Quilting is one of the most inspiring and time-fulfilling crafts that you can experience. Picking patterns, colors and fabrics can be exciting. However, picking the right thread also matters!
Always pick the thread according to your needs and project requirements. That said, let’s review some of the best quilting threads available and choose the right one for your next project.
How to Choose Thread for Quilting?
Thread created for hand-sewing is different from thread intended for machine quilting. Therefore, when shopping for the best thread for quilting, you need to consider the following features.
Weight
The weight of a thread represents the thickness of the thread. The usual weight values represent 30, 40, and 50. Some threads have values like 50/3. This is another value that means 50.
When it comes to quilting threads, the smaller the weight value, the heavier and thicker the thread. This weight is a result of dividing the length of the thread by a set weight (usually 1 kg).
Therefore, if a shorter thread has 1 kg, it must be denser. Meaning, a 30wt thread, it takes 30 km of the product to reach 1 kg. This thread is denser than a 50wt threat (50 km to reach 1kg).
When shopping for a thread for quilting, consider weight because when using heavier or denser fabrics, you need to utilize denser thread so that it keeps your heavy fabrics steadily in place.
If you’re utilizing light materials, you need to utilize a lighter thread because a heavier thread would look weird. Also, consider your quilting machine. Make sure it can handle thick thread.
Length
The length determines the amount of thread that you will have at your service to utilize in your quilting and sewing projects. They’re measured in yards. Opt for longer threads per spool.
Quantity
If you’re buying a set of quilting threads, pay attention to the number of spools. Some quilting thread is available as a single spool while others provide over 10 or 20 spools of thread per set.
The more spools in your set, the better. But this doesn’t automatically mean that you receive the longest amount of thread. Therefore, consider both the amount and length of thread per spool.
Color
The color depends on the number of spools since each spool of thread has a different color. Therefore, if you want to play with different colors, opt for a set with a lot of spools in different colors.
Material
The material of a quilting thread is usually overlooked. However, it’s a crucial feature to consider. Cotton and polyester are the most commonly used. They have their pros and cons.
For instance, cotton can endure a lot of heat which is super important when ironing. Therefore, it should be utilized to quilt linen or cotton fabrics because they usually require a lot of ironing.
Polyester, on the other hand, provides durability. It’s super strong and utilized for different purposes. It can be stitched by machine or hand. For extra strength, use a mercerized cotton.
What Are The Best Threads for Quilting?
When looking for the best thread for quilting, look no further than Aurifil, Gutermann, Mettler, Coats & Clark, etc. They make some of the best quilting threads for hand and machine quilting.
That said, let’s take a quick look at some of their top-rated thread for quilting. The next list should help you choose the right thread that will meet your quilting needs and project preferences.
- Best Overall: Gutermann Sew-All Thread
“100% long-staple polyester, a beautiful neutral color, it doesn’t break while machine sewing, durable.” - Best Budget: AVV Polyester Quilting Thread
“39 spools of polyester thread, 200 yards per spool, perfect for different projects, makes a lovely gift.” - Best for Machine Quilting: Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread
“All-purpose polyester thread, available in black and white color, perfect for different types of fabric.” - Best for Hand Quilting: Mettler Cotton Machine Quilting Thread
“Fade-resistant, boil proof, 100% Egyptian cotton, vivid colors, the perfect thread for machine quilting.” - Best for Longarm Quilting: Mettler Silk Finish Cotton Thread Gift Pack
“100% cotton, colorfast, heat-resistant, silk finish, great value for money, perfect for longarm quilting.” - Best Invisible: Singer Clear Invisible Nylon Quilting Thread
“Low-stretch, 1 spool of invisible thread, it blends easily, the best clear thread for quilting, affordable.” - Best Aurifil for Hand Quilting: Aurifil Quilting Thread Set
“Great value for money, perfect for different projects, a wide selection of colors, 12 large thread spools.” - Best Aurifil for Machine Quilting: Aurifil Mako Cotton Quilting Thread
“2-ply high-quality Egyptian cotton, it doesn’t tangle or break easily, thin but strong, super-versatile.” - Best Gutermann: Gutermann Natural Cotton Quilting Thread
“All-purpose 100% long-staple mercerized cotton, super-durable, silky finish, a wide selection of colors.” - Best for Quilt Binding: Simthread All-Purpose Cotton Quilting Thread
“Packed in a giftable box, thread nets/socks included, perfect for different projects, 550 yards per spool.” - Best for Domestic Machine Quilting: Coats & Clark All-Purpose Thread
“Super strong 100% polyester thread, the best thread for machine quilting, available in black and white.” - Best Polyester: SINGER All-Purpose Polyester Thread
“Suitable for use with hand needles and machine needles, it doesn’t catch in the sewing machine, cheap.” - Best Cotton for Hand Quilting: Gutermann Quilting Thread
“100% wax finish cotton, affordable, slides through fabrics easily, available in different colors, versatile.” - Best Cotton for Machine Quilting: Sulky Cotton Quilting Thread
“It doesn’t shrink, fray, or fuzz, perfect for different projects, 50 yards per spool, 80 different vivid colors.” - Best All-Purpose: American & Efird Polyester All-Purpose Thread
“Shrink and abrasion-resistant, mildew and UV light resistant, 12000 yards of quality thread, versatile.”
Best Thread for Quilting Comparison Chart
If you’re searching for a summary that will help you compare different quilting threads, this chart is for you. Let’s compare their key features and find the best thread for quilting for you.
Top 15 Best Thread for Quilting Reviews
Color is the only thing considered when shopping for the best thread for quilting. However, there’s more to quilting threads that just color. That said, let’s review some threads thoroughly.
Aurifil Quilting Thread Set
(Best Aurifil Thread for Hand Quilting)
The Aurifil quilting thread set is the perfect set for avid quilters! It will inspire you to create something different and colorful. It’s made of Italian 100% cotton mako thread.
This versatile set will brighten your crafting world with 12 spools of thread in different colors. Each spool is 1300 meters. Thus, you will get a total of 1422 yards of 100% cotton thread for quilting.
The set includes threads in pink, yellow, orange, burgundy, aqua, blue, purple, navy, and green color. It’s perfect for machine quilting, hand quilting, embroidery, applique, etc.
Key features:
- 50wt cotton thread
- 1422 yards (1300 meters per spool)
- 12 large thread spools
Pros
- Great value for money
- Perfect for different projects
- A wide selection of colors
Cons
- None
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Aurifil |
Material: | Cotton |
Weight: | 50 |
Yards: | 1422 yards in total |
Color: | 12 different colors |
Sulky Cotton Quilting Thread
(Best Cotton Thread for Machine Quilting)
The Silky Sulky is a cotton quilting thread you can utilize for different projects including serging, knitting, sewing, and handwork. The thread doesn’t shrink, fray, or fuzz which is amazing.
Keep in mind that you’re getting small spools. However, you can also purchase their larger spools in your favorite colors. They’re made in Germany (you don’t have to worry about quality).
Key features:
- 80 different colors
- 12wt cotton thread
- 50 yards per spool
Pros
- Made in Germany
- It doesn’t shrink, fray or fuzz
- Perfect for different projects
- A large selection of colors
- Excellent thread quality
Cons
- Some buyers didn’t receive one of the main colors
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Sulky |
Material: | Cotton |
Weight: | 12 |
Yards: | 50 per spool |
Color: | 80 different colors |
Gutermann Sew-All Thread
(Best Overall)
The Gutermann sew-all thread is a polyester thread. It offers optimal sewing without fiber lint and seam crimping with the finest needles. It’s an all-purpose and long-lasting thread.
It’s perfect for use on synthetic and natural fibers. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spool created of 100% long-staple polyester, look no further than this product by Gutermann.
You can utilize this thread for both machine and hand sewing. Made in Germany, this quilting thread can be utilized for different projects. You will get 547 yards of polyester thread.
Key features:
- 547 yards of thread
- 100% long-staple polyester
- A lovely neutral color
Pros
- User-friendly
- Suitable for different projects
- It doesn’t break while machine sewing
- Super-versatile and affordable
- Long-lasting
Cons
- It has occasional weak spots
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Gutermann |
Material: | Long-staple polyester |
Weight: | Medium-weight |
Yards: | 547 |
Color: | Neutral |
Mettler Cotton Machine Quilting Thread
(Best Thread for Hand Quilting)
The Mettler is a machine quilting thread for different projects. If you’re looking for a top-notch product made of 100% Egyptian cotton, look no further than this package.
It’s shrink resistant and safe to iron. However, what I like most about this thread is that it’s fade resistant and boil proof. It’s perfect for both hand quilting and machine quilting.
The package has 8 spools (each spool is 164 yards). You will get cotton quilting thread in different colors. Made in the Czech Republic, this cotton thread is extremely durable.
Key features:
- 164 yards per spool
- Fade-resistant and boil proof
- 100% Egyptian cotton
Pros
- Beautiful colors
- 50wt cotton thread
- Suitable for different projects
- Machine quilting thread
- Makes a great gift
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Mettler |
Material: | Mercerized cotton |
Weight: | 50 |
Yards: | 164 per spool |
Color: | 8 different colors |
Gutermann Quilting Thread
(Best Cotton Thread for Hand Quilting)
If you’re looking for a 100% Egyptian mercerized cotton thread, look no further than Gutermann. It’s one of the best threads for quilting available at the moment.
You will get a fine and strong thread with a waxed finish which helps to prevent tangling and allows your cotton thread to slide through fabrics with great ease.
Made in Greece, this thread is perfect for hand quilting. It’s available in different colors. If you purchase this product, you will get 220 yards of cotton thread.
Key features:
- 220 yards
- 100% wax finish cotton
- Affordable
Pros
- High-quality thread
- Slides through fabrics easily
- Suitable for different projects
- Available in different colors
- Perfect for hand quilting
- Made in Greece
Cons
- It breaks easily
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Gutermann |
Material: | Mercerized cotton |
Weight: | 40 |
Yards: | 220 |
Color: | A wide selection of colors |
Gutermann Natural Cotton Quilting Thread
(Best Gutermann Thread for Quilting)
Another product by Gutermann that is worth your time and money is this natural cotton quilting thread. It’s a fine cotton thread. However, it’s also strong with a silky finish.
It’s the perfect choice for quilters who prefer to work with cotton. This lovely thread is suitable for both machine quilting and hand quilting. It’s a 100% long-staple mercerized cotton.
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose thread, look no further than this one! Made in Greece, the thread is available in different colors if you’re not a big fan of a neutral shade.
Key features:
- 876 yards
- 100% long-staple mercerized cotton
- All-purpose
Pros
- Silky finish
- Fine and durable
- Excellent for quilting
- Suitable for different projects
- Perfect for both machine quilting and hand quilting
- A wide selection of colors
- High-quality thread
- Made in Greece
Cons
- Stiff and thin
- Tangles and knots with hand sewing
- It breaks easily
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Gutermann |
Material: | Mercerized cotton |
Weight: | 40 |
Yards: | 876 |
Color: | Neutral |
Mettler Silk Finish Cotton Thread Gift Pack
(Best Thread for Longarm Quilting)
The Mettler thread is made of 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton with the soft sheen of natural cotton. It makes a great choice for sewing, quilting, and longarm quilting.
It’s ideal for creating fine cotton projects as well. What I like most about this item is that it’s mercerized. Mercerization makes the thread heat resistant and stronger. It also reduces shrinkage.
The best part? It’s colorfast. You will receive 18 spools of silk finish cotton thread in various colors. Each spool is 164 yards. It’s the best thread to use for longarm quilting.
Key features:
- Colorfast
- Mercerized cotton
- 164 yards per spool
- 18 different colors
- Heat-resistant
Pros
- Silk finish
- Great value for money
- Suitable for different projects
- The best thread for longarm quilting machine
- 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton
- Super durable
Cons
- None
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Mettler |
Material: | Mercerized cotton |
Weight: | 40 |
Yards: | 164 per spool |
Color: | 18 different colors |
Coats & Clark All-Purpose Thread
(Best Thread for Domestic Machine Quilting)
Coats & Clark is a famous brand that produces high-quality threads. Their all-purpose thread can be used for different projects. The best part? It has a polyester covered core for strength.
The package includes a single spool. If you buy it, you will get 400 yards of polyester thread for sewing or quilting tasks. Made in the USA, this thread is one of the best threads for quilting.
Key features:
- 400 yards
- Super strong polyester thread
- 50wt thread
Pros
- Made in the United States
- Perfect weight and durable
- The best thread for machine quilting
- Good for eyebrow threading
- Suitable for different projects
- Available in black and white
Cons
- It breaks easily
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Coats & Clark |
Material: | Polyester |
Weight: | 50 |
Yards: | 400 |
Color: | White |
Aurifil Mako Cotton Quilting Thread
(Best Aurifil Thread for Hand Quilting)
Aurifil makes the greatest quilting threads! Their mako cotton quilting thread is a premium quality 50wt cotton thread made in Italy. It’s a lovely 2-ply thread for different projects.
Although it’s thin, it’s super strong and perfect for accomplishing precise seam allowances when piecing your quilts. It has different purposes including serging and embroidery purposes.
If you buy this thread, you will receive a large spool of 1421 yards. Available in a lovely shade of red, this thread makes a perfect choice for various applications. It’s versatile and cheap.
Key features:
- 2-ply high-quality thread
- Premium quality Egyptian cotton
- A large spool of red thread
Pros
- It doesn’t tangle or break easily
- The best thread to use for hand quilting
- Perfect for applique and embroidery applications
- Thin but strong and provides flawless results
- The color of the thread doesn’t fade
- Perfect for quilting projects
Cons
- Thinner than expected
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Aurifil |
Material: | Cotton |
Weight: | 50 |
Yards: | 1421 |
Color: | Red |
Singer Clear Invisible Nylon Quilting Thread
(Best Invisible Thread for Quilting)
If you’re searching for a clear and invisible nylon quilting thread, then Singer has a great product for you. It’s their Singer clear invisible nylon thread for different crafting projects.
You can use this thread for machine quilting, beading, home decoration, crafting, or making jewelry. It’s just perfect for multi-colored fabrics or colors you have difficulties to match.
This thread doesn’t leave any apparent sight of stitching in its path. If you buy this thread, you will get a spool of 153 yards. It’s a low-stretch, super durable nylon versatile thread.
Key features:
- 1 spool of invisible thread
- 135 yards of clear nylon thread
- Low-stretch and long-lasting
Pros
- It blends easily
- Suitable for different projects
- Strong and multi-purpose thread
- The best clear thread for quilting
- Perfect for embroidery jobs and quilting
- Perfect for hanging decorations
- Great for mending
Cons
- It breaks easily
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Singer |
Material: | Nylon |
Weight: | Not specified |
Yards: | 153 |
Color: | Invisible |
Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread
(Best Thread for Quilting by Machine)
Another thread by Coats & Clark is a dual-duty all-purpose thread for both hand and machine sewing on many types of fabric. If you buy this thread, you will get 400 yards per spool.
The package includes a black and white polyester thread. I like this thread because it’s durable thanks to the polyester core. You can buy each spool separately or make combinations.
Key features:
- All-purpose thread
- 100% polyester thread
- 400 yards per spool
Pros
- Super strong and super-versatile
- Perfect for different types of fabric
- 400 yards of 100% polyester thread per spool
- Basic thread for hand quilting or machine quilting
- Available in black and white color
Cons
- Thinner than expected
- It breaks in the sewing machine
- It unravels on both ends
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Coats & Clark |
Material: | Polyester |
Weight: | Regular |
Yards: | 400 per spool |
Color: | Black and white |
SINGER All-Purpose Polyester Thread
(Best Polyester Thread for Quilting)
Another Singer thread that is worth your time and money is their all-purpose polyester thread. It’s ideal for both outdoor and indoor projects. It blends just perfectly!
This thread delivers a stronghold on denser and heavier fabrics. You can utilize it with a sewing machine or hand needles. You will get 150 years of 100% polyester thread.
Key features:
- 150 yards
- 100% all-purpose polyester thread
- Affordable
Pros
- Available in different colors
- High-quality 100% polyester thread
- Suitable for use with hand needles and machine needles
- It doesn’t catch in the sewing machine
- Perfect for different projects
Cons
- It breaks easily
- Thinner than expected
- Difficult to use
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Singer |
Material: | Polyester |
Weight: | Not specified |
Yards: | 150 |
Color: | Available in different colors |
American & Efird Polyester All-Purpose Thread
(Best All-Purpose Thread)
The Americal & Efird thread is a multi-purpose 100% polyester thread ideal for light and medium weight structured fabric, hems, and garment construction. It’s super versatile!
Each cone is 3000 yards. If you buy this thread, you will get a 100% polyester thread that is mildew and UV light tolerant. It’s also abrasion and shrink resistant which is amazing.
Key features:
- Shrink and abrasion-resistant
- 12000 yards of polyester thread
- Mildew and UV light resistant
Pros
- Top-notch polyester thread
- Excellent seam strength and consistent sewability
- All-purpose polyester thread
Cons
- It breaks easily
Product Specifications:
Brand: | American & Efird |
Material: | Polyester |
Weight: | Regular |
Yards: | 3000 per spool |
Color: | Black |
Simthread All-Purpose Cotton Quilting Thread
(Best Thread for Quilt Binding)
The Simthread thread is made of 100% long staple mercerized cotton. It has a strong finish thanks to the mercerized processing which provides a smoother thread with less lint.
The package includes 12 neutral colors for daily usage. You will get 550 yards per spool. If you doubt the quality of the thread, you can test if it’s 100% cotton by burning it with ashes.
What I like most about this thread is that it’s environment friendly. It’s perfect for baby garments, etc. It fits standard sewing machine spindles. You can also utilize them as quilting threads.
Or embroidery threads. If you’re looking for a highly-durable polyester thread with a smooth finish, look no further than this set. It has 32 lovely colors. This set makes a perfect birthday gift.
You can buy it for your best friend, family member, etc. It makes a great choice for applique, quilting for baby clothes, embroidery, and sewing. It’s the best thread for quilt piecing.
Key features:
- 12 different colors
- 100% long-staple mercerized cotton
- 550 yards per spool
Pros
- Packed in a giftable box
- Perfect for different projects
- Threat nets/socks included
Cons
- It breaks easily
- Leaves a lot of lit in the machine
- It shreds as you quilt
Product Specifications:
Brand: | Simthread |
Material: | Mercerized cotton |
Weight: | 50 |
Yards: | 550 per spool |
Color: | 12 different colors |
AVV Polyester Quilting Thread
(Best Budget)
The AVV polyester thread is a high-quality thread. You will get 39 different colors. This set will brighten up your crafting world. Each spool provides 200 yards of quilting thread.
The silvery and golden is made of 15% dacron and 85% rayon. This product makes a lovely accessory for garments stitching, embroidery making, bed sheet linings, or other art projects.
It’s suitable for both personal and home use. You can use these threads for hand and machine sewing. It makes a great tool for children’s hand sewing courses as well. It’s super-versatile.
AAs you can already notice, this set has a wide usage! It’s perfect for hand sewing, cross-stitching, hand quilting, machine quilting, machine sewing, hand knitting, stitching, DIY clothing, etc.
Lastly, it makes a great gift for the passionate crafter in your life. You will get these threads in a nice box. If you’re looking for a colorful set of threads, look no further than this one!
Key features:
- Polyester thread
- 200 yards per spool
- They come in a nice box
- Suitable for home and personal use
- 39 different colors
- Budget-friendly
Pros
- A wide selection of colors
- Perfect for different projects
- Makes a lovely birthday gift
Cons
- Some threads don’t have a starting point
Product Specifications:
Brand: | AVV |
Material: | Polyester |
Weight: | Not specified |
Yards: | 200 per spool |
Color: | 39 different colors |
What is the Best Thread for Quilting: Understanding Different Thread Materials
Threads come in different materials but what thread for quilting is recommended by experts? Let’s talk about different types of materials and determine the best type of thread for quilting.
Cotton
Cotton thread is often utilized because it can withstand a great amount of heat, so it’s great for ironing which is important when pressing linen and cotton fabrics.
It’s versatile and works great for lingerie projects, delicate fabrics, quilting, and medium-weight cotton. Cotton thread with a silk finish glides through materials easily.
Polyester
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose thread, look no further than polyester thread. It’s suitable for many handmade and machine-made projects. This thread is durable and long-lasting.
It’s great for stretchy knits. You can choose between polyester thread with a silicone or wax finish. They both slide through your materials easily and will provide shine to your projects.
Heavy-duty
Usually, heavy-duty threads are created of polyester but the weight of the thread isn’t suitable for most sewing creations. They make a perfect choice for canvas and upholstery projects.
Silk
If you’re looking for a fine thread, look no further than silk thread. It’s perfect for stitching silk fabric and tailoring wool. You can change the shape of your silk thread with the heat of an iron.
It won’t break easily and doesn’t leave any marks behind. This makes it perfect for fine fabrics and hand basting. It’s also adjustable and doesn’t make holes, so it’s perfect for basting thread.
Wool
The wool thread is often utilized in embroidery projects. It’s durable and tough which makes it a perfect choice for heavy-duty projects with canvas and wool. It’s also suitable for topstitching.
Metallic
Metallic thread is available in copper, silver, and gold varieties. It’s often utilized in machine embroidery and makes a great choice for topstitching if you’re looking for a thread with a little flair.
Cotton-poly
Also known as ‘all-purpose’ thread, cotton-poly is a polyester thread wrapped with a layer of cotton. It’s a blend of polyester and cotton. Thus, it’s perfect for any crafting project. However, I don’t recommend using one thread for all your projects. Always use a specialty thread for better results.
Monofilament
If you’re looking for a clear and invisible thread, look no further than monofilament thread. It’s a sewing thread that appears transparent on the fabric. It’s identical to sewing with nylon thread.
Or polyester thread. The only difference hides in the weight of the thread. ‘Invisible’ threads are usually much thinner than regular sewing threads. Also, it’s best to utilize a smaller needle as well.
If you’re working with dark fabrics, you can opt for a transparent monofilament thread in darker smoke color or clear color. They’re both see-through. However, the darker one blends a lot better.
When utilizing a monofilament thread, the bobbin thread can be a standard polyester thread or you can use a monofilament thread. If you use a see-through thread in the bobbin, wind it slowly.
Elastic
Elastic thread is often used for shirring. Wind this type of thread onto the bobbin manually. After, load it into the bobbin casing while loading regular thread onto the unit and via the needle.
When you stitch, the material will gather up naturally and stay flexible because of the elastic, Hover your iron over your project and apply hot steam if you want to shrink the shirring further.
What Weight Thread for Quilting?
Despite the type of threads, they come in different thicknesses or weights. It’s recommended to utilize a heavier thread for heavier materials and lighter thread for lighter materials.
When choosing the weight for quilting, keep in mind that the lower the number, the heavier the thread. A 40wt thread weighs more than a 50wt thread. It also stands out more.
Set the best thread tension for quilting when changing a thread weight. The change might require slight adjustments. The spool size also matters when shopping for the best thread for quilting.
You can pick from small, medium, and big spool sizes. When shopping online or in-person, consider the yards. Take note of how many yards of thread you get in the spool or set.
For example, Aurofil spools have 1422 yards. They come in a package of 12 spools. Meaning, you will get a total of 17,064 yards. For smaller projects, a 250-yards of a thread is enough.
My Top Picks
When shopping for the best thread for quilting, check your pattern for hints. Also, consider the materials you’re using. Also, consider the type of project you’re making.
However, most importantly, consider the color, weight, and yards. Always select the thread according to your needs and project requirements. This buying guide is supposed to help you out.
If you’re looking for a multipurpose polyester thread, look no further than Gutermann Sew-All Thread. It makes a great choice for hand quilting and machine quilting because it’s versatile.
However, if you prefer a cotton thread, consider the Aurifil Quilting Thread Set. You will get 12 spools of thread in different colors. It’s perfect for quilting and provides great value for money.
For quilters on a budget, AVV Polyester Quilting Thread makes a perfect choice. It provides 39 different spools. Each spool is 200 yards. This sett is suitable for hand and machine quilting.
Have you ever used any of the threads mentioned in today’s article? If so, what’s your opinion? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!