Quilting Thread for Sewing Machines
Quilting thread is a luxurious textile product that allows for smooth and delicate threads for quilting. But can it be used in a sewing machine? Is it only for hand quilting? To find out, we need to look at the difference between quilting thread and regular sewing thread.
Quilting thread is made from a blend of strong, lightweight fibers. This blend makes it extremely flexible and durable, making it perfect for quilting projects. It is also particularly suited to hand quilting as it is much finer than most sewing machine threads which makes it easier to manipulate the fabric when quilting by hand. On the other hand, the filaments in standard sewing machine thread are much thicker, making them more suitable for machine quilting.
Quilting thread can be used in a sewing machine but not for any quilting project. It is important to consider if the type of fabric is best suited to quilting thread or not. It is suitable for light-weight fabric such as cotton and silk, however quilting thread may get tangled up on heavier fabrics, such as denim or ticking, as the filaments are too fragile to withstand the tension of these types of fabrics.
Although some may think quilting thread is only used for hand quilting, it can also be used in a machine. Quilting threads are generally made of strong, low-lint fibers, so they are stronger than ordinary threads and don’t break as easily, so they can be used in a machine set up for normal, everyday sewing. It’s important to make sure that a finer needle is used with quilting thread as they are thinner than regular needles. Also, use a slightly tighter top tension than you would normally use with regular thread. This will help the quilting thread feed evenly through the machine. And don’t forget to adjust the thread tension for the type of fabric you are using.
When using quilting thread in a sewing machine for larger projects, it is best to use a bobbin winder. This will ensure the thread is wound onto the bobbin evenly, as well as reducing the chances of the thread tangling or breaking. It is important to also make sure the bobbin is properly winded as this can lead to tension issues and problems with stitch formation. If a bobbin winder isn’t available, then it’s best to wind the bobbin by hand.
No matter the project, using a thread that is appropriate for the fabric is essential. When using quilting thread on a heavier fabric a higher tension should be used to provide extra resistance and to help prevent the thread from breaking. It is also important to consider the type of stitch you are using. Quilting threads are much finer than regular sewing machine thread and can cause a stitch to break or snag when used improperly. For this reason, it is important to take the time to adjust the thread tension and the stitch type before starting a quilting project.
Quilting Thread for Embellishing
Quilting thread is also suitable for use when embellishing fabric. It makes a great choice when adding intricate detailing as it has a bright sheen when used with a machine and is also slightly fuzzy, giving it a wonderful feel and texture. Quilting thread can be used for a variety of embroidery techniques such as chair upholstery, picot stitch, cable stitch, and blanket stitch.
It is important to use the right needle when using quilting thread for embellishing. The needle needs to be strong enough to hold up the thread and its texture – it must also be sharp enough to pierce through the fabric without pulling the thread too tightly. Generally, 70/10 or 80/12 is recommended for quilting thread.
Quilting thread is not suitable for use in a traditional embroidery machine as it is too fine and won’t be able to move through the sewing needle without breaking. Instead, it is best to use a single-needle embroidery machine, which is designed to handle the delicate texture of quilting thread.
When using quilting thread for embellishing, it is important to use a light tension and to reduce the speed of the stitch for the best results. This will help ensure that the thread does not bunch up or pull too tight and create an uneven finish. It is also important to make sure that the thread is properly lubricated before use as this can help to reduce the tension and give the embroidery a more consistent look.
When using quilting thread to add embellishments to fabric, it is important to remember that it can become snagged on unfinished edges or loose threads. So, it is important to make sure that the fabric is properly trimmed before beginning a project and that any loose threads are securely tucked away.
Quilting Thread for Appliqué
Quilting thread is an excellent choice for creating appliqué projects. It is designed to blend in with the fabric, giving a subtle and almost invisible finish. When using quilting thread for appliqué, it is important to use a higher tension than normal to help keep the fabric pieces in place. This is important as quilting thread tends to pull away from the fabric when used at too low a tension.
It is important to remember that quilting thread is very fine, so it is important to use the right type of needle when using it for appliqué. For example, 80/12, 90/14, and 100/16 are all suitable needles for quilting thread appliqué, where the smaller numbers indicate the size of the needle.
When selecting the correct stitch for appliqué, it is important to consider the type of fabric being used. Generally, a larger stitch length is best suited for heavier, thicker fabrics and a smaller stitch length is best for finer and lighter fabrics. It is also important to remember to adjust the thread tension for the best possible result.
For more intricate appliqué designs, a pre-wound bobbin can be used to make the task easier. The pre-wound bobbin will make the stitching process less time consuming, as well as providing a more consistent stitch pattern. It is important to remember to adjust the thread tension and the stitch length, as these can affect how the appliqué looks.
When using quilting thread to appliqué, it is always important to use a quality thread. It is important to select a thread that is strong enough to hold the appliqué pieces firmly in place while ensuring that it blends in with the fabric.
Quilting Thread for Free Motion Quilting
While quilting thread is not the ideal thread for a sewing machine, it can still be used for free motion quilting. This is a quilting technique which uses a darning foot to enable free-form stitching. Free motion quilting is perfect for creating more intricate quilting designs such as stippling, spirals, and echo quilting.
When using quilting thread for free motion quilting, it is important to use a slightly higher tension than normal. This will help to ensure the stitches are even and the thread does not break. It is also important to select a thread that matches the fabric. Quilting thread is available in a variety of colors, so it is easy to find one to match the project.
It is important to remember that quilting thread is considerably thinner than standard sewing machine thread, so a finer needle is required when using quilting thread for free motion quilting. A 90/14 or even a 100/16 is best suited for quilting thread. If a finer needle is used, it will help the thread move more freely through the fabric without snagging. It is also important to adjust the stitch length and tension when quilting with quilting thread.
Using a quilt hoop is also helpful when free motion quilting as it will help ensure that the quilting is even and consistent. When selecting a hoop, make sure it is big enough to allow the quilt to move and expand freely, as this will make it easier to control the fabric as you quilt.
Quilting Thread for Piecing
Quilting thread is a great choice for piecing quilt blocks. This is the process of sewing fabric pieces together to create a quilt top. Quilting thread is strong and lightweight, making it perfect for this application. Quilting thread comes in a range of bright and beautiful colors and will help to add a unique dimension to any quilt.
It is important to use a good quality quilting thread when piecing quilt blocks. It is also important to use the right sized needle when using quilting thread. The recommended needle size is 70/10. This will allow the thread to move through the fabric without snagging or breaking.
When piecing quilt blocks it is important to use a shorter stitch length than normal. A stitch length of 2mm is best suited for quilting projects and it will also help to ensure that the quilt piecing is strong and secure. It is also important to adjust the thread tension for the type of fabric being used. A slightly higher tension is best for heavier fabrics and a slightly lower tension is best for lighter fabrics.
When piecing quilt blocks it is important to take the time to make sure that each piece is accurately cut and properly aligned. It is also important to use pins to temporarily hold the fabric in place while piecing. This will help to ensure that the seams remain accurate and the fabric pieces are properly aligned.
Quilting Thread for Binding
Quilting thread is also a great choice for binding quilts. This is the process of finishing the quilt, usually with a fabric border. Quilting thread is strong and will give the quilt a neat, professional finish. Quilting thread is also available in a range of colors, so it is easy to find a thread to match the fabric.
When binding a quilt it is important to use a strong thread such as quilting thread. A thread that is too weak or fine will break easily and will not hold the binding in place. It is also important to use a smaller needle when using quilting thread, such as a 70/10 or 80/12. This will help the thread move through the fabric without snagging or breaking.
It is also important to adjust the thread tension and stitch length when binding a quilt. A slightly higher thread tension is best suited for heavier fabrics and a shorter stitch length will help to ensure the binding is secure. It is also important to use a thicker needle when using quilting thread as this will help to ensure the stitches remain secure.
When binding the quilt it is important to make sure that the binding is properly attached to the quilt. It is also important to make sure that the stitches are even and consistent. Taking
