Understanding Thread Weight

April 4, 2019
Thread Weight Infographic, Lori Kennedy
Thread Weight Infographic, Lori Kennedy

Good Morning, Quilters!

Today I hope to provide a better understanding of thread weight.  It is an important topic as choosing the right thread can be the difference between great and disappointing results when machine quilting!

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Thread Weight is Confusing!

The thread weight numbering system is counterintuitive because as  thread  gets heavier or thicker, the number gets smaller.

For example, 40 and 28 wt thread, the thread I like to use to create focus motifs, is thicker and heavier than 50 wt thread I use in the bobbin.

So let’s talk about why.

To clarify, I’ve added a few sketch notes to help illustrate.

Umbrella Quilt with 40 weight threadFixed Weight Measurement

Thread is measured on a fixed weight system.

A  fixed weight is placed on one side of the  scale and then thread is added to balance the scale.

Length of Thread is the “Weight”

Next, the length of thread required to balance the scale is measured. This is the thread “weight”.

 Thread weight  is really a length!

The weight number you find on a spool is the length of thread required to achieve a fixed weight.

As you can see, it will take a longer strand of thin thread to balance the scale than it will a thicker thread.

Why Thread is Important

For quilting, we use thread to achieve different goals.  Sometimes we want to create focus motifs and other times we are trying to develop texture. Heavier threads will create a more visible motif, while lighter threads will produce a better texture or background effect.  It is essential to choose the correct thread weight for machine quilting.

Next week: Choosing the Right Needle

I hope this helps!

Next week, we’ll have more from my notebook.

Please let me know if there’s a topic YOU would like me to cover!

Happy Stitching,
Lori

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PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share (please do!) with attribution to Lori Kennedy Quilts.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com.  Thanks!

 

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