The art of quilting demands accuracy, forbearance, and the appropriate equipment, including thread for machine quilting. The thread you select significantly influences the quality of the finished quilt. Considering the wide range of choices in the marketplace, pinpointing the perfect thread for machine quilting can indeed be daunting.
When selecting the best machine quilting thread, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, the thread should be strong enough to withstand the tension of the sewing machine. It should also be able to glide smoothly through the fabric without breaking or tangling. Additionally, the thread should complement the fabric in terms of color, weight, and texture.
After researching and testing various types of machine quilting threads, we have identified the ones that stand out in terms of quality, durability, and ease of use. In this article, we will explore the best machine quilting threads that are perfect for quilting enthusiasts of all levels.
Best Machine Quilting Thread
When it comes to quilting, the thread you choose can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best machine quilting threads available on Amazon. Our team of experts have tested and researched various threads to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, we’ve got you covered with these high-quality threads that will help you achieve professional-looking results. So without further ado, here are our top recommendations for the best machine quilting thread.
1. Coats & Clark Professional Machine Quilting Thread
If you’re looking for a high-quality machine quilting thread, Coats & Clark Professional Machine Quilting Thread is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With 3000 yards of thread on a single spool, you won’t have to worry about running out of thread in the middle of a project.
- The 100% Mercerized Cotton fiber content gives the thread exceptional strength and luster, making it ideal for machine quilting and piecing.
- The thread weight of 30 and machine needle size of 11 make it easy to work with on both conventional and long arm machines.
Cons
- Some users have reported that this thread creates more lint than other brands, which can be a problem for some sewing machines.
- The price of this thread can fluctuate quite a bit, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for sales or discounts.
- While the white color is great for many projects, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a wider range of colors.
Overall, we think Coats & Clark Professional Machine Quilting Thread is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality thread for their quilting projects. The large spool size, strong fiber content, and easy-to-work-with weight and needle size make it a versatile and convenient option. However, if you’re concerned about lint or looking for a wider range of colors, you may want to consider other options.
2. Coats & Clark Machine Quilting Thread Bundle
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality quilting thread, then the Coats & Clark Machine Quilting Thread Bundle is worth considering.
Pros
- The thread is made of 100% Egyptian cotton, which is extra long staple and mercerized for strength and luster.
- The thread is ideal for piecing and quilting and has excellent sewability on natural fibers.
- The bundle includes a total of 1050 yards of thread and an Artsiga Crafts Seam Ripper.
Cons
- The thread may not be suitable for all types of fabrics.
- The thread may break or fray if not used with the right tension and needle.
- The white color may not be as bright as expected.
We recently used the Coats & Clark Machine Quilting Thread Bundle for a quilting project, and we were impressed with its performance. The thread was easy to work with and didn’t tangle or break during sewing. The Artsiga Crafts Seam Ripper was a handy addition, and we appreciated the extra yards of thread in the bundle.
However, we did notice that the thread was not as bright white as we expected, and it may not be suitable for all types of fabrics. We also had to adjust the tension and needle on our machine to prevent the thread from breaking or fraying.
Overall, we would recommend the Coats & Clark Machine Quilting Thread Bundle to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality quilting thread. Just make sure to test it on a small piece of fabric before using it on your project and adjust your machine settings accordingly.
3. New brothread – Multi-Purpose 100% Mercerized Cotton Threads
If you are looking for a reliable and versatile machine quilting thread, the New brothread – Multi-Purpose 100% Mercerized Cotton Threads is a great option.
Pros
- Made from high-quality, extra-long staple cotton that is stronger than normal cotton.
- Suitable for a wide range of uses, including quilting, serger, piecing, machine sewing, hand sewing, heavy machine embroidery, and light hand embroidery.
- Ideal for natural fabrics like cotton and linen fabrics.
Cons
- Thicker than normal 40WT sewing or embroidery thread, so you need to use needles with large eyes (≥80/12) to prevent stripping.
- Cotton threads do not stretch a great deal like polyester or nylon threads, so you need to slow down the stitching speed when you have breaking problems.
- The spool with locking base may not be compatible with regular sewing machines that don’t have horizontal spool feed.
We have used the New brothread – Multi-Purpose 100% Mercerized Cotton Threads for several projects, and we were impressed with its quality. The thread is made from high-quality, extra-long staple cotton that is stronger than normal cotton. It is produced under special gassing and mercerizing process, giving thread less lint, smoother surface, greater luster, and matt look.
One of the best things about this thread is its versatility. It is suitable for a wide range of uses, including quilting, serger, piecing, machine sewing, hand sewing, heavy machine embroidery, and light hand embroidery. We found it especially suitable for natural fabrics like cotton and linen fabrics. Since it has almost the same washing shrinkage rate as natural fabric, it can avoid causing pucker after washing because of the different shrinkage between fabrics and threads.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this thread. It is thicker than normal 40WT sewing or embroidery thread, so you need to use needles with large eyes (≥80/12) to prevent stripping. Also, cotton threads do not stretch a great deal like polyester or nylon threads, so you need to slow down the stitching speed when you have breaking problems. Finally, the spool with locking base may not be compatible with regular sewing machines that don’t have horizontal spool feed.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and versatile machine quilting thread, the New brothread – Multi-Purpose 100% Mercerized Cotton Threads is definitely worth considering.
4. BlesSew Sewing Thread
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly sewing thread set, the BlesSew Sewing Thread might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- With 24,000 yards of thread, you’ll have plenty of thread for your sewing, quilting, and crafting projects.
- The set includes 22 spools of common colors plus one extra spool of white and black, ensuring you have all the colors you need.
- The thread is made of 40/2 spun polyester, which is durable and perfect for machine quilting.
Cons
- The thread is lightweight, which might not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
- The thread is not waxed, which might cause it to break more easily.
- The thread is not made of cotton, which might not be ideal for certain projects.
We’ve tried out the BlesSew Sewing Thread on several projects, and we’re impressed with its quality and affordability. The thread is easy to work with and doesn’t break easily, which is a huge plus. The set comes with an attractive packaging storage, making it a great gift for your loved ones who are into sewing.
In terms of cons, we’ve noticed that the thread is not suitable for heavy-duty projects, as it is lightweight. Additionally, the thread is not waxed, which might cause it to break more easily. Lastly, the thread is not made of cotton, which might not be ideal for certain projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable sewing thread set that offers a wide range of colors and is perfect for machine quilting, the BlesSew Sewing Thread is definitely worth checking out.
5. Signature 100% Cotton Quilting Thread
We highly recommend the Signature 100% Cotton Quilting Thread for those who prefer cotton thread. It is perfect for both long arm quilting and home sewing machines due to its excellent sewability at high speeds.
Pros
- The mercerization process produces a lower lint and higher luster cotton product.
- The 6000 yard cone is very economical and is available in five colors.
- This 100% mercerized cotton thread performs well on both long arm and home quilting machines.
Cons
- This thread produces a significant amount of lint.
- Some users have reported that the quality of this thread is poor and it breaks consistently while sewing.
- It is only available in five colors.
Signature 100% Cotton Quilting Thread is made of 100% long-staple mercerized cotton, making it a durable and high-quality thread. The mercerization process produces a lower lint and higher luster cotton product, which results in a cleaner and shinier finish. The 6000 yard cone is very economical and perfect for those who need a lot of thread. It is available in five colors, so you have a few options to choose from.
This thread performs well on both long arm and home quilting machines, making it versatile and a great option for all quilters. It has excellent sewability at high speeds, which is essential for those who need to get a lot of work done quickly.
However, this thread does produce a significant amount of lint, which can be frustrating for some users. Additionally, some users have reported that the quality of this thread is poor and it breaks consistently while sewing.
Overall, we recommend the Signature 100% Cotton Quilting Thread for those who prefer cotton thread and need a lot of it. It is a durable and high-quality thread that performs well on both long arm and home quilting machines. However, if lint or thread breakage is a significant concern, you may want to consider other options.
6. Simthread 12 Multi Colors All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread
If you are looking for a reliable and versatile quilting thread, the Simthread 12 Multi Colors All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Made of 100% long staple Mercerized Cotton for a stronger and more lustrous finish.
- Comes in 12 neutral colors for daily usage, making it easy to match with any fabric.
- Environmentally friendly for common sewing, especially for baby clothes.
Cons
- Some customers found the spools to be smaller than expected.
- A few customers experienced thread breakage and bunching.
- The color of the thread may not always match the advertised color.
We have used this thread for a variety of projects, from sewing to quilting, and have found it to be a great all-purpose cotton thread. The extra-long staple cotton produces a smoother thread with less lint, making it easy to sew and quilt with. The thread size 50s/3, also called 50WT 3 Plies (Tex 35, 30WT), provides excellent coverage and is suitable for piecing, sewing, and embroidery.
One of the best things about this thread is that it is made of 100% long staple Mercerized Cotton, which gives it a stronger and more lustrous finish. The mercerized processing also produces a smoother thread with less lint, making it easy to sew and quilt with. We also appreciate that the set includes 12 neutral colors, making it easy to match with any fabric.
Another great feature of this thread is that it is environmentally friendly and suitable for common sewing, especially for baby clothes. It fits standard sewing machine spindles and can be used as quilting threads, cotton embroidery threads, and more.
However, some customers found the spools to be smaller than expected, which may be an issue for larger projects. A few customers also experienced thread breakage and bunching, which can be frustrating when working on a project. Additionally, the color of the thread may not always match the advertised color, which can be disappointing.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and versatile quilting thread, the Simthread 12 Multi Colors All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread is an excellent choice.
7. Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Sets – 1200 Yard Spools (Set of 5 – Salt & Pepper)
If you’re looking for a versatile set of machine quilting thread, the Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Sets is a great option.
Pros
- The 100% cotton material produces a smoother thread with less lint, making it easy to work with and maintain your machine.
- The satin finish gives your quilting projects a gentle lustrous sheen, adding a touch of elegance to your designs.
- The set of five spools in basic neutrals like black, white, gray, and silver provides a great selection for all levels of quilting and sewing projects.
Cons
- The thread sheds a bit more than other options, so you’ll need to clean your machine frequently.
- The thread is a little heavier weight than some other options, which may not work for all projects.
- The thread is not as strong as some other brands like Aurifil, which may be a concern for heavier projects.
Overall, we recommend the Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Sets for those who are looking for a versatile set of machine quilting thread with a satin finish and basic neutral colors. It’s a great value for the price and perfect for all levels of quilting and sewing projects.
8. Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread – 3000yd Large Spool Double Mercerized Cotton Thread 50wt – Heavy Duty All Purpose Quilting Thread, Ivory
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable quilting thread, Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread is a great choice.
Pros
- This cotton thread is strong and easy to work with, making it perfect for quilting, blanket making, sewing projects, and appliques.
- Double mercerized cotton thread provides lasting strength and luster, and is machine washable with minimal lint.
- This all purpose thread is designed for both hand quilting and sewing machine thread.
Cons
- The ivory color may not be suitable for all projects.
- Some users may prefer a thicker thread for certain projects.
- The spool may be too large for occasional use.
We love using Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread for our quilting projects. The thread is strong and durable, and we appreciate that it’s suitable for both hand and machine sewing. The double mercerized cotton thread also provides a lovely shine and lasting luster.
One thing to keep in mind is that the ivory color may not be suitable for all projects. However, we find that it blends well with many different fabrics. Additionally, some users may prefer a thicker thread for certain projects, although we find that this thread works well for most of our needs. Finally, the large spool may be too much thread for those who only quilt occasionally, but for frequent quilters, it’s a great value.
Overall, we highly recommend Missouri Star Cotton Sewing Thread for all of your quilting needs. It’s a high-quality thread that provides excellent results and is easy to work with.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best machine quilting thread, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a thread:
Fiber Content
The fiber content of the thread can have a significant impact on the final result of your project. Cotton thread is a popular choice for quilting because it is strong, durable, and provides a matte finish. Polyester thread is another option that is known for its strength and ability to resist breaking. It also has a slight sheen to it, which can add some extra dimension to your quilting.
Thread Weight
Thread weight refers to the thickness of the thread. A higher weight number indicates a thinner thread, while a lower weight number indicates a thicker thread. The weight of the thread you choose will depend on the type of quilting you plan to do. For example, if you plan to do detailed quilting, you may want to use a thinner thread, while a thicker thread may be better for basting.
Color
The color of the thread you choose is also important. You want to choose a color that will complement your fabric and enhance the overall look of your project. Neutral colors such as white, gray, and beige are versatile options that can work well with a variety of fabrics. However, if you want to add some extra flair to your project, you may want to consider using a bold or contrasting color.
Price
The price of the thread can vary depending on the brand, fiber content, and weight. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that the quality of the thread can affect the final result of your project. Investing in a higher-quality thread may be worth it in the long run, as it can help prevent thread breakage and provide a more polished finish.
In summary, when choosing the best machine quilting thread, consider the fiber content, thread weight, color, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a thread that will help you achieve the desired look and feel for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular brands of quilting thread?
There are many brands of quilting thread available, but some popular ones include Aurifil, Superior Threads, Mettler, and Gutermann. Each brand offers a variety of thread weights and colors to choose from.
What is the difference between quilting thread weight?
Thread weight refers to the thickness of the thread. The higher the number, the thinner the thread. Quilting thread typically ranges from 30-100 weight. A thinner thread is better for detailed quilting, while a thicker thread is better for basting and quilting larger areas.
Is Aurifil thread suitable for machine quilting?
Yes, Aurifil thread is a popular choice for machine quilting. It comes in a variety of weights and colors, and is known for its strength and smoothness.
What color thread should I use for quilting?
The color of thread you use for quilting depends on the fabric and design of your quilt. For a subtle look, choose a thread that matches the fabric. For a more bold look, choose a contrasting color. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray are also good options.
Can I use all-purpose thread for machine quilting?
While all-purpose thread can be used for machine quilting, it is not recommended. All-purpose thread is not as strong as quilting thread and may break or cause tension issues during quilting. It is best to use thread specifically designed for quilting.
What is the best thread for longarm quilting?
Longarm quilting machines require a thread that is strong and durable. Some popular brands for longarm quilting include Superior Threads, Glide, and Fil-Tec. It is important to choose a thread that is compatible with your machine and the type of quilting you will be doing.
