide, The Top 5 Tools Every Beginner Quilter Needs. See you on the inside.

For more helpful quilting tips and tricks, make sure you follow me on YouTube,and Pinterest.