When selecting the best thread and needle size for your project it’s best to consult your machine’s manual first. If you do not have a manual, check YouTube. YouTube has many sewing machine manuals for the vast brands and models.
Today, I will be referring to only needles and threads used for Piecework Quilting and Longarm Quilting.
NOTE: Thread weight (wt) gets heavier as the wt. number gets smaller. Example, 40 (wt) thread is heavier than 50 (wt) thread. Needle numbering gets larger as slot size gets bigger. Example, a 80/12 needle slot is smaller than 100/16 needle slot.
Piece Work Quilting: (Sewing Quilt Top Pieces Together)
Thread – When quilting piecework, I use 50 (wt) lighter thread. My favorite brands are Mettler and Gutermann cotton with a silk finish or a polyester. There are several brands of thread on the market. Choose a thread that you cannot break easily when you pull the thread using your hands.
Needles – When using 50 (WT) thread for piece work, I use the Schmetz 80/12 or the 90/14 depending on the type of fabric. For tightly woven batiks I use Schmetz 80/12 and for regular cotton fabrics I use Schmetz either 80/12 or 90/14. If you are using the Schmetz Universal Needle and you are experiencing skipped stitches try the Schmetz brand Quilting Needle.
Longarm Quilting: (Sewing the Quilt Top, Batting & Backing Together)
Thread – When Longarm quilting I use 40 (wt) heavier thread. My favorite is Omni/Superior or Madera. There are several brands of thread on the market. I use the polyester thread for longarm stitching. Polyester 40 (wt) thread has a higher tensile strength that allows high speed stitching with reduced thread breakage. Other benefits are, polyester thread does not shrink and is almost lint free reducing the cleaning in the bobbin area.
Needles – When using 40 (WT) thread for Longarm Quilting, I use the Schmetz 90/14 or the 100/16 depending on the type of fabric. For tightly woven batiks I use Schmetz 80/14 and for regular cotton fabrics I use Schmetz 100/16. If you are using the Universal Needle and you are experiencing skipped stitches or breakage try using a needle specifically for Quilting, Top Stitching or the Jeans Gold needle. These needles are sharp and are made for sewing multiple layers of fabric.
NOTE: When Binding quilts, I use the Schmetz Quilting, Top Stitch or Schmetz Jeans Gold needle to stitch the many layers of fabric.
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