Choosing the Right Thread for Longarm Quilting

Choosing the right thread for longarm quilting is what will bring your creation to life and make it last for generations. With so many choices available, finding the perfect thread can be overwhelming. In this guide, I will share the key factors to consider when selecting thread for your longarm quilting project.

To wash or not…that is the question

I start with one pivotal question: Will the quilt be washed?  Or in other words, how will the quilt be used?

No wash

If it’s a wall hanging or an art quilt, it’s not likely to be washed. In that case, I choose the thread solely on the basis of how it will look. I don’t care about the fiber content or durability of the threads (other than light fastness). As long as I can apply it to my quilt and it gives me the look I’m going for, I will use it. Color is paramount in this situation. Other factors I take into consideration are shiny vs dull, thick vs thin.

Quilt will be washed

If it’s a bed quilt, couch quilt, kid’s quilt, baby quilt… one that will be used to snuggle with, keep warm, even just make the guest room look pretty, then it will get washed at some point. In that case I narrow the choices to threads I know will stand up to the use the quilt will get. To learn more on this subject, read the post about thread durability here.

The #1 key to choosing the right thread

Take the time to practice and experiment and find the perfect match between thread and technique. It really is worth your time. Learning what different threads look like when stitched is very valuable information. Here is a sample I made with different threads using a domestic machine:

Certain quilting techniques or designs may demand specific thread characteristics. If I will be doing a lot of overstitching, I’ll want a thread that will not give me a lot of build-up. So I might choose a thinner thread.  On the other hand, if I really want a motif to stand out and be noticed, I’ll choose a thicker thread or a contrasting color.

example

When I was a very new longarm quilter, I was in love (an I still am) with Glitter thread by Superior Threads. Glitter is a flat, hologram mylar ribbon which has incredible shine. I made a small quilt with watery colors of blue and aqua and purples. My idea was to quilt fish that would look just like the sparkly fish you could see under the water in a pond near my house. I knew Glitter would be the right thread for this effect. But I did not practice or experiment with it and the fabrics I used in the quilt.

I didn’t know that the Glitter color I chose would not show very well on the dark fabrics. You have to get really close to the quilt to see it.

Also, if I had experimented, I would have learned that I would have gotten a much better sparkle effect if I had lengthened my stitches. When I realized that my fish were not showing up I stitched over them a second and even a third time.

After that, I felt the thread build-up was getting to be too much and I was not gaining on the sparkle factor. Lesson learned!

Color

Choosing the right thread color is a critical aspect of longarm quilting. Matching the thread color to the quilt top may seem like the obvious choice, but contrasting threads can add a dynamic dimension to your project. Experiment with various color combinations to find the one that complements your design and enhances the overall aesthetic.

This variegated orange thread gives this wholecloth on white fabric some zing.

When choosing a color, your experimentation does not necessarily involve stitching. However, you should at least pull some thread off the spool or cone and let it pool on the quilt top to get an accurate idea of how the thread color works with the fabrics in your quilt. Don’t just lay the spool or cone on the quilt top.

Weight

Consider the complexity and style of your quilt when selecting thread. For intricate designs or detailed motifs, a finer thread can highlight the details without overwhelming the quilt. On the other hand, bolder designs may benefit from a slightly heavier thread to make the quilting stand out. Adjusting the thread weight based on the complexity of your quilting pattern ensures a harmonious balance between the fabric and the stitches.

Once again, experiment. Here is a sample of the same quilting done with different weights of thread.

On my most recent project, a quilt to hang in the lobby at Handi Quilter Headquarters, I decided the right thread would be a fine thread. So I chose MicroQuilter from Superior Threads. It’s a 100 wt polyester, strong, but super fine. I wanted to see the texture of the quilting and not the thread.

If you look closely you can see I had not trimmed the jumps before taking the photo above. You can see how fine MicroQuilter is.

It was the perfect choice for the dense background quilting in the yellow.

Remember, there are no strict rules in quilting – feel free to experiment and let your creativity guide you as you embark on the journey of choosing the perfect thread for your longarm quilting projects.

Also remember to Quilt Every Day!

by Mary Beth Krapil