So you want to make a Quilt Part 4
The tie that binds – Thread
OK now you have a pattern and you have your fabric, type/color and you have it all cut up into the pieces (that’s another whole post) you need as dictated by your pattern. The next item you”ll need is some thread to hold the whole thing together with, and as in you fabric type you can’t go to far wrong with cotton thread.
When making your quilt it’s best to try and match your thread type with the type of fabric your working with, and as with your fabric use the best quality thread you can afford.
Lets take a look at some of our options:
Cotton: Cotton quilting thread is coated so that it is easy to sew with and being a natural fiber is sturdy and durable making it ideal for creating something that will last for years. Cotton works fine for both hand & machine quilting although hand quilting thread is usually a bit heavier weight than machine quilting thread. Since cotton is so durable it is great for a quilt, that will get everyday use, and occasional cleanings. The endless choices of color also mean that you can find a thread color that will match you fabric.
Rayon: Is a very shiny thread which is fine for embroidery work, but because it is not always colorfast you may want to use it only on wall hangings and quilt art which would not be subject to much in the way of cleanings. You will want to buy good US made quality as many foreign brands have high acid content and are not as durable.
Nylon: Is a polyamide (most invisible monofilament)which becomes yellow and brittle with time and also melts at very low temperatures, so I feel is not something you would generally want to use in a quilt.
Polyester: Unlike nylon monofilament it does not grow yellow and brittle over time or melt at low temps so it is a much better choice for embroidery work, and aplique’
Metallic: Is an aluminum coated thread, using cotton/polyester/paper core. It can be a little difficult to use in your machine with taking care in setting it up properly.
Metal/Plastic: It is a thermoplastic with aluminum coating. For art/embellishment work.
Thread weight is something else you need to take into account when deciding on your thread choice, it usually comes in 30 to 60 wt. Here are some rough guidelines. You may find that you prefer different wt for your quilting work.
20-30 wt – heavier used for decorative work
28-30 wt – for bobbin in decorative
40 wt – used for quilting
50 wt – for piecing
50-60 wt – used in bobbin and for applique’
wt & plies are referred to in 50/3 format which would be a 50 wt 3 ply thread.
Again like fabric there are endless choices, ask your favorite quilt shop for help, out there today so find what you like and buy the best quality you can afford and don’t look back .
Next Batting (“Fluff” for the middle of your sandwich)and Backing (the back “crust”)
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you can just sit down and work. Not only do you need a good work spot but storage for the no-yet-complete, or the “stash” which will grow with time. A desk or table in the guest bedroom, or den? A corner of the kitchen table, (that’s where ours is)? How good will the light be to work, do I need extra lighting? You need to find an area that will be big enough to work on your quilt without a whole lot of extra arranging to be able to get strated.
for pattern printing. My wife and our printer barely speak, although that is improving. Can you get access to a long arm to do that, every once in while project, instead of a big investment in something you don’t really need?
