If you are used to quilting, you should understand the beauty of making quilts with quilting cotton and quilting them. By having these two materials in handy before embarking on a project, 50% of the possible problems are already solved unless your quilting skill is average.
The thread used for regular sewing and quilting is different. This is because a typical hand-quilting thread must have certain properties to make it suitable for the job. For example, a hand quilting thread must be lint-free, UV fast, wash fast, and have consistent thickness.
The apparent differences between these two thread types make people wonder if one can be substituted for the other. Take, for instance, this question, “can hand quilting thread be used in a machine?” There are several other questions alike, and all will be answered here.
Can you use a hand-quilting thread in the machine?
Yes, you can use hand-quilting thread on the machine. Hand-quilting thread can be used on sewing machines, but it is not advisable. Quilting can be done in two ways: it can be carried out by hand or with a machine, with each method having a specific thread designed for it. Although both can help to secure your quilt, when you try to use hand quilting thread on the machine, it can stick to the metal components of your sewing machine because they are usually coated with wax.
Here are some of the challenges you may experience when you use hand quilting thread on the machine.
- It will be difficult for the thread to slip through the tension disk.
- The thread can be slowed down around the metal guides.
Is hand quilting thread the same as machine quilting thread?
No, both are not the same. When you are seeing hand quilting and machine quilting thread side by side for the first time, it may be hard for you to figure out the differences between the two, especially when you are a novice. It can also be hard for an experienced quilter because of their seemingly striking appearance.
The only difference between these two thread types is that hand-quilting thread is often made with 100% cotton. In contrast, machine quilting thread can be made of mono-filament, polyester, cotton, metallic, or polyester cotton blend. One other thing that may seem like a difference is that hand-quilting thread is stickier.
Is there a difference between sewing machine thread and hand-sewing thread?
Yes, the sewing machine thread is different from the hand-sewing thread.
You may likely not get the difference between hand sewing and sewing machine thread because of the differences in how they are twisted. Sewing machine threads are z twisted thread, I.e., they are twisted to the left, while hand sewing threads are twisted to the right — a twist thread.
Is there a difference between a quilting thread and a regular thread?
Yes, regular sewing thread is different from quilting thread. Although quilting thread and sewing thread are designed for different purposes, people still use them interchangeably, which is why some people may think they are the same. But the truth is, they are two different threads. Quilting thread is designed to be stronger than regular sewing thread so that it can hold quilting blocks together for a long time.
Can I use any thread for the sewing machine?
Yes, you can use any thread on the sewing machine. There are various thread types used by sewists and stitchers around the world, and most of these threads can be used on a sewing machine. The only restriction to using just any type of thread on the sewing machine is the type of material or fabric you are working with, as well as the composition of the material.
Is quilting thread stronger than regular thread?
Yes, the quilting thread is stronger than the regular thread.
Quilting involves stitching multiple layers and blocks together, and therefore, the thread for such purpose must be strong. This is why quilting thread is designed to be stronger and thicker than regular sewing thread.
Is hand quilting thread strong?
Yes, the hand-quilting thread is strong. Quilting thread is not designed for a real alone because asides from that, they have excellent stretchability, they are smooth and made available in several variegated colors, and they are also made to be strong. They are specially made strong for certain reasons: to be able to hold several blocks and layers of quilted fabrics.
What weight is the hand-quilting thread?
One thing about quilting is the thread that is to be used for this project must be able to withstand pulling and stretching stress which is why the end that is often used for hand quilting usually weighs 28.
How to tie off-hand quilting thread
- Once you’ve threaded the needle with a single thread piece, put the needle in the backing of the quilt and pull it out from the top, leaving only about 2 inches of thread on the back.
- Without tampering with the thread hanging at the back, create a simple X with the too thread.
- Double-lock the thread by repeating the X pattern once you complete the first X pattern.
- Create a square knot by double knotting the two pieces of thread hanging at the back of the quilt.
- Tightly pull the knot and trim the tie afterward, leaving only about a quarter of the thread.
What thread is best for hand quilting?
The best thread for hand quilting is 100% cotton thread, and that thread must be made from long staple fiber (cotton).
Can Gutermann’s hand-quilting thread be used on a sewing machine?
Yes, you can use Gutermann’s hand-quilting thread on the sewing machine.
Gutermann is a high-quality thread made from 100% cotton and can weigh up to 30wt. This strong quilting thread is good for hand sewing and can also be used on the machine.
