Quilting Threads Unraveled: Where and How They're Made
Quilting is both an art and a science, which makes choosing the right thread crucial to achieving the perfect finish. Countless quilting thread options are available, and many Canadian quilters are re-evaluating their long-standing brand loyalties in search of threads that better meet their evolving needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of quilting threads on the market, their attributes, and where they are made. We’ll also outline the uses of polyester and cotton threads, and review different weights, to help you select the right thread for your quilting needs.
Exciting news! WonderFil Specialty Threads, a Canadian-founded company, is now available at Lori’s Quilting Shop. WonderFil offers high-quality quilting, embroidery, and sewing with 36 thread lines. Whether you have go-to Glide thread colors or are looking to explore new options, I will continue to offer both brands so you can find the perfect thread for every project.
Quilting Threads Compared: Origins, Types, etc.
Polyester vs. Cotton Threads
Polyester Threads
- Strength and Durability: Polyester threads are stronger and more elastic than cotton, making them ideal for high-use quilts.
- Sheen: Trilobal threads like Polyfast and Glide offer a beautiful sheen, enhancing the visual appeal of your quilt.
- Matte/Cotton-like: Poly wrap, cottonized, core-spun are processing techniques resulting in poly threads with a more matte or cotton-like finish. Examples are Ultima, Master Quilter, Omni, Premo-soft, and So Fine! in 40/50wt category.
- Low Lint: Polyester threads produce less lint, keeping your machine cleaner.
Cotton Threads
- Natural Look: Cotton threads, such as King Tut and Aurifil Cotton Mako, provide a traditional, matte finish.
- Softness: Cotton threads blend seamlessly into the fabric, giving a soft and natural feel.
- Eco-Friendly: Being a natural fiber, cotton is biodegradable and often preferred for heirloom projects.
Thread Comparisons: Materials, Production, and Uses
Polyester-Based Quilting Threads
| Thread Type | Material | Production Process | Attributes | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Quilter (Cottonized Polyester) | 100% Polyester | Chemically treated to remove sheen, giving a cotton-like feel | Soft, matte finish, low lint, high strength | Longarm quilting, blending into fabric |
| Ultima (Cotton-Wrapped Polyester) | Polyester core wrapped in cotton | Combines strength of polyester with natural cotton exterior | Medium-high strength, matte look, more natural feel | Piecing, quilting for a cotton look with extra durability |
| Omni (Polyester-Wrapped Poly Core) | Polyester core with a spun polyester wrap | Poly core ensures strength, wrapped in matte spun poly | High strength, slight texture, cotton-like appearance | Versatile for longarm quilting, general quilting needs |
Cotton-Based Quilting Threads
| Thread Type | Material | Production Process | Attributes | Best Uses |
| King Tut 40wt | 100% Egyptian Cotton | Extra-long staple fibers, low twist | Low lint, matte finish, soft | Heirloom quilting, traditional projects |
| Aurifil 50wt Cotton Mako | 100% Egyptian Cotton | Long-staple mercerized for added strength and sheen | Low lint, smooth, consistent tension | Fine piecing, applique, heirloom projects |
| WonderFil Konfetti 50wt | 100% Egyptian Cotton | Long-staple double-gassed to remove lint | No wax or coatings, ultra-low lint | Precision quilting, machine piecing |
Understanding Thread Weights
40wt
- Polyester: Ideal for quilting, embroidery, and general sewing with a balance of strength and fine detail.
- Cotton: Best for machine quilting, offering a natural look and strong stitch definition.
50wt
- Polyester: Versatile for piecing, quilting, and embroidery, providing a smooth finish with slightly less bulk.
- Cotton: Preferred for piecing, applique, and quilting, giving a softer, more traditional appearance.
60wt
- Polyester: Great for fine detail quilting, bobbin thread, and dense embroidery work.
- Cotton: Used in heirloom sewing, fine applique, and lightweight fabrics requiring delicate stitches.
100wt
- Polyester: Ultra-fine for micro-stippling, invisible applique, and detail work in machine quilting.
- Cotton: Rarely used in quilting but can be effective for delicate lacework and fine hand-stitching.
Try it out yourself
To help you find your perfect thread, Lori’s Quilting Shop offers mini spools of Polyfast as well as king spools of Polyfast (Polyester Trilobal), Master Quilter (Cottonized Polyester), and other product lines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right quilting thread can elevate your project from beautiful to breathtaking. By understanding the country of origin, attributes, and applications of different threads, you can make informed decisions that bring your creative vision to life.
At Lori’s Quilting Shop, we love sharing products that inspire creativity, and WonderFil’s durable, low-lint, and vibrant threads are perfect for your next project. Whether you're quilting, embroidery stitching, or piecing, WonderFil offers stunning results every time.
Many quilters have their go-to Glide thread colors, and while some have an equivalent in WonderFil’s lineup, others do not. That’s why I will continue to offer both brands—so you can choose the perfect thread for every project.
Explore our WonderFil Thread Collection today and stitch with a piece of Canadian quilting heritage!
Visit Lori’s Quilting Shop to explore a wide selection of high-quality threads and find the perfect match for your next masterpiece.