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6 Best Threads for Hand Quilting (2024 update)
Quilting is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it’s no surprise that the tools and materials used for quilting have evolved over time. One of the essential components of a quilt is the thread used to sew it together. It is crucial to use thread that is strong, looks attractive, has low lint, and is of high quality when hand quilting.
With so many options available, choosing the best thread for hand quilting can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top thread options and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which thread is best for your next quilting project.
Our Top Picks For Hand Quilting Threads
- Gutermann Quilting Thread Set (jump to review)
- Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Hand Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- YLI Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- Threadart Heavy-Duty Cotton Quilting Thread (jump to review)
Detailed Reviews Of The Best Thread For Hand Quilting
1. Gutermann Quilting Thread Set
Experience the pinnacle of hand quilting with Gutermann Hand Quilting Thread Set. Crafted from authentic mercerized natural cotton, these threads offer strength, durability, and vibrant hues. The unique wax cotton texture prevents tangling, allowing for easy binding. Washable up to 60 degrees, these threads are supple, soft, and ensure a lasting, beautiful finish.
2. Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Hand Quilting Thread
The Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Hand Quilting Thread is an effortless choice for sewing or quilting on any fabric. With its glossy finish, this durable thread avoids distortion, tangling, and knots. The glace texture reduces abrasion, ensuring longevity. Weave seamlessly with organized storage, thanks to the trap spool, easily identifiable by its distinctive green hue. This thread's strength and resilience make it perfect for enduring projects without fear of breaking or tearing.
3. YLI Quilting Thread
All the quilters out there can trust the YLI Hand Quilting Thread, a premium choice for quilting enthusiasts. This glazed cotton thread comes on a convenient 500-yard wooden spool, ensuring you have ample supply for your quilting endeavors. Crafted from 100% cotton and proudly bearing the trusted YLI brand, this thread offers exceptional quality. The classic white color adds a timeless touch to your creations. Dive into your quilting journey with confidence, knowing you have the reliable and beautiful YLI Hand Quilting Thread at your fingertips.
4. Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread
Ideal for both manual and machine quilting, this thread's thin profile and extensive color range ensure an exquisite finish for applique and embroidery. Achieve a polished look as this thread effortlessly integrates into seams, adding a lovely touch to your quilting creations. With durability in mind, Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread promises long-term use, sparing you frequent thread expenses, and delivering a smooth quilting experience.
5. Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread
Crafted from long-staple mercerized cotton, these threads boast a durable, glossy finish with reduced lint for a smoother experience. Whether quilting by hand or machine, this thread delivers power, durability, and an optimal thinness to avoid bulk. The set features twelve versatile hues for everyday use, each skein containing 550 yards of 50/3 thread, meticulously crafted for optimal weight and length.
6. Threadart Heavy-Duty Cotton Quilting Thread
Featuring extra-large cones, this thread offers abundant cotton for both hand and machine quilting. Choose from a vibrant spectrum of 50 regular and 17 high-voltage colors, ensuring versatility in your projects. Crafted from 100 percent mercerized cotton, these threads are superior and sturdier, delivering an unparalleled hand quilting experience, especially for heavier projects.
How do I Choose the Best thread for Hand Quilting?
You should read this buying guide to learn everything you need to know about selecting the best thread for hand quilting.
- Weight: Weight is a measurement of thread diameter. The thread becomes smaller as the number increases and thicker as the weight decreases. It is stronger if it is thicker and weaker if it is thinner. There are many different weights, including 12 wt, 28 wt, 40 wt, and 50 wt. Typically, hand quilting tasks call for a 40-wt. thread. You can also begin with a 28-wt thread if you’re just getting started.
- Yard: This is the amount of thread on the skein that you purchase. Typically, a spool for the house contains 500 to 1500 yards of thread. Invest in containers with more thread yards if you want them to last a long time.
- Cotton Thread: The best thread for hand quilting is cotton. Cotton threads should be purchased if you want a classic, vintage appearance in your quilting projects.
- Mercerized Cotton: When you go to the store to purchase thread for quilting, check to see if it has a mercerized finish. A cotton that has undergone chemical treatment and finishing is known as “mercerized finishing cotton.” This strengthens the fiber and makes it simpler to deal with. The performance and final product of mercerized cotton are superior to those of non-mercerized cotton.
- Waxed Cotton: You should look for waxed cotton finishing in the thread you purchase. Your thread will have a slippery and smooth quality thanks to waxed cotton finishing. As a result, the thread will be more slick and move through and across the materials more quickly. You’ll find it simpler to complete your tasks if you have this type of thread.
- Lint: Lint-filled threads must be avoided. Lint is a term used to describe the fluffiness of cotton fibers. A buildup of lint on the thread will result in annoying loop knots that will make quilting difficult. The quantity of lint on waxed threads is usually minimal or nonexistent.
If you are interested to quilt using a machine, check these reviews.
Summary: The Best Thread For Hand Quilting
- Gutermann Quilting Thread Set (jump to review)
- Coats and Clark Dual-Duty Plus Hand Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- YLI Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- Coats Bold Hand Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- Simthread All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread (jump to review)
- Threadart Heavy-Duty Cotton Quilting Thread (jump to review)
If you have been following this post, you should be fully informed regarding hand quilting thread as of now. You should use this buying guide to ensure that you are fully informed before making a purchase. Additionally, spending time on the webpages of thread manufacturers would be worthwhile. There is a ton of material available about thread, and you can choose from hundreds of different types and hues to complement or contrast just about any quilting project you can imagine.
Keep in mind that selecting the right thread will enable you to sew a quilt with smooth, flat seams that look professional. Browse this guide to find the finest thread for hand quilting, which we have already chosen for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Made from long-staple cotton fibers and mercerized, 100 percent cotton thread is perfect for hand quilting. Additionally, you can manually quilt with any spool designated for machine quilting.
Coats Dual-Duty Plus Thread, Gutermann Thread, Coats and Clark Thread, and YLI Hand Quilting Thread are a few of the best brands.
Generally speaking, the thread should complement the fabric. Choose a color that is one or two shades darker if a precise match cannot be found. That’s because lighter colors shine out more and darker shades blend in more.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
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Happy Stitching.
