Best Thread for Piecing Quilts

There are so many thread choices that it can be a little bit overwhelming, especially if you are a new or first time quilter. When it comes to piecing quilts with your sewing machine, using the right quilting thread can make a big difference! Using the wrong types of thread or the wrong weight of thread can lead to frustration and make your final product look less than ideal. In this blog post, I will be covering the basics of thread and which threads are the best choice for piecing your quilt top.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the best thread for piecing quilts?

A 50wt high quality cotton thread is the best thread for piecing your quilt tops. Cotton has a high heat tolerance so it stands up to all the pressing required when piecing and quilting. 50wt is the most popular and it is what I use. 50wt thread is also finer than 40wt, so it will make for better, more accurate seams.

What are the Best Thread Brands for Quilt Piecing?

Aurifil Cotton Thread, 50wt/2ply. Aurifil thread is one of the favorite threads among quilters, and for good reason. It is an Italian thread made from Long Staple Egyptian Mako cotton. I use Aurifil 50-weight cotton thread almost exclusively for all of my piecing, machine quilting, and binding. It comes in 270 different colors and is high-quality cotton thread.
Mettler Silk-Finish Cotton, 50wt/2ply. This is a 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton thread. Long staple cotton is more smooth and silky, compared to short-staple cotton. Mettler’s Silk-Finish Cotton Thread is available in 250 color choices. Bernina works exclusively with Mettler and comes highly recommended by the company.
Gütermann Natural Cotton, 50wt/3ply. This is a slightly lower-quality thread compared to the previous 2 and slightly less expensive, but will be a good-quality thread that will get the job done! It is made of 100% mercerized cotton and is available in over 150 colors!

Understanding Thread Weight

The weight of the thread describes the thickness of the thread. Thread weights range from 12 to 100. Thicker thread is indicated by a smaller number, while fine thread has a higher number. When looking at the end of the spool, the weight of the thread will be indicated by the first number, before the slash. “50/2” means the thread is 50wt and 2-ply.

What thread weight should I use for piecing?

Most piecing is done with 50wt cotton thread. 50-weight thread is an excellent choice for most quilting projects. 50wt thread is also great for quilting your quilt sandwich. If your project requires a heavier thread or you want your quilting to stand out a bit more, then 40wt is what you will want to use.

make cotton sewing thread for quilting aurifil

What is Thread Ply?

Ply is how many yarns are twisted together to create a single thread. Most threads are 2-ply or 3-ply. When looking at the end of the spool, the ply will be indicated by the second number, after the slash. “50/2” means the thread is 50wt and 2-ply. However, a higher-ply thread does not necessarily mean the thread is stronger or better in any way. A high-quality, 2-ply thread can be stronger than a low-quality 3-ply thread.

Different Thread Materials

Cotton Thread

Cotton thread is the traditional and most popular piecing thread by far. It is made of natural fibers and generally has a non-reflective matte finish, unless it is mercerized, and can produce more lint while sewing, compared to other types of thread. The natural fibers will blend in with the natural material of most quilting cotton. Mercerized cotton thread is a special type of thread that is more lustrous and stronger and doesn’t produce as much lint. Like cotton fabric, cotton thread will tend to shrink when washed and dried. Cotton is the best thread for piecing. Also, cotton thread does not stretch, which is preferred.

Polyester Thread

A polyester thread is a synthetic fiber that has more shine than cotton thread. It is strong and durable and doesn’t shrink or fade. Most “all-purpose” threads are 100% polyester. It also produces very little lint, if any. It is a great choice for quilting. Polyester thread can be slightly less expensive than cotton thread. Because polyester is much stronger than cotton, you can use a much finer thread size without compromising your stitches. Unfortunately, polyester does not have the same heat resistance as cotton, so it may be necessary to use a lower temperature when pressing seams.

Cotton/Polyester Blend

A cotton-covered polyester thread will have the best of both thread types. This type of thread is a polyester core wrapped in cotton. The inner polyester core gives the thread strength and durability while the outer cotton layer gives the thread a soft and natural look and added heat resistance.

Monofilament Thread

Monofilament Thread, also known as invisible thread, is typically 100% nylon thread. It is made of one, long filament rather than multiple strands twisted together. It is a very fine thread, but incredibly long, so it is a good choice for when stitches need to be camouflaged. Monofilament can be used as a top thread for many quilting techniques such as stitch-in-the-ditch.

Specialty Thread

Wool, silk, and metallic threads are all specialty threads that are typically reserved for decorative work.

Silk Thread

Silk thread is a very fine thread that is ideal for sewing silk fabrics.

Wool Thread

Wool thread is a heavier weight thread. This type of thread is great for heavier fabrics and can be used as an embroidery thread.

Metallic Thread

Using metallic thread for piecing would certainly be a waste since you won’t see it, but it is an excellent choice for quilting if you are looking to add some extra detail to the top stitching.

How to Determine Thread Quality

When shopping for sewing thread, there are some key differences between low and high-quality thread.

A good quality thread will be tightly spun, which makes it smoother, stronger, and has low lint when compared to lesser quality threads. The twist of the thread should be consistently smooth and tight. When holding up the thread to the light, you should not see any bumps or fuzz.

A smooth thread will move through your sewing machine much easier, create less friction when sewing at high speeds and produce much less lint in the process.

Long staple and extra-long staple are higher-quality threads. The longer fibers will create a better thread. This will lead to less breakage and less lint. If the spool does not indicate the fiber content, then it is made of short staple fibers.

The good news is that your local quilt shop likely only carries high-quality thread. If you are shopping for spools of thread at a big box store, then chances are you are going to need to inspect more closely to make sure you are purchasing superior threads.

Machine Piecing vs. Hand Piecing

The same 50wt cotton thread that is preferred for machine piecing is also best for hand sewing your quilt top. So there is no need to purchase a different thread if you are trying English Paper Piecing.

Thread Color

When it comes to choosing the right thread color for your project, select a thread that will blend into the fabrics you are working with. An off-white and dove grey will work for most quilting projects. If you are working with very dark fabrics, a dark grey thread is probably best. If you choose a dark thread, it may show through (or “shadow”) under lighter fabrics.

Understanding Spool Size

Small Spool

A small spool of thread contains about 110-220 yards of thread. These are perfect if you are purchasing a color for a special project and likely won’t use the same color again for a long time.

Large Spool

A large spool of thread contains 250-1,420 yards of thread. This size is what fits most sewing machines and is a great size for colors that you will use often.

Cone

A big cone of thread contains about 2,000-6,450 yards of thread. Purchasing a cone of thread is a serious commitment. It’s likely going to last you a while, which is awesome. However, this type of thread spool is also going to require a thread cone holder, as it won’t fit your standard home machine.