Let’s Talk About Threads

July 24, 2013

Sulky, Aurifil, Threads

The question I am most frequently asked is:  What thread do you use?  (The second most frequent question is:  How do you adjust the tension–we will discuss that next week…)

I have been hesitant to tackle the thread question because, while I know what I like, I am not an expert.   Today I will offer a few of my thoughts about threads and then open the topic for discussion…

Sulky, Aurifil, Threads

I have two favorite threads:  Aurifil and Sulky Rayon.  I use Aurifil for all piecing, for all bobbins, and occasionally I use the heavier weight Aurifil for quilting.  It is a long-staple, fine cotton and it comes in a large array of colors.  It never knots or breaks and it is economical.  I doubt anyone will disagree with my choice of Aurifil.

Sulky, Aurifil, Threads

Sulky, Aurifil, Threads

On the other hand, my choice of Sulky Rayon for free motion quilting may be somewhat controversial…For free motion quilting, I love Sulky Rayon thread.  It has a gorgeous sheen.  It “plumps” nicely.  It is inexpensive and readily available in a huge assortment of colors. Best of all, my sewing machine loves it!  I rarely have any problems with thread breaks or tension.   I have used it on many of my smaller quilts for years.  (One of the quilts is ten years old, and it still looks great!)  However, I have not used it in any of my larger quilts.  I have been afraid to use it…because the conventional wisdom has always been that Rayon is not good.  Some say it is not strong, heat-resistant, or color fast.

I would agree that Rayon is not as strong as polyester, but it is strong enough.  The “quilting stitch” does not need to be very strong because it is not being stretched or pulled like a seam.   Critics also say it is not heat-resistant…Again, in my experience, it is heat resistant enough for free motion quilting which is never ironed like a seam. Perhaps heat resistance would be a problem in the dryer?  Don’t dry the quilts on high heat!  Sunlight?  All textiles are damaged by prolonged sunlight. Finally, on the issue of being colorfast:  I have never had problem with Sulky thread bleeding.  According to their promotional materials, Sulky Rayon IS colorfast.

I hate to sound like a commercial for Sulky…and for the record, I have no ties to Sulky…

Again, I’m not a thread expert, but I can find no evidence supporting the bias against Rayon threads.  I would love to hear your thoughts!   What are your favorite threads?  Do you use rayon thread?  Why or why not?  Have you been avoiding rayon thread because of the conventional wisdom?

Thank you in advance for participating…

Lori

Share:

Discover more from Lori Kennedy Quilts

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading