Thread And Your Longarm - Types, Weights, Uses & More
Welcome back!
I just got back myself! Enjoyed eight busy, wonderful days in Texas!
Spent some time working (and playing) with my Quilting Central Podcast team, Cathy and Julie. And spent some time at the Houston Quilt Market. Loved the Superior Threads display … and guess what?! Micki from Superior agreed to return to The Quilting Connection in November to repeat her FREE Hands-on Threads Class!!! (Keep reading for more details!)
Okay, so with Micki coming to teach about using all different types of thread on both your domestic and longarm machines AND with the last Quilting Central Podcast (Episode #12) covering “All About Thread,” guess what today’s post is going to be about? Yup! Thread!
I’m going to share some basics about thread, plus what brands/lines of thread we use at The Quilting Connection for longarm quilting. That will give you a base for learning even more from our Quilting Central podcast and from Micki in the Hands-on Threads class.
So, let’s get started!
Thread Basics
When I say thread basics, I’m thinking about thread weight and how that impacts your choice of top and bobbin thread when you’re longarm quilting.
Thread Weight
Thread weight (wt) is the common terminology used to describe the thickness of a thread. What can make it confusing is that the higher the weight number, the finer the thread.
Weights range on the low side from 3 or 8 wt (the thickest thread) to 100 wt (the finest thread). When quilting on the longarm machines, we generally use 40 and 50-weight threads at The Quilting Connection.
I like the way Micki illustrates thread weight. Cup your hand. You’ll fit more of a finer weight thread in your hand than a heavier thread. The more thread you can fit in your hand, the higher its weight number will be.
Choosing the Thread Weight for Your Top and Bobbin Threads
When you’re planning your quilting, ask yourself, “How much do I want my quilting to show?” And consider both your quilt top and the back.
Several things come into play here: the color thread you choose, the intricacy of your piecing, and the busyness of your fabric. But so does the weight of the thread you use.
When I’m planning to use my basic 40 and 50 wt threads, here’s what I’m thinking.
My 50 wt thread works best for the bobbin thread, my binding topstitching, and if I want my top thread to blend into the background so my fabric and/or piecing will be the focus of my finished quilt.
My 40 wt thread can provide more decorative quilting and more visible stitch work.
So, the ultimate question is, “How much and where do I want to see my quilting?”
Thread Recommendations
Would it help if I share the brands/lines of thread that we carry and use most often at The Quilting Connection? Many good brands/lines are available for longarm quilting. My best advice? Find a good quality thread that works well for both you and your machine.
Superior Threads
I love Superior Threads! We carry their So Fine!, Magnifico, Fantastico, and OMNI lines in cones for the longarm machines.
So Fine! is our go-to thread. It’s a 50 wt 3-ply polyester thread, has a matte finish, and is low-lint. It makes a wonderful bobbin and top thread.
Magnifico is a 40 wt 2-ply high-sheen polyester thread. If you want your quilting to have a glossy pop, this is an excellent option!
Fantastico is also a 40 wt 2-ply high-sheen polyester thread, but it’s variegated! With a one-inch precision dye pattern, it will bring even more color to your quilting!
OMNI is a 40 wt poly-wrapped poly core thread. It’s considered very strong and can handle high-speed quilting with fewer breaks.
Fil-Tec Threads
Glide is another very popular longarm thread. It is a 40 wt polyester thread that also gives a smooth sheen look to your quilting.
Thread for Piecing Your Quilt Top
Thread for piecing is another huge topic on its own. But I did want to take a minute to urge you to buy quality thread. A favorite of mine is Superior’s PIMA 50 wt 2-ply cotton thread. This fine thread minimizes bulk and lets your seams lay flat … just what you want when you longarm!
Pima comes in 50 different colors and in a beautiful display box!
Right now we have the box on sale! This box has 54 spools (some of the neutrual colors are doubled up). It's an over $800 value for $559.99 Save over $5 per spool by buying the box!
Click here to learn more!
Why Thread Weight Matters
So far, I’ve talked about what thread weight is and how it can impact the look of your longarm quilting, but there’s another important aspect to thread weight – tension!
Tension is the balance between the top and bobbin threads. The goal is for the two threads to lock in the middle of the quilt layers (i.e., in the batting). Correct tension results in smooth, even stitches on both the quilt top and the back.
However, thread weight impacts this balance. If you’re using the same weight thread for both your top and bobbin thread, you’re ensuring the “tug of war” between the top and bottom threads is equal. It should produce a balanced stitch with no tension adjustment needed.
But, you CAN mix thread weights. You just need to be aware of how the mix impacts your machine’s tension and then make the appropriate adjustments.
It’s common for quilters to use a slightly finer thread in the bobbin than what they’re using for the top thread. For example, you might use a 40 wt thread on top and a 50 or 60 wt thread in your bobbin.
In this case, the finer bobbin thread lets the top thread show cleanly on the quilt top while producing a thin, less bulky stitch on the back. However, you’ll probably have to increase your bobbin tension or loosen your top tension slightly when using a heavier top thread.
Another Impact of Thread Weight – Needle Size
Using a heavier, thicker top thread often requires a larger needle with a larger eye. If the eye is too small, it can abrade the thread and increase fraying and breakage.
Most thread manufacturers recommend the best size needle to use with each of their lines of thread.
My fave, Superior Threads, provides a Longarm Machine Thread Reference Guide that provides this information. For So Fine! 50 wt, they recommend a size 16 needle. For Magnifico, Fantastico and OMNI (40 wt threads), Superior recommends a larger, size 18 needle.
That’s a lot of information to process! I’m going to wrap up my thoughts on thread by sharing a few final tips.
Thread Tips Related to Longarm Quilting
Invest in quality thread. Big-box and discount stores may sell “B” quality thread. This can impact the weight/thickness of the thread you’re buying, which in turn can impact the quantity of thread on the cone as well as the tension and stitch quality.
Change your longarm needles often. Needles dull and damage multistrand polyester threads faster at longarm speeds. I recommend you change your needle after every quilt (especially when lap-size or larger) or when you change thread type.
Store thread away from sun & moisture. Some thread dyes may fade, and sun dries out your thread.
Test your tension prior to quilting. Place a scrap of similar fabric to the side of your quilt top as you get ready to start quilting. Stitch some straight lines and curves. Then look carefully at both sides of your sample to check your tension. (This is really easy to do when your quilt is loaded with the Quick Zip System™!) If needed, adjust your tension and retest.
If you’re new to longarm quilting, use the same weight thread for both your top thread and bobbin. Once you’re more comfortable with your machine and understand how tension works, start playing with different weight threads and combining different weights. That’s when it’s time to experiment and have fun!
If you fill your own bobbins, fill several of them prior to starting your quilting or make sure you have a second cone of the same thread available. You don’t want to have to stop quilting and unload/reload your top thread because your bobbin needs refilling!
If you’re using polyester thread with a sheen (e.g., Magnifico, Fantastico), only fill your bobbins ¾ full. This helps prevent tension and uneven stitch issues. Slippery, high-sheen thread doesn’t grip to itself as well as matte finishes do. As a result, the outer layers of a shiny bobbin’s thread can slide off and unwind!
If you’re struggling with stray thread ends when you’re storing your cones, try Hugo’s Amazing Tape™! This tape is a no-glue, self-clinging product that can be reused over and over. Just wrap it around your thread cone to hold the ends in place! There’s no sticky residue, and it can be used on thread, fabric, paper, and more.
Who would think you could say so much about thread … and this is just a high-level look from a longarm quilting perspective!
Thread Resource Information
If you’d like to know more about thread, let me offer some additional resources!
First, check out Micki’s Hands-on Thread Class. Keep reading for more details, but I must tell you that these classes are filling EXTREMELY fast!
Next, watch The Quilting Central Podcast, Episode 12 “All About Thread.” More details follow on this as well.
Finally, most thread companies produce educational resources describing their threads, their recommended uses, and more. If you’re interested in Superior Threads, see the Reference Guides page of their website.
The Quilting Central Podcast Update
Have you caught the latest episode of The Quilting Central Podcast?
Check out Episode 12: “All About Thread”. Julie, Cathy and I unravel one of the most essential quilting supplies – thread!
We cover:
Different thread types & when to use them
How thread choice affects quilting design, durability & texture
Tips for avoiding breakage, tangles & tension issues
Matching (or contrasting!) thread with fabric for the best effect
Favorite brands, shop-tested recommendations & go-to tricks.
Whether you’re piecing, quilting, or binding, understanding thread can take your projects from frustrating to fabulous. Join us for laughs, expert advice, and a little “thread therapy.”
For a complete listing of all our episodes, check out the Quilting Central Podcast YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
That’s it! And as always …
Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie