Do I have to use 100% cotton thread for peicing my tops?

I can't get my tension adjusted for 100% cotton, yet when I use cotton covered polyster I have no problems.

Carol

My opinion is NO, you do not have to use cotton thread to piece your quilt. The theory was that the polyester would cut the cotton threads with wear, but seems to be false. With the cotton covering on the thread, that should solve that problem anyway. I do use cotton quilting thread to hand quilt because it is stronger and doesn't tangle as much, but I do not think that is a law either. If your machine won't use the cotton thread, that rules out that option anyway. We have to be able to piece to keep our sanity, don't we??? :D

AMEN, SISTER!!!!!

:P

Heavens no. I prefer cotton threads for most things, but you can use anything you like. Don't get caught up in the rules established by the "quilt police"... your hobby should be fun and you should do it however you enjoy doing it!

Carol,

My sewing mechanics say that you shouldn't really use cotton thread unless you have to , for it causes lots of lint damage to your machine. I've not had good luck with common thread like Coats & Clark - they broke too often.

The cotton thread for cotton garments, my 90 year old grandma says, is a marketing recommendation. She and I both use and recommend poylester - Gutermann or Robison Anton are the best, I've found. In the old days, dyed cotton thread would run and polyester is colorfast due to the polymers which capture the dye and hold it fast. I've made many cotton quilts and used polyester thread. The cotton thread I've used is primarily for hand quilting and so it is heavier.

L