fibers, when twisted, are less inclined to pull apart. The longer the staple, the stronger the thread.
Thread comes in different weights ranging from 10 to 100. The higher the number, the finer or thinner the thread, with 10 being very heavy and 100 the finest. Silk thread is generally 100 weight. Decorative embroidery, embellishment, and quilting threads tend toward the 10 to 40 weight range. The best weights for piecing are 50 and 60 weight.
Thread also comes in different plies. A ply indicates the number of cotton yarns that are twisted together to make the thread. For piecing, look for 2 or 3 ply. Thread that has the code 50/2 printed on the spool means that it’s a 50-weight, 2-ply thread—perfect for piecing. Some 3-ply threads can actually be finer than a 2 ply if the initial yarns are finer. A 60-weight 3-ply thread can be finer than a 50-weight 2-ply thread. Look carefully at what you’re buying.
The twist of the thread matters too, although most manufacturers don’t put that information on the spools. The more twists per meter, the more durable and smooth the thread. You’ll recognize a loosely twisted thread, as it tends to be coarser and will unravel easily in your hand. To make more twists requires more yarn content, so high-twist threads are therefore more costly.
Unlike in garment construction, quilters don’t match thread color to fabric color, because we’re usually sewing so many different-colored fabrics together. Instead, choose neutral-colored threads in grays, tans, blacks, or creams that work well with what you’re sewing. For instance, if the fabrics are more tan-based than gray, use tan thread instead of a gray thread. If you’re using a lot of white-based prints, use white or cream thread. Never use thread that’s darker than the darkest print or lighter than the lightest print. If your machine stitches are appropriately sized with good tension, there shouldn’t be any show-through of the thread on the seams.
Rotary Cutting
“Boxes and Bows,” pieced by Donna Lynn Thomas and quilted by Denise Mariano, from On-Point Patchwork
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