The lower the number, the thicker the thread

The lower the number, the thicker the thread Patchwork & Quilting Tips
The lower the number, the thicker the thread

Today's Tuesday tip is a reminder about thread weights – the lower the number, the thicker the thread! 

Not sure what weight to choose? Here are some suggestions for the most common weights : 

  • 40 is best used for quilting – it gives a nicely defined quilting line and is strong enough for hand quilting as well as machine. 
  • 50 is a good medium weight for both piecing and machine quilting – it's our go-to thread! 
  • 60 is a fine thread ideal for heirloom sewing and English Paper Piecing if you find your stitches too visible with a thicker thread; when used for machine quilting in a blending colour, it can give an effect that looks similar to hand quilting.

What's your preference in thread weight? 

Threads shown are Mettler Silk-finish 100% Cotton. Fabric is from the Wiltshire Shadow range from Liberty Fabrics.