Hi Jan -

Like machine needles, you need to match your thread to what you're doing. For general sewing (bags, clothes, piecing), I'm happy with Gutermann general purpose thread. I've been using it for decades with very good results and I get it from Joann's. It's a polyester thread and stands up to a lot. If I were hand sewing a chalk bag, I might use the Gutermann or I might look for a carpet thread, which is much heavier and stronger. It really depends on what the repair is like.

For piecing, as I said I like the Gutermann. I also like cotton threads like Superior's Masterpiece and Connecting Threads cotton thread. These are both available online if you are into that at all.

For quilting, I use all kinds of threads, depending on the effect I want. My go-to quilting thread is FilTec's Glide. It's a 40wt polyester thread and quilts like butter. I've never had problems with tension or breakage with this thread, no matter how lazy I am about my settings. I like Superior's threads, but I have to be much more careful about my tension, etc with them. I haven't used the Magnifico much because it's fairly new, but it sounds like it's Superior's answer to Glide so it might be as nice. When doing a tight background fill, I want a thinner thread and generally go to a 100wt silk like FilTec's Allure, Superior's Kimono or YLI's 100wt silk (I don't think it has a special name). I've found all 3 of these threads to handle the rigors of quilting very well and I just pick which to use based on the colors since all of the colors are different. A lot of people also like Wonderfil's Invisafil for background quilting. This is a very lightweight polyester (I believe) thread. I tried this with my new machine but it just kept breaking no matter what needle/tension combination I tried, so I had to go back to the silk thread for that project.

I could go on and on. There are just so many wonderful threads out there! I suggest you try different threads for the different purposes and see which works best for you. I've used Coates & Clark for some projects with good results, so I wouldn't limit myself if I were you. I avoided Sulky threads for a long time because I'd heard rumors that it was a bad thread, but I saw a lot of quilters using it so I got some of that, too, and have had good results with that, too.

As with all things sewing/quilting, sometimes you're results just depend on the machine/operator combination so get suggestions from others, then try things for yourself and come up with your own favorites.

Good luck!

Unfortunately none of those threads are availble at Joann's. But I can go to the store where I bought my machine. I know they'll have Floriani. And Mettler probably. My last post here was about trying to get my machine fixed. Thread was breaking and my push button thread cutter broke. After keeping my machine for almost two months the option was given to fix it for 4-500$. I paid the shipping and got the machine back untouched. That's so much I'll be glad to cut the threads with a scissors. Anyway I'm glad it still works. I bought it used in 2005. It's an embroidery machine, but I just want to quilt and sew with it. Thanks for the thread advice.

If you go to the 'search shows' tab, click on the heading for 'sorting by artist' and look thru those with Bob Purcell, from Superior Threads, you will find some very useful information. I received a DVD from them when I joined one of the clubs they have. It is about $3 to purchase it and well worth every penny. However, I think that viewing the different visits he's done on the shows will give you some ideas about thread issues.
Yes, thread does get old. Yes, each machine can get an 'attitude' about what it likes or not. Not too long ago I tried everything and couldn't get satisfactory results with everything 'just like I've always done it'! I was frustrated, so I took a day away. When I came back, I changed everything as though I was just getting started. The needle got replaced, I rethreaded from the spool. I even wound a new bobbin. I'm not sure what the issue was, maybe I just needed the time away!! Things worked fine after that.
Maybe it was too hot and humid?? LOL
I have used many of the Superior threads with great results. I've longarm quilted and pieced with Signature brand and liked my results. I recently got some Isacord, Florianni, and Aurifil and they are all giving me what I like.
Remember that what you sew thru can have a great impact on your threads ability to stay strong. The more abrasion it gets, the shorter its life span.
Hope this was helpful.
Luann

I like superior thread--King Tut and masterpiece. I have Floriani Thread--bought a 100 pack of embroidery thread when I went to a 2 day workshop. It works well also-- I use it for embroidery and satin stitch or blanket stitch applique. When I had trouble with thread breaking ( invisible nylon), I tried everything to remedy it-- changed needle sizes, changed tension for both bobbin and top. It kept breaking. Finally took it in to Bernina dealer; they polished the head and now no breakage at all. I also now use Superior poly instead of nylon mono-- it can handle higher heat and is just nicer.

I am due to buy some new black thread. I have used poly,silk and rayon. The poly seemed to hold up best over time. I had thread that kept breaking and it was rayon. I think the silk was too thin and broke too.( I was hand sewing a new tube at the top of a very chalky chalk bag I made my rock climbing son. I made the bag out of old army fatigues. The old elastic cord broke, so I used paracord. but it was hard to sew through the chalky fabric and even through the black cloth I was repairing it with). But I have a lot of thread that's over 10 years old. The Mettler poly that came in a rainbow of colors when I bought my machine still seems to be doing ok. Some brands were not recommended by my sewing shop (coats and clark).