I have a Janome and a Pfaff CV. I use C&C and Connecting Threads mostly. I clean the bobbin area every time I change the bobbin...only takes a few seconds. I don't find any more lint on one brand than the others.
The main secret to keeping threads from breaking is proper tension settings and new thread. Old threads will break and fray no matter what the brand. Anything older than 3 or 4 years should be tossed. Just like those of us with old skin, the thread dries out. My skin tends to fray and break just like the thread!

OK, I either have a super machine or I am too dumb to tell the difference. I never notice any difference in my stitches no matter what thread I use, yes, I have to adjust my tension or change my needle type or size sometimes, but once I have the optimum setting, all threads give the same stitches in my eyes. My personal preference is to use cotton for piecing, and yes, some brands are a little lintier than others, but I clean my machine very often and give her her annual check up and cleaning, haven't had any problems with thread breaking or anything like that. I tend to buy Guterman when it is on sale, I LOVE connecting thread, I have used some C&C with no problems, Mettler, Superior and Sulky are other brands I used.

When I bought my machine, the lady at the Quilt Shop said, make sure to use good quality thread, I asked her which ones? She said any that me and my machine like, and make sure I don't use old thread spools and store thread covered...so far, no problems at all.

And BTW, another quilt shop owner told me one time (we were discussing threads) that a thread specialist (who is not affiliated with C&C) told her that Ralph Lauren (or some other big name) use C&C thread in their suits. Then she went on to tell me (jokingly) that of course since she doesn't sell C&C, she can't recommend it and she had to recommend Mettler.

Sorry for the long post (guess I am chatty this morning), LOL, point is: try out different threads and see which one/s you and your machine like best. IMHO.

I use that brand all the time now. When I bought my last Bernina they told me to use that brand or Mettler. It doen't seem to leave as much lint as the Coats & Clark thread does.

so how do you know what is a good thread before you buy it. I dont want to screw up a brand new machine with lots of cheap thread dust.LOL How do you know what is good and not good as all the thread is covered in a plastic wrap?

I use connecting threads and love it too. As for lint build up...well I clean my machine at least three times a season to make sure it doesn't clog up

I love Connecting Threads thread.. it runs beautifully through my machines.. I also like Gutterman's, and several others.. I do my embroidery with a poly thread from Floriani.. it's wonderful thread.. I've used Coats and Clarks, but don't like it very well because of the lint and also I've had knots come along that I don't appreciate!

I use Sulky, Gutterman, Tanne, Mettler, Aurifil, Wonderfil, Signature,YLI, Superior and older, inherited Coates, Dewhurst, and Semco and some donated Spanish and Greek ones that I don't recognise, but like to sew with. The only ones I do not like are the really cheap, linty sort of ones that keep breaking all of the time. As I am not a purist, I also like a lot of the polyester threads for different purposes as well. One really strong Gutterman thread that I like to use has the word "stark" written on the side. Great for bags and jeans.
The LH bowl in my avatar was sewn with Gutterman, and the RH one was sewn with Wonderfil - just cord and thread, so both gave good results.

My featherweight and Bernina both love Gutterman.

Hi JoAnn,

Yes, good thread makes a difference! I stick to Gutterman and Metler. When we repair sewing machines, we "sew-off" the machines. If we can't get a good stitch with the thread that's in the machine (Walmart thread, Coats and Clarks {yes, the new stuff}, Tru-Sew, etc), then we switch to Gutterman or Metler, and we can get a good "sew-off."

If you've noticed, you can't get poly/cotton threads much any more. The poly is stronger than cotton, and so the cotton sheds off and impacts into the gears on your sewing machine. So "they," whoever "they" is, have decided it's bad for your machine, and it doesn't get made much any more.

Bottom Line is not recommended for piecing as it can melt if pressed with a hot iron. Great for quilting but not piecing. This is the recommendation from Superior.