Quilt Thread
One can quickly learn a great deal about quilt thread by playing with different types, learning about the characteristics of each and what effect it will have in different situations. Each individual type of thread will offer something special to the project.
It is important to remember that every thread should be breakable by pulling it apart and if it does not break then it should not be used for quilting. Threads that are too strong will, in time, wear and even cut through the quilt.
Quilt thread comes in diverse weights and a small number signifies a thicker thread. A spool of thread reading 20 wt is actually thicker than a spool with a reading of 40 wt, however the needle sizes work as would be expected, the lower the needle size the small or thinner the needle is. Another word used in describing thread is ply and a ply is one filament of the thread so that a two-ply strand of thread is weaker than a three-strand ply but is stronger than a one-ply thread.
There are also a variety of quilt threads that also should be considered. Cotton thread, available in various weights, is a natural fiber frequently found in quilting projects. Rayon thread, also a natural fiber, gives the quilt a beautiful almost silky shine. Man-made polyester thread is a very strong thread. Silk, another natural fiber, is expensive and looks exquisite in quilting designs. Metallic thread, another man-made fabric, was originally made from very fine wires of silver, gold, and copper. Mono filament, a man-made fiber, works well in many circumstances and nylon mono filament is often preferred because it is very fine, soft and flexible.
All types of quilt thread have hteir pros and cons or ups and downs, so ultimately most decisions are made based on personal preferences.
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