To find perfect thread for your projects make your thread choices based on the most important characteristics of thread:

Thread Strength

Thread should be weaker than the fabric. If you use threads that are too strong for your fabric, they may cut into it and weaken the fibers. Moreover, when items are used and loved (no matter what we are talking about here: garments, quilts, toys, etc.) they experience a lot and at some point stressed fabric or seam may tear apart. When the fabric is weaker than the thread of the seam, it tears first which is bad because a hole in a fabric is more difficult to mend than an unraveled seam.

Thread Weight

Choose thread weight depending on your project. Try to use the finest thread that will go along with your sewing project (remember, that it still should be strong to hold the seams together throughout the whole life of the item). Generally 50wt cotton sewing thread is used for traditional piecing. You may use even finer threads while piecing your quilt blocks in the hoop of your embroidery machine or for traditional foundation paper piecing.

Thread Fibers

Thread you are going to sew your projects or quilt with may be made of different fibers than the fabric. Using cotton thread for piecing and quilting is a part of tradition, but you can use polyester (or other type) thread as well. If you are worried that polyester thread may damage your quilt fabric, please check this article.

Bottom Line:

Strength of thread is the most important: thread should be weaker than the fabric. Thread weight depends on the project. Thread may be made of different fibers than the fabric. Some projects may traditionally require using certain types of threads. Make your thread choices based on quality and appearance of the thread.

A couple of tips:

1. If buying online, read the comment section, there may be useful information regarding quality of threads.
2. Even quality threads may behave bad if they were stored incorrectly. If you experience lots of breakage with your new expensive threads, contact the seller and demand replacement.

Hope this was helpful.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Jo