SuperiorThreads

I love those cushions nana-up-north. I want to sit and read a book on them.
The size of the needles depends on the size of the thread. Use a 70/10 needle for very fine threads like silk, 60 wt threads or clear monofilament threads. The 80/12 is great for piecing threads like 50 wt threads. The 90/14 are great for the 40 wt threads. And 100/16 are needed for the 30 wt or heavier threads. We suggest a topstitch needle as the groove down to the eye is deeper protecting the thread from rubbing and fraying and the eye is larger, again protecting the thread (and saving our eyes when we thread them).
When purchasing cotton threads make sure you use a long or, better yet, extra long staple cotton. Anything other than that or if it the staple isn't mentioned at all, will cause a lot of lint and isn't as strong.

Ricci

jitkaau

It depends on the thickness of your sandwich and the thickness of the thread you are using. I usually use 90/14 topstitch needle and 40 weight thread. However, sometimes it becomes 100/16 and 12 weight thread. You are best advised not to use hand quilting thread in your machine as the coating can interfere with your tension discs. Mettler quilting thread is OK to use in the machine, but the other brands have coatings on them and are good for hand quilting. I use number 9 betweens for hand quilting.

mummadee

Thanks for the information/link to superior threads.

LindaDeeter

It takes practice ... but oh so worth the effort! If your top thread is showing on the back, try tightening the top tension just a tad at a time! Use scrap fabric layered just like your quilt to practice and adjust your tensions until it's good. Keep practicing! You'll begin to get the feel of moving & controlling the fabric and you'll really enjoy it! It's not something you learn instantly! The ONLY way to learn FMQ is practice! :)

ksea

I refer to this website for all my thread questions
http://www.superiorthreads.com/?gcli...FQLsKgodmn6AqA

grammysharon

For piecing I use a 70/11 or 80/12 sharp needle. For quilting it does depend what thread you are quilting with. The thread websites are very helpful and people like Libby Lehman have many hints in their books and websites. :D

Shoofly1

When I took a beginning quilt class, the instructor recommended we get "Machine Quilting Made Easy" by Maurine Noble because of the tables in it:

1. Lightweight Threads--Threaded through the Needle
2. Decorative Threads--Threaded through the Needle
3. Decorative Threads for the Bobbin or Couching
Each of these tables have columns listing:
Brand Name, Fiber Content, Weight, Meters/Yards, Notes.

4. Needles
Columns: Type, Sizes, Uses

5. Battings
Columns: Brand Name, Fiber Content, Quilting Distance, Comments

I highly recommend this book. I constantly turn to it as a reference book.

writerwomen

Schemtz neele website has a very detail list of needles and a ful page on factoring needles and thread sizes

asmmauer

IF you are using polyester batting it will cut your cotton thread unless you are using cotton wrapped polyeser thread.Cotton wrapped works for me on most batts.

TexasSunshine

Your manual should give information on what thread to use for different projects.