Thread Collection

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?

I usually buy thread to go with a project I’m working on.  From time to time I’ll buy some variegated or metallic threads to add to my collection, just because.

Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?

No.  When doing hand appliqué or mending I like the thread to match.  When piecing I try to use a neutral.  For machine quilting I’m just starting to experiment with varied coloured threads.  I have done some thread painting as well.

Do you ever use contrasting thread?

Yes.  See above.  I think my free motion quilting isn’t good enough for bold contrast but heck it’s fun and in the end I don’t think anyone is going to look all that closely.

Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?

Not always.  I have used different colours when free motion quilting and I haven’t found dots showing through to be much of a problem.  Lots of times I will go with whatever is already wound on a bobbin that sort of matches.

What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?

I have done free motion on all parts of the quilt with one colour at times and at other times I have used different coloured threads for different sections.

Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?

I am really a beginner in the quilting area so I don’t have tons of advice.  Using the right size needle for the thread is important.  I also find that using different types of needles – e.g. metallic, embroidery – helps prevent breakage.  I always try to experiment with different threads as I want to learn as much as possible.  I love the look of rayon threads for embroidery.  Metallic's can be frustrating to use because the metal wrap strips off the inner thread core easily.  I love Aurifil for piecing as it doesn’t make as much lint and it is very strong but thin.  I recently did a project that used elastic thread for shirring.  It does a fantastic job!  And is easy to use.

Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?

Yes.  I have a disgusting amount of thread.

Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?

Yes absolutely.  Especially specialty threads.

Do you “invest” in thread?

Anything I buy and don’t use up immediately is an investment in my mind.  I love to have different colours and types of thread to choose from.  I don’t live close to a store (one hour drive each way) so it isn’t likely I’m going to run to the store for thread if I don’t have something on hand.

What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)

Oh a little bit of everything…. Let me show you pictures.

These are cottons that I use mostly for piecing.  You can see I have a few Aurifils.  They’re the ones with the orange spools.

  This is a box of polyester or poly/cotton threads.  I do a lot of clothes sewing and mending so use these regularly.

This bag hold my collection of metallic and rayon threads.  I think I need a bigger bag!

These are mostly threads I use for hand appliqué.  The grey spools are Presensia brand.  They are a bit thick for my liking, but my LQS has them in a huge variety of colours and the price is right.

These are my variegated threads.  I’d love this collection to be much larger.

Here are my perle cottons and embroidery threads.  I do cross stitch and embroidery both.  The bags in the back are a big collection I was given by my SIL.  She and my brother used to do a lot of cross stitch.  Now they play on computers instead.

These are miscellaneous threads – there are some really heavy threads for sewing canvas or upholstery fabrics.  Some rolls of thread that surveyors use – I was given a box of them.  They are quite thin but good for basting.  You can see a roll of invisible shrinking thread on top.  I was going to take a class using this but was sick and couldn’t attend.  I haven’t tried using the thread yet.

Last but not least, this is a collection of silk threads that I inherited from my MIL.  As you can see by the spools some of them are very old.  Note the tiny spool in the centre.  It’s a little wood spool.  I’m not sure if I’ll ever use these.  I haven’t experimented with them.

And that’s it for my thread expose.  I look forward to seeing what others have to share.