susanwilley

Hello all!
I have a question on thread. My daughter picked up a large cone of serger thread instead of the quilting thread I asked for. My question is what is the different between serger thread and quilting thread, can I use the serger thread for piecing or quilting my quilt?

Kat Sews

I use serger thread most of the time. Someone on the board said they had some melt when they ironed, I have not had that problem but my iron is only 1000 watts. Also it is not all cotton, also for me that's not a problem. Try it, if you like it you can save some money.

thepolyparrot

I use serger thread for piecing and normal sewing all the time - it's only two-ply, so it is not as strong as a 3-ply thread.

In quilting, the stitches are a little more likely to break than stitches made with 3-ply thread, especially in areas that are not heavily quilted.

I haven't noticed this problem with it in quilts that are quilted closely - 1-2" apart.

Serger thread is usually polyester and some people don't like putting poly in their quilts - personally, I use poly or cotton, depending upon the color, weight and effect that I want.

sandy l

I use serger thread on my mid-arm for quilting, but not for piecing

Lori S

I know some say its not very strong , but when I go to break it , without cutting, It surprisingly strong. I use it alot for piecing. The poly in it is what is giving it the strenght. I have used some 100 percent cotton thread that was not quite as strong.

CanoePam

I don't like it for anything but serging because it just isn't as uniform as other threads. Take a look at it under a bright light and compare it to "regular" good quality thread - it just isn't the same. It works great for serging because you use 3-4 threads together, but in piecing or quilting you are using only 2 threads (top and bobbin). It certainly isn't the worst stuff in the world, but there are more uniform options. BTW, uniformity matters in things like setting tension and thread breaks.

Pam

Peckish

I used serger thread for piecing when I was out of regular thread, and it broke so much I threw the rest of the cone out. I don't remember what brand it was, but I was so frustrated that I swore I'd never do it again. I don't know why it worked just fine in my serger but broke so much in my regular sewing machine....

Candace

Here's a link to why you shouldn't use it http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/blog.php/blog_id/3800

"Can I quilt with serger thread? Bob Purcell says yes, but why would you?

Most serger thread on the market is the cheapest type of spun polyester thread. When used on a serger, multiple strands of this thread are over locked, resulting in a strong and secure stitch. However, if used as a single thread for quilting, it is weak and fluffy. It doesn't make sense to put two dollars worth of thread onto a $300 quilt. Inexpensive serger thread has a loose twist, is not very smooth, has lots of lint, and is not intended for single-strand use.


This great tip was found in the School of Threadology Manual. The book and accompanying DVD lay to rest many of the myths we have heard for years, as well as a great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing. For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads."

susanwilley

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions guys!! You were all very helpful!

callen

Good into to know. Tks for sharing.