Threads and Needles for Free Motion Quilting

Every quilter needs to know how to quilt their quilt. Whether they free motion quilt it or prefer to do walking foot quilting, they need to know what threads and needles to use when quilting.
I recently had a discussion with Allison Spence of Meadow Rose Quilts (Handi Quilter national educator and Superior Threads’ certified educator) about the type of needles and threads that work best when free motion quilting. There are different weights and compositions of thread and some work better than others when doing this type of quilting. Once you’ve chosen your thread, then you have to match it with an appropriate needle.
For more information on free motion quilting, join The Quilter's Way at thequiltersway.com.
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[@beanixdorf6977]

I’m so glad this video is still here. I had no clue about needles and thread sizes and composition. Thank you, I’m hoping to quilt better and without breaking/shredding my thread so quickly.

[@heatherclark1683]

I learned so much today from watching the video, especially how to stop my threads from shredding and breaking. Thank you very much.

[@suzannewiersema-menard7394]

I appreciate that you present lots of excellent information succinctly.

[@cindyerhard9335]

Great information. I learned a lot. Thank you ladies.

[@daisymarrero6738]

Thank you for your excellent presentation. Very easy to understand . You just answer my question.

[@insidethepicketfence7445]

Wow, I am 60 plus years old and I never knew there was a groove in a sewing needle. Boy am I dumb!! I thought it only had an eye! 😳 I have been sewing for years, even took sewing in home economics! Haha! I must have been daydreaming in class when the teacher told us this back when I was a teenager! I guess it's true, your never too old to learn new tricks, or about sewing needles! LOL

[@Chatterboxquilts]

We can always learn new things - and I am, every day!

[@bettybogda4819]

Very informative. Just what I wanted to know. Thank you!

[@StellasScrappyCrafts]

thank you. very informative .. from Brisbane Australia

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Thank you for the great information.

[@dianeroy1378]

Wonderful information and well presentation! Thank you

[@HunterDeuling]

Another fantastic video. Excellent information

[@doreensherk287]

Good information

[@sirfloyd1]

Sew much info great

[@InTheGardenandTheBlessings]

Someplace over the years I heard to only quilt with Cotton that the polyester will cause the quilt to breakdown and cut into the fabric or something like that over time and ruin the quilt?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

No, that shouldn't happen. That was an urban legend that used to be circulating. Today's polyester thread works just as well as cotton. I've never had any issues with it.

[@darleneappleman3911]

Ive got cotton thread

[@seniorLu48]

Very good and well presented, I'm just getting to put my hands into this wonderful hobby, dose the needle and thread selection also apply to free motion embroidery? If not, what are good choices?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

This might be a bit different for free motion embroidery as I think that most people would use polyester or rayon threads. You do match your needle size to the thread weight, although you might want to use an embroidery needle in your machine for that technique. I don't do this myself so you might want to check with sites that focus on this such as www.threadsketchinginaction.com/resources/tutorials-getting-started/setting-up-your-machine-for-free-motion-stitching/.

[@SandDrift1]

Thank you for your informative videos. I have recently purchased a Janome 9450 and am still getting to know it. On the subject of threads, what type of thread do you recommend for the bobbin when using decorative threads such as metallic, rayon, or holographic on the top? I write to you from the UK.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I usually use a lighter weight polyester thread - a 60 wt or thinner. I like to use Wonderful Deco Bob or similar threads.

[@helenmigliacci4710]

Hi. Where can I purchase a top stitching round shank needle? To use for free motion on my Singer Industrial machine. Thanks so much.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I haven't needed these so my best suggestion it that you search online for these or contact a Singer dealer who may be able to help you.

[@terrirandolph6004]

You said 12 weight thread, I think you meant size 12 needle, but what weight of thread was that on you pink cloth sample?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Hi Terri: I'm not sure what thread size Allison used, but she did use a 12 wt. thread for the third example in from the right side of the fabric. She was using a variety of thread weights on this sample, so sorry I can't give you exact details.

[@bella-bee]

I’ve tried quilting needles for my quilting, but it’s still shredding. Are universals different, and why wouldn’t a quilting needle be appropriate? Grump. I’m getting so fed up with this problem.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I don't use universal needles for quilting - I never have for either piecing or free motion quilting. I prefer the top stitch needles as they seem to work better than any others I've tried. If you are having problems with shredding, it can often be that you are using the wrong needle size for the thread size. Most needle manufacturers have a table that shows you what needle size is appropriate for what thread size so this is very helpful.