Thread, Needle Combinations for Machine Quilting (Domestic Sewing Machine)

All threads listed can be paired with the same thread in the bobbin.

You can have different threads in the top and bobbin. Consider the fiber content, weight and strength of the two threads then run a test sandwich of the fabric and batting that is in your quilt to see if the two threads can be run together with a balanced tension and without breaking.

It is always easier to set the tension on your machine if you pair natural fiber to natural fiber and man made to man made.

All fine threads should be wound on the bobbin at slow speed

When winding monofilament onto your bobbin be sure to wind at a slow speed and only fill the bobbin half full.

This is because the thread has quite a bit of elasticity and over filling the bobbin can cause it to expand giving your machine very poor tension.

With the exception of monofilament thread the smaller the size # the thicker the thread,                 (i.e. 50 weight is finer than 40 weight).

Monofilament goes by thickness (denier) not weight.

Needle sizes are the opposite of thread sizes. The larger the size the larger the needle,                       (i.e. size 10 is smaller than size 12)

Needles have two size numbers. The first is European and the second is North American.             (For example 70/10).

*Please note;

 On some of the more highly computerized machines you may need to “increase” the top tension in places where we normally decrease or vice versa.

Most brand name threads have web sites that are full of tips on using their individual products.

Monofilament, (Polyester).  .004” (.1mm) in diameter (90 denier) 

Bobbin Thread; 40 Weight, 60 Weight or100 Weight Polyester or Monofilament.

Needle; Microtex Sharp  60/8, 70/10 or Jeans Denim 70/10.

Monofilament, (Nylon).  .004” (.1mm) in diameter (90 denier) 

Bobbin Thread, 60 Weight Cotton or  Monofilament.

Needle; Microtex Sharp 60/8, 70/10 or Jeans Denim 70/10.

Silk 100 Weight.

Bobbin Thread; 60 Weight Cotton or Silk.

Needle; Microtex Sharp 60/8

Cotton “Embroidery” 60 Weight.

Bobbin Thread; 60 Weight Cotton .

Needle; Microtex Sharp 60/8 or 70/10 or Quilters 75/11.

Cotton 50 Weight.

The standard thread for piecing, also beautiful for quilting. Now available in variegated.

Bobbin Thread;50 Weight Cotton.

Needle; Quilting 75/11 or 90/14.

Cotton 40 Weight;

Bobbin Thread; 50 Weight Cotton.

Needle; Jeans Denim 90/14 or Quilting 90/14.

30 Weight Cotton

Bobbin Thread; 50 Weight Cotton.

Needle; Topstitch 90/14 or 100/16

Lengthen stitch slightly.

12 Weight Cotton

Bobbin Thread; 50 Weight Cotton or 30 Weight Cotton

Needle; Topstitch 90/14 or 100/16.

Lengthen stitch slightly. Drop top tension.

Rayon 40 Weight.

Bobbin Thread; 60 Weight Cotton or Rayon.

Needle; Microtex Sharp 60/8, 70/10, Embroidery 75/11 or Quilters 75/11.

Metallic.

Bobbin Thread; Monofilament or 100 Weight Polyester.

Needle; Metallica 80/12 or Quilters 75/11

Lengthen stitch slightly. May need to slightly drop top tension.

Ribbon Metallic.

Bobbin thread;    Monofilament or 100 Weight Polyester  

Needle; Metallica 80/12, Topstitch 80/12 or Microtex Sharp 70/10.

Lengthen  stitch slightly and drop top tension. (Usually to about 3)

40 Weight Trilobal  Polyester.

Bobbin Thread; 100 Weight Polyester or Trilobal.

Needle; Topstitch 90/14 or Quilters 90/14

Acrylic Embroidery 40 weight

Bobbin Thread; Acrylic

Needle; Microtex Sharp 60/8, 70/10 or Embroidery 80/12.

Jeans Stitch.

Bobbin; 50 weight cotton.

Needle; Topstitch 80/12 or 90/14

Lengthen stitch length. Drop top tension.

Please keep in mind these are possible thread / needle combinations.

Feel free to experiment especially if your machine is not “happy” with these suggestions.

Remember…There is no substitute for practice!

Don’t be afraid to try new threads, new stitch patterns, new thread/needle combinations. 

In other words give yourself permission to take time to “play”!

For information on this and other classes contact me at;

juliesquiltclass@telus.net