I am sharing tips on Thread weights and where to use them today!
Using the correct thread weight for upper, bobbin and needle size will help make your sewing projects more fun! Less skipped stitches and no breaking threads!
Time to go Back to School with Sam Hunter!
Thread and needle compatibility with the materials and thickness of the project being sewn. There are different weights ( thicknesses ) of threads and each has their recommended use(s). the same applies to needles. Some people have difficultly with their projects and look to their machine as the culprit. many times the issue is with not choosing the proper thread and needle weight/size.
Our machines are everything! If it is not happy, we are not happy! Choosing the right thread and the correct needle size will eliminate many "machine" issues and will also help your machine sew better LONGER!
I wrote notes in my planner to help keep track of the Aurifil thread weights and needle weights. I use Schmetz needles for my machine sewing.
Aurifil 12 wt, the red spools, is the thickest thread. It comes in both cotton ( mako) and wool ( lana).
This thread is a wonderful choice for
Embroidery
Redwork
Topstitching
Machine quilting
When using on your domestic sewing machine:
Use 50wt for the bobbing thread
Reduce your sewing speed
Needle size:
100/16 machine embroidery
90/14 machine quilting
I have also used 12wt cotton for hand sewing buttons on my Cathedral Window Pincushions.
Aurifil 28 wt is the grey spool. It is cotton (mako)
This is my favorite thread weight and is also perfect for
Embroidery
Topstitching
Higher impact quilting without the fussiness of 12wt
For a domestic home sewing machine:
Use 50wt for the bobbing thread ( although I have successfully used 28wt in top and bobbin)
Needle Size: 90/40
Aurifil 40wt is the green spool and is cotton (mako)
This is a wonderful All Purpose Thread!
This is a thread you will want to have on hand for a variety of uses, including
Piecing ( not the number one choice but many people do)
Topstitching
Garment sewing
Bag sewing
Quilting
For a domestic home sewing machine:
You can use 40wt in top and bobbin with ease
Needle size: 70/10 or 80/12
Aurifil 50wt is the FAVORITE, the star of the show! 50wt is cotton (mako)
This is the number one piecing thread! Other uses for this wt include:
Topstitching
Garment sewing
Quilting ( for when you want the quilting to melt into the fabric)
For a domestic home sewing machine:
You can use 50wt in the top and bobbin
Needle size:
80/12
Most importantly! BE ADVENTUROUS! Make a 10x10 of what you want to try and give it a GO! I always make a sample to try out some old and new!
There is also a wealth of information on the sticker on the bottom of the Aurifil spool!
Here is a short tip clip on how to read the information on a spool to tell you all you need to know before you sew!
Make sure to check out the other tips by these amazing designers!
Day 1 – August 15 – Sam Hunter: How to spray baste a BIG quilt – www.huntersdesignstudio.com
Day 2 – August 16 – Mandy Leins: Thread Dread: removing stray bits after quilting – www.mandalei.com
Day 3 – August 17 – Nancy Stovall: The Sweet Creamy Filling – www.justquiltingpdx.com
Day 4 – August 18 – Ebony Love: 7 Indispensible feet for your sewing machine – www.LoveBugStudios.com
Day 5 – August 19 – Michelle Freedman: Machine throat plates – www.designcamppdx.blogspot.com
Day 6 – August 20 – Teresa Coates: Edge/Under/Top stitching – www.crinkledreams.com
Day 7 – August 21 – Kelly Cole: Ten ways to regain your sew-jo – www.vintagefabricstudio.com
Day 8 – August 22 – Megan Dougherty: Choose to Fuse: tips for working with fusibles for applique – www.thebitchystitcher.com
Day 9 – August 23 – Kim Lapacek: Tricks to being productive while hauling your kids around – www.persimondreams.blogspot.com
Day 10 – August 24 – Yvonne Fuchs: Circuitboard quilting on Domestic and Longarm Machines – www.quiltingjetgirl.com
Day 11 – August 25 – Sandi Hazlewood: Chain Piecing Quilt Blocks Tips – www.craftyplanner.com
Day 12 – August 26 – Juliet van der Heijden: Paper-piecing with children – www.thetartankiwi.com
Day 13 – August 27 – Maddie Kertay: Fabric folding for any storage solution – www.badassquilterssociety.com
Day 14 – August 28 – Cath Hall: Working with Lawn fabric – www.wombatquilts.com
Day 15 – August 29 – Tracy Mooney: Tips for the perfect seam – www.sewmuchcosplay.com
Day 16 – August 30 – Teri Lucas: How to bury thread – www.terificreations.com
Day 17 – August 31 – Debby Brown: Securing machine quilting knots – www. higheredhands.blogspot.com
Day 18 – September 1 – Flaun Cline: How to put some sparkle in your fabric pull (part 1) – www.ipleadquilty.com
Day 19 – September 2 – Jessica Darling: How to put some sparkle in your fabric pull (part 2) – www.jessicakdarling.com
Day 20 – September 3 – Trish Frankland: A bigger blade really IS better?! – www.persimondreams.blogspot.com
Day 21 – September 4 – Robin Koehler: Tips on how to travel with handwork – www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Day 22 – September 5 – Jane Davidson: How to make scrappy HSTs – www.quiltjane.com
Day 23 – September 6 – Linda Pearl: Low cost tips for organizing your sewing room – www.onequiltingcircle.com
Day 24 – September 7 – Christa Watson – Top 10 tips for quilting on a domestic machine – www.christaquilts.com
Day 25 – September 8 – Sarah Nunes: To Starch or Not to Starch – www.berrybarndesigns.com
Day 26 – September 9 – Suzy Webster: Testing fabric for bleeding – www.websterquilt.blogspot.com
Day 27 – September 10 – Sarah Goer: Machine bind your quilts like a pro – www.sarahgoerquilts.com
Day 28 – September 11 – Vanda Chittenden: Beginner paper-piecing tips – www.chittenden.co.za
Day 29 – September 12 – Cheryl Sleboda: Needle threading tips – www.muppin.com
Day 30 – September 13 – Kim Niedzwiecki – Different thread weights and when to use them – www.gogokim.com
Day 31 – September 14 – Sandra Healy: Conquer Your Fear of Machine Appliqué – www.sandrahealydesigns.com
Day 32 – September 15 – Sandra Starley: The Basics of Antique Quilt Collecting – www.utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com
2 comments
Omg you are genius. I love to see you working with threads. It really reminds me of my school time when we used to work with threads for different school projects.
nks for sharing the article, and more importantly, your personal experience mindfully using our emotions as data about our inner state and knowing when it’s better to de-escalate by taking a time out are great tools. Appreciate you reading and sharing your story since I can certainly relate and I think others can to
vidmate
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