Thread Weight For Free Motion Quilting

Lighter 50 weight threads usually blend into the fabric.

Thread weight for free motion quilting.

One of the most common topics my students want to know more about is needles and thread especially for free motion quilting so let s take a deeper look at those here. Thread weight is only one of many factors to consider when selecting a machine quilting thread. Use the right thread size for the things you sew. It is adapted from the aurifil product guide.

Occasionally you will see thread weight that looks like a fraction and is labeled 50 2 or 40 3. So a 50 2 cotton thread would be 50 weight 2 ply thread that is thin and strong. Thicker thread weights like 30 40 make the quilting stitches stand out more. Fmq is different than piecing we re moving our fabric in all directions there are more layers and the needle is often clipping along at quite a pace for all that moving.

Our thread weight use chart lists over forty kinds of sewing projects and aurifil s product recommendations. You can use a thicker fancy thread on top and a 50 60 basic thread in the bobbin. The second thing you need to know is the thread weight numbers aren t always clearly stated. A lot of people only use 100 cotton thread in every part of the quilting process.

The second number indicates thread ply. Remember a higher thread weight number means a thinner thread. It is terrific for heirloom quilting. Once you are confident with your free motion quilting the sky s the limit as far as thread is concerned.

A 40 weight thread is a popular choice for quilting while 30 weight threads are more visible. It saves money and some people say it helps them quilt more smoothly.