confused about thread count
#1
I have been reading about using sheets for backing, 3.00 fabrics vs. 10.00 fabrics and it all seems to be based on the thread counts. However it is confusing because some have written to buy cheaper sheets for backing as the thread count is less and better for the hand quilters and the LAQ people to work with then I read that you should buy good quality top fabrics because the thread count is higher. :( :!: Also some say do NOT use sheets for the backing. Any explainations out there?
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,345
I absolutely agree with Kathy! But in my experience and what I found out in more than 20 years of hand quilting practice the thread count plays an important role.
I try to find fabrics with a thread count of 150 (that means 75 threads per inch in each direction), they work perfect for me. I also used batiks (thread count 240) but it was quite heavy for me to quilt through. Some patchwork fabrics have 120 or less - they are too coarse for me and my quilting stitches.
You see: the best thing is to try and to find your own preferences.
I try to find fabrics with a thread count of 150 (that means 75 threads per inch in each direction), they work perfect for me. I also used batiks (thread count 240) but it was quite heavy for me to quilt through. Some patchwork fabrics have 120 or less - they are too coarse for me and my quilting stitches.
You see: the best thing is to try and to find your own preferences.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
good quality quilting fabrics still have a much lower thread count than expensive sheets....some cotton fab's may have thread counts as low as 60...quilt shops will be between 100 & 200; most sheets start at 200 and go up from there.
Originally Posted by BarbZ
I have been reading about using sheets for backing, 3.00 fabrics vs. 10.00 fabrics and it all seems to be based on the thread counts. However it is confusing because some have written to buy cheaper sheets for backing as the thread count is less and better for the hand quilters and the LAQ people to work with then I read that you should buy good quality top fabrics because the thread count is higher. :( :!: Also some say do NOT use sheets for the backing. Any explainations out there?
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