Quilt in a Day Forums

All the "old time" hand quilting I've seen has always been done with white or off-white thread, but I see there are lots of different colours on the market now days.

Is white/cream the "traditional colour" preferred by most quilters, or is it up to the person stitching? I have a colorful floral quilt that I would like to hand quilt in the future, but should I use a white or cream color or go with one of the colours in the fabric ... like a sage green or rose color?


Judy

I would think whatever looks pretty. Maybe audition some threads and see what compliments the quilt top.

I use ecru and gray-one on top and one in the bobbin, Amie

Judy Woo - there are no quilt police - use whatever thread blows your skirt up! Have fun.

If you want the quilting to really stand out, use color. I always match the backing for the bobbin thread.

Suz

This is just for hand quilting ... no bobbins involved.

Also, my grandmother never had quilting thread for her hand stitching and I'm assuming used two strands of regular thread. Anyone know what they were using 40 or 50 years ago?

Judy I think its up to you the quilter if you would rather match or have it stand out. 40 or 50 years ago they had waxed thread or you would run your thread over was to strengthen it.(acording to my gandma)

Evie's idea of auditioning thread to see what you like best is a great idea. I asked my Mom what they used 50-60 yrs ago as for thread and she said 1 strand of basic sewing thread. Like Carin said, they would run their thread through a wax to strengthen it. What did you decide for your quilt? It is up to you as to how you want it to look. NO Quilt Police. LOL

I spent all evening tonight trying different colors and this is the only thing I'm happy with. I hope it doesn't sound crazy, but on the pieces that are primarily green, I'm going to use green thread. On pieces that have a lot of pink and rose colored flowers, I'll use a deep pink ... and on pieces with a lot of white or a white background, I'll use white.

I thought about trying invisible thread, but didn't because I remember someone here tried hand sewing with it and said she couldn't see it well enough. I'm having enough trouble threading a #12 needle without that.

Judy

I really like using the verigated threads for hand and machine quilting. I like the quilting to be noticable, even when it's not perfect.