Whenever you are quilting, thread pieces are the only things that hold all the parts together. Therefore, whether you are quilting by hand or using a machine, it is important to choose a good quality quilting thread so that the end product remains intact and does not unravel slowly over time.
Looking at a set of quilting threads, you might find yourself differentiating them only by color because it is the only visible thing.
However, there is more to these threads than just color and for this reason, this article gives a close-up review of 5 of the best quilting threads so that you can be able to pick the most suitable one for your project.
Editor’s Choice Best Quilting Thread
Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread
Coats & Clark’s dual duty quilting thread is the most affordable product in this review and this is mostly attributed to the fact that it comes as a 1 pack, having a single spool of black yarn. Black is a pretty universal color and thus, with just this, you can use it on multiple quilting projects.
However, you can also get this thread in a set of two or 4 in black or white color, but this, of course, comes at a slightly higher price.
In terms of length, this piece comes as a 400-yard (365 meters) spool, which gives you quite a sufficient amount of thread to use in multiple or a large quilting project.
Widthwise, the thread is dual-duty and this basically means that it is a medium weight thread that is suitable to use both in quilting machines as well as hand sewing. Being a multi-purpose thread, it can also be used in regular sewing as well as any other type of project that requires this thread weight.
Structurally, polyester is used to make the yarn, and it features a polyester covered polyester core, which makes it very strong and durable.
Features at a glance
- Comes as a 1 pack, but it available in a set of two or 4 spools.
- Available in black and white colors.
- Measures 400 yards (365 meters) in length.
- Dual duty (medium weight) thread.
- Can be used for hand or machine quilting, as well for other sewing projects.
- Made using polyester, having a polyester covered polyester core for strength and durability.
Aurifil A1050-2600 Mako Cotton Thread
Aurifil’s A1050-2600 is quite a lengthy thread, measuring 1422 yards long and this means that it can be used on multiple quilting projects, whether they are large or small.
Despite having such a length, the yarn occupies a very small space and this is because it is quite thin, having a weight of 50. This makes it easier to handle, and can actually be used in machines for embroidery, quilting and serging.
Quantity wise, the A1050 comes as a 1 pack and is relatively affordable, but is also available in a 3 pack, which is slightly more expensive. However, whichever set you buy, they all come in a dove grey color, making them ideal for use in light colored fabrics.
In terms of structure, this quilting thread is made using 100% natural cotton, and more specifically the long-staple mercerized Egyptian cotton, which means that the thread is of very high quality, and strong enough to hold the quilt together.
Features at a glance
- Very long thread, measuring 1422 yards long.
- Can be used in serging, embroidery and quilting machines.
- Comes as a 1 pack, but is also available in a 3 pack at a slightly higher price.
- Available in a dove grey color only.
- Made using 100% long staple mercerized Egyptian cotton.
Gutermann Sew-All Thread
Guttermann’s sew-all-thread is available in many different colors, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of quilting, sewing, and serging projects.
However, the thread is mostly sold as a pack of two and thus, you can either get an eggshell and a nu white, ivory and an eggshell, smoke and eggshell, 2 nu white, and black plus nu white combos. Other than this, you can also get a nu white, mist grey and slate 3 pack or a single white pack.
Each of the above single-colored spools contains a 547-yard yarn, which means that the set of 2 gives you double this length at your disposal. Therefore, apart from getting a wide variety of colors, this thread also gives you quite a large quantity that is enough to use in a number of quilting projects.
Construction wise, each spool is made using 100% long staple polyester, making it an all-purpose thread because this material is quite strong and guarantees superior sewing without fiber lint and seam crimping, leaving you with a high-quality finish.
The high abrasion and tear resistance of polyester results in strong and durable seams, and makes this thread suitable for use on almost all types of fabrics be they natural or synthetic.
Features at a glance
- Available in many different colors.
- Multi-purpose thread; can be used in quilting, sewing, serging etc.
- Sold as either a single, double or triple pack.
- Each spool contains a 547-yard thread.
- Made of 100% long staple polyester.
- Super strong with high abrasion and tear resistance.
Connecting Threads Cotton Thread Set
Connecting Threads’ cotton thread set is the most expensive product in this review, but it is also the top-rated item and this shows that there is something about it that stands out.
For starters, the thread comes as a set of 10 spools, each containing a differently colored yarn, and this gives you a wide variety of options to use for any of your quilting projects.
The spools contain very long threads, each measuring 1200 yards, and this means that you get a total of 12000 yards from the entire set at your disposal. This is quite a long thread and it gives you enough quantity to use for a couple of quilting projects.
In terms of thickness, each spool in this set contains a size 50/3 thread, which is basically a thin thread that is ideal for both machine-sewing as well as hand sewing.
Structurally, the thread is made using 100% cotton, which is the extra long staple type and this makes the yarn quite soft and with less lint. On top of that, the cotton is mercerized with a satin finish, making the thread stronger and have a more lustrous finish.
Features at a glance
- Comes as a set of 10 differently colored spools.
- Each spool has a 1200-yard long thread.
- Size 50/3 in thickness.
- Made using 100% cotton.
- Mercerized with a satin finish, making it stronger and have a more lustrous finish.
- Ideal for both hand and machine sewing.
Simthread 20 Multi Colors Cotton Sewing and Quilting Thread
If you are looking to buy as many colored-threads as possible, then this Simthread’s set is the best option to consider. It contains a total of 20 spools, with each having its own unique color and this gives you 20 colored options to match with your various quilts.
Each of these spools features a 550-yard long thread, giving you a total of 11000 yards of 20 colored yarns at your disposal, which is quite a huge amount of thread.
Structurally, this thread is size 50/3 and is made of 100% Egyptian extra long staple cotton, making it thin but still quite strong. Additionally, it is mercerized and this makes it stronger, with a more lustrous finish.
This cotton composition means that the thread is environmentally friendly while its thin size makes it ideal for hand sewing as well as machine sewing.
Although relatively expensive, there are cheaper options of this product, which include a 12 pack of 6 white and 6 black and a 12 pack of different common colors for daily use. With these, you can buy a smaller amount of thread for a smaller quilting project
Features at a glance
- Comes as a set of 20 differently-colored spools.
- Each spool has a 550-yard-long thread.
- Size 50/3.
- Made using 100% Egyptian extra-long staple cotton.
- Also available in a smaller 12 pack containing either black and white yarns or differently colored ones for a smaller quilting project.
Consider Before Buying Best Quilting Thread
Before buying a spool of quilting thread, there are a couple of things that you need to consider. These are:
Weight
The weight of a thread actually means something totally different as opposed to what the term “weight” means; it is the thickness of the thread. The most common weight values are 30, 40 and 50, with some having values like 50/3, which is basically another measurement standard that means 50wt.
For this property, the smaller the weight value, the thicker and heavier the thread. This weight is derived by dividing the length of the thread by a set weight (usually 1 kg) and thus, if a shorter length weighs 1 kilo, it must be thicker.
Therefore, for a 30wt thread, it takes 30 km of the thread to weigh 1 kilo and this means that the thread is thicker than a 50wt thread, in which it takes 50 km of it to weight the same 1kg.
In terms of quilting, it is important to consider this weight because when working with heavier or thicker fabrics, you need to use thicker thread so that it holds the fabric firmly in place. Similarly, when quilting using light fabrics, you need to use a lighter thread because a heavier one would look out of place.
Also, some quilting or sewing machines cannot stitch using thick thread and thus, you might end up buying heavy thread that will be unusable on your machine.
Length
A quilting thread’s length ultimately determines the amount of yarn that you have at your disposal to use in your quilts and other sewing projects. Measured in yards, the longer the thread per spool, the better it is and the more you should consider buying it.
Quantity
Apart from considering the length per spool, you should also consider the number of spools that the set comes with. Some come only as a single spool while others feature 10 or 20 per set.
Of course, the more the number of spools, the better, but this does not necessarily mean that you get the longest amount of thread.
For instance, if a set has ten 500-yard-long spools, you get a total of 5000 yards. If another one has five 1200-yard-long spools, you get a total of 6000 yards. Therefore, if you want to get the maximum amount of thread, you should look at both the number of spools and the length of yarn per spool.
Color
Color usually goes hand in hand with the number of spools because each has its own color. Therefore, if you want as many multiple colored threads as possible, you must ensure that you get the set that has as many spools as possible and each having its own unique color.
Material
Most people tend to ignore a quilting thread’s material but this is actually an important factor to consider. The most commonly used materials are cotton and polyester, and each has its own strengths.
Cotton can withstand a tremendous amount of heat, which is crucial when ironing and thus, it should be used to quilt on cotton or linen fabrics because these generally require high heat when ironing.
On the other hand, polyester forms a very strong thread that has an all-purpose use and can be stitched by hand or machine.
For additional strength, some cotton threads are usually mercerized using satin and this gives it a more lustrous finish. Some polyester threads, on the other hand, usually have a wax or silicone finish, which gives them a little shine and the ability to slip through fabrics with as little friction as possible.
Conclusion
From the review above, it is quite clear that there is more to quilting threads than what meets the eye.
Therefore, if you are looking for the best quilting thread that will fit and work well in your quilting project, you need to consider the products reviewed above as well as the factors that need to be taken into consideration so that you get the most suitable yarn.
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