yellowwroses

If you have a q20 what kind thread do you like. I am trying aurifill but it keeps breaking. New with this machine so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Judy

feline fanatic

I love Aurifil for piecing but I find it too weak for quilting. Even with piecing I do get some breakage with Aurifil.

Any machine as expensive as a Q20 should be able to handle any thread you throw at it. So I will offer my opinions but I don't have a Q20, I quilt on an Innova 26" that is rack mounted. My domestic is a Bernina and I have also used some of these threads with my Bernina with no issues.

What type of thread to use depends entirely on what look you are going for. My usual go to thread for quilting is Glide 40 wt polyester but it is a very shiny thread and you may not like that look. If I just want texture to show and not the thread I go with Invisifil which is a 100 wt poly. It is very fine like silk and also like silk very strong. It sinks down into the fabric so isn't as noticeable.
Poly threads that have a matte finish that I have had success with are Superior So Fine and Bottom Line and yes, I have used Bottom line in the top.
If you prefer 100% cotton Connecting Threads cotton is nice but it can be very linty. King Tut by Superior is also a very popular option. Especially if you like working with variegated threads. King Tut does also come in solids. You should try experimenting with lots of different threads to see what you like. Superior offers "try me" spools in just about all their threads. You can't choose the color but you get a steep discount.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/quilting-threads

quiltingshorttimer

I agree that Aurafil is probably too weak to use on a LA. I prefer SoFine #50 or Omni (both Superior) most of the time. If I want shine I go with Glide or sometimes a Marathon that is same weight as BottomLine. I can use King Tut but frankly don't like the lint and prefer a finer thread look.

cashs_mom

I don't know about the Q20, but on both of my Bernina DSM's I've had to loosen the top tension with some thread so that it doesn't break. What thread did the deal recommend?

QuiltE

The Q20, I believe, is the sitdown Bernina?

I can't speak for it, but I have used Aurifil with my Sweet 16, a similar machine.

Thread breakage makes me think that it could be a tension issue.
Or that the machine is threaded wrong?

marshaKay

Try a larger needle. I've even had to go to a metallic or top stitch needle to stop the shredding and breaking. Good luck.

jmoore

I often use Glide or Isacord for FMQ on my DSM and since the Q20 is a sit down...you might give one of them a go. I’ve also learned recently that a larger needle is helpful too. Good luck.

Doggramma

I have a Q20 and it isn't picky about thread at all. I wonder if your thread is old and maybe weak. Or maybe it's the needle - the Q20 prefers a universal needle. My preferred thread for quilting on my machine is the big cones of Superior polyester thread because I like the thread to blend into the quilt more.

Tiggersmom

I owned a Gammill Classic Plus for 14 years. The thread my dealer suggested was the "A & E' Perma Core- I bought in 6,000 yd. cones, but it is available in 3,000 yd cones. It is Polyester wrapped polyester, TEX 30.
Never had a problem with it that wasn't 'operator error'.
From experience, you may need larger size needle, re thread- don't just tie another thread and drag it through as it may be threaded wrong. Your tension maybe off as others have suggested.

yellowwroses

thank you all