Can You Use Quilting Thread for Regular Sewing? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
If you’ve ever wondered whether quilting thread can be used for regular sewing, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, especially for new quilters. The short answer? Generally, no - and I’ve got nine reasons why. Let’s have a look at the reasons:
1. Precision Matters
Quilting thread is often thicker than regular sewing thread - typically 30 or 40 weight, compared to the standard 50 weight of piecing/normal sewing thread. This extra thickness can impact the accuracy of your seams, especially in intricate piecing, where precision is crucial. Over an entire quilt, this difference adds up, potentially distorting your pattern.
2. Increased Machine Tension
Because quilting thread is thicker, it creates more tension on your sewing machine. This can lead to uneven stitches, skipped stitches, or frustrating tension issues - none of which are helpful when trying to piece a beautiful quilt top!
3. Needle Compatibility
Thicker thread requires a larger needle, but quilting cotton doesn’t always need one. If your needle is too large for your fabric, you risk puckering, large holes, or fabric distortion. Using the right needle and thread combo is essential for smooth stitching.
4. Visible Stitches (When You Don’t Want Them!)
Quilting thread is designed to be seen on top of a quilt, creating beautiful, visible stitches. But when you’re piecing or doing regular sewing, you generally want your stitches to blend in. Using quilting thread means your seams may stand out more than you’d like.
5. Bobbin Hassle
Thicker thread takes up more space on the bobbin, meaning you’ll need to stop and refill it more often. If you’ve ever been deep in the flow of sewing only to have your bobbin run out, you know how annoying this can be!
6. Machine Tension Adjustments
Quilting thread may require different tension settings, which isn’t ideal if you’re switching between quilting and regular sewing. If your tension isn’t adjusted correctly, your stitches may be too loose or too tight, leading to a less-than-perfect finish.
7. Wear and Tear on Your Machine
Because quilting thread is thicker, it can cause more wear on your machine’s tension discs and thread guides over time. This means more maintenance and potentially more trips to your local sewing machine technician - not ideal, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
8. Fabric Distortion
Thicker thread can slightly distort lightweight or delicate fabrics, like cotton lawn or silk. If you’re sewing with finer materials, using quilting thread could affect the overall look and structure of your project.
9. It’s Just Not Designed for Piecing!
At the end of the day, quilting thread is meant for quilting, not for piecing or general sewing. Regular sewing thread is designed to work best for piecing, garment construction, and other standard sewing projects, so stick with it!
The Bottom Line
If you’re working on a quilt top, garment, or any sewing project that requires precision, stick with regular sewing thread. Quilting thread is fantastic for topstitching and quilting, but it’s not the best choice for piecing or everyday sewing.
I hope this helps.
Kim
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