In the world of quilting, every stitch tells a story. From the meticulous hand piecing of fabric to the final touches of hand binding, each step in the quilting process is infused with creativity and craftsmanship. At the heart of it all lies one essential element: thread!
Choosing the Right Thread
When it comes to selecting the perfect thread for your quilting projects, the options can seem endless. With a multitude of brands, weights, and materials to choose from, finding the ideal thread for your machine, English paper piecing (EPP), and hand binding can take some trial and error. Let me streamline some of the choosing for you.
For machine sewing, my personal favorite is Gutermann thread. It’s not just about personal preference; my machine seems to adore it, too. Opting for large spools not only ensures that I have plenty of thread on hand for my quilting endeavors but also helps me save on costs in the long run—a win-win situation!
For EPP, I turn to Aurifil thread. Its fine weight and smooth texture make it perfect for delicate hand-sewing projects like English paper piecing. Whether I’m stitching intricate shapes or joining hexagons together, Aurifil thread never disappoints.
When it comes to color choice, I tend to stick with white thread for most of my machine sewing projects. It blends seamlessly with a wide range of fabrics and allows the intricate patterns and designs of my quilts to take center stage. However, when it comes to hand binding, I’ll match the thread color to the fabric for a polished finish that enhances the overall look of the quilt.
Exploring Variegated Thread
While I may not personally gravitate towards variegated thread, I’ve seen firsthand the stunning effects it can create in quilting projects. My mom, for example, often incorporates variegated thread into her quilting, adding a playful pop of color and dimension to her creations.
Embracing Specialty Threads
In addition to my go-to threads for machine sewing and hand binding, recently I’ve experimented with specialty threads, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Wonderfil #8 perle cotton, particularly the Alison Glass collection, has captured my heart with its vibrant colors and silky smooth texture. These threads add a touch of luxury to my quilting projects and elevate them to new heights of beauty and sophistication.
Organizing the Thread Collection
With a thread collection that’s grown to four full stands on my wall, keeping everything organized has become essential. I’ve adopted the “3-bobbin rule” to streamline my quilting process. Whenever I change my needle and oil my machine, I also prep three bobbins, ensuring that I always have plenty of thread ready to go for my next project.
Thread may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of quilting, but its impact is profound. From the humble beginnings of piecing fabric together to the final stitches that bind a quilt, the thread that runs through each step of the process is what brings it all together, uniting it into a cohesive work of art. So whether you’re new to quilting or found your go-to threads, take the time to explore different options. Experiment with new techniques, and let your creativity shine through every stitch.
Happy Quilting!