Hand quilting is a form of art that takes patience, precision, and the correct tools to perfect. One of the key elements in that toolkit is the thread. The right thread can make a world of difference to your finished quilt, affecting everything from durability to aesthetic appeal. In this guide, we will explore the best threads for hand quilting, helping you find the perfect thread to make your quilting project stand out.
Summary of our top choices:
- Gutermann Thread Set
- Coats and Clark Dual-Duty
- Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread
- YLI Hand Quilting Thread
- Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread
- Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread
Our Favorite Threads For Hand Quilting
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gutermann Thread Set, Multi-Colour, 100 m | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | 2-Pack Bundle Coats & Clark Dual Duty Plus Hand Quilting Thread 325yds Cream s960-8020 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread - 1200 Yard Spool (Ivory) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Coats & Clark Professional Machine Quilting Thread, 3000 yds, White | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread - 3000yd Large Spool Double Mercerized Cotton Thread 50wt - Heavy Duty All Purpose Quilting Thread, Ivory | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Gutermann Thread Set
The Gutermann Thread Set stands as a popular choice of thread for quilting. This German-made thread set stands out for its superior quality and strength, ensuring durable quilts that withstand the test of time. Each thread in the set is made from 100% polyester, providing a smooth texture that glides effortlessly through fabric. The Gutermann Thread Set also comes in a wide spectrum of colors, offering versatility for various sewing or quilting projects. An added bonus is its lint-free nature, reducing the risk of lint buildup in your sewing machine. Overall, the Gutermann Thread Set is a high-quality selection for hand quilting, promising longevity and vibrant color selection for your hand quilting projects.
Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Thread
The Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Thread is another excellent choice for hand quilting enthusiasts. Renowned for its versatility, this thread is suitable for both hand and sewing machine sewing. It’s made from a polyester-covered cotton core, which ensures strength and elasticity, helping your quilts to endure regular usage and washing. With the Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Thread, you can expect a balanced, twist thread that won’t break easily, ensuring your quilting stitches stay intact for a long time. It also boasts a lustrous appearance that adds a beautiful finish to any hand quilting project. The available range of colors is broad, catering to an array of design preferences. This thread’s superior performance and adaptability make it a worthwhile addition to your quilting toolkit.
Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread
The Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread is a standout product, known for its superior quality and reliability. Crafted from pure cotton, this thread offers a blend of strength and flexibility that makes it ideal for a wide range of sewing projects. It produces smooth, even stitches that not only enhance the durability of your creations but also contribute to their aesthetic appeal. One significant feature of this thread is its resistance to shrinkage and fading, guaranteeing that your quilts retain their original beauty even after several washes. Available in an extensive selection of colors, the Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread is an essential addition to any sewing enthusiast’s collection, supporting both functional and decorative sewing needs.
YLI Hand Quilting Thread
The YLI Hand Quilting Thread is a top-of-the-line product, highly revered among the quilting community for its exceptional quality. Made from 100% glazed cotton, this thread offers a sleek finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of your quilt, while also providing remarkable strength and durability. This thread is praised for its low stretch and low lint attributes, which are essential for maintaining the look and feel of your quilt over time. It also excels in colorfastness, ensuring the thread retains its vibrant color even after numerous washes. Available in a variety of hues, this thread range caters to a broad spectrum of design ideas. The YLI Hand Quilting Thread is an excellent choice for those seeking superior performance and stunning visual appeal in their quilting projects.
Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread
The Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread is a standout product renowned for its robust build and stunning visual impact. Crafted from 100% cotton, it offers a sturdy, reliable stitch, ensuring your quilts withstand the pressures of repeated use and laundering. Its thicker texture ensures bolder, more prominent stitches, making it the choice thread for decorative quilting that seeks to make a statement. The threads are treated to be resistant to color fading, therefore retaining their rich, vibrant hues over time. An impressive palette of color options is available, catering to a myriad of design aesthetics. The Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread strikes the perfect balance between practicality and artistic appeal, making it an invaluable part of any quilter’s arsenal.
Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread
The Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread is a versatile thread that meets a broad range of quilting needs. Made from 100% long-staple mercerized cotton, it boasts strength, durability, and a lustrous appearance that adds a touch of elegance to any quilt. The thread is known for its consistent thickness, which is instrumental in ensuring even, smooth stitches. A key feature of this thread is its excellent colorfastness, meaning it retains its original color even after repeated washing. Available in a wide array of colors, the Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread is an ideal choice for those seeking flexibility and quality in their quilting projects.
How do I choose quilting threads?
When selecting quilting threads, consider the following tips:
- Thread Material: Opt for threads made from 100% cotton as they are durable and blend well with cotton fabric, a common choice for quilts. Polyester threads can be an alternative when working with synthetic fabrics.
- Thread Strength: Choose a thread with high tensile strength for quilts that will be frequently used and washed.
- Thread Thickness: Finer threads tend to blend into the fabric, making stitches less noticeable, while thicker threads are more visible and great for showcasing your stitching.
- Colorfastness: Ensure the thread is colorfast to prevent colors from running or fading after washing.
- Color Matching: Align the thread color with the fabric color, either by matching, contrasting, or using a multicolored thread for a unique aesthetic appeal.
- Thread Finish: For a subtler look, choose a matte finish thread. For a more vibrant quilt, select a thread with a glossy finish.
- Budget: While quality is crucial, also consider the price and select a thread that offers the best value for your money.
Summary
To sum up, the key to outstanding hand quilting lies in the selection of the right thread. Factors such as the material, strength, color, finish, and price of the thread significantly influence the outcome of your quilting project. Choosing a high-quality thread that meshes well with your fabric can enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of your quilt. Remember, the best quilting threads are ones that suit your specific needs and preferences, and contributes to a satisfying and successful quilting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best hand quilting threads is subjective and depends on various factors such as the fabric you’re working with, your personal preferences, and your budget. It’s crucial to select a thread that is high-quality, colorfast, and strong.
Yes, you can use cotton threads on polyester fabric. However, it’s generally recommended to match the thread type with the fabric type. Therefore, using polyester threads could be a better choice when working with synthetic fabrics.
Yes, thread thickness can significantly impact the appearance of your quilt. Finer threads blend into the fabric, making stitches less noticeable. In contrast, thicker threads are more visible and can be used to highlight your stitching.
To prevent thread colors from running or fading after washing, it’s essential to choose a thread that is colorfast.
The thread color doesn’t always need to match the fabric color. While matching colors provide a seamless look, contrasting colors or multicolored threads can add a unique aesthetic appeal to your quilt.
Matte finish threads provide a subtler look, while glossy finish threads give a more vibrant appearance to your quilt. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference and the desired look of your quilt.
Hello and welcome to my website! My name is Shannon and I have been and avid quilter for over 25 years. My love of quilts came at an early age where I was taught by my grandmother when I was around 12 years old and her patience and love of quilting brought me to where I am today.
