A sharp seam ripper is the best tool. They get dull from usage, so if you are going to be doing a lot of unquilting, get a new one!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

Is there an easy way to remove the unwanted quilting? I like my thread but have rethought my approach and need to remove more than I want to...

Jean in Windsor, ON

I usually make a very small test "quilt" on which I try all kinds of things along the way of my finished quilt. I've found that a good place to try the thread before putting it on the finished quilt, testing the stitch lengths, looking at fabrics together, trying techniques for applique, and on and on. Don't know what I'd do without my little test quilt. You might want to try this method. I do think it would be nice to see ANYTHING Alex can add to our overall knowledge of quilting...thread is a good idea for a topic.

If you ask 10 quilters what thread to use on a piece you are most likely to get 10 different answers. It's a very personal choice.

Lorchen

Congratulations for moving along the learning curve. You are simply evolving as an artist. Don't you love quilting?!

Dot,
One of my favorite sayings these days is, "a seam ripper is a quilters best friend." Partly because sometimes I've started quilting with one thread and just see it's not working.
When I choose thread for a project I go through a process that includes:
looking at the fabrics and thinking about the colors
how busy are the fabrics
what do I have in mind for the quilting
will there be a lot of quilting or a little quilting
will the fabric itself be the focus of the quilt or will the thread

most of these questions are if this then...what questions.

When I choose thread I will take the quilt to the shop with me and if I can open up the thread spool and lay the thread on the quilt to see if the thread will work. Every once in a while the thread looks good in the shop but not on the quilt and most of that has to do with the density of quilting and color changes in the thread if I'm using variegated thread.

Teri

I have just realized the thread I used to quilt my last project adds nothing to the design and takes away from the beautiful Asian fabric in the quilt. I took out a small piece of the quilting and replaced it with invisible/clear thread and I am so surprised at the difference. I think I am back to square one....Has anyone else made such a discovery? I would like to see recommendations/suggestions for quilting thread as one of Alex's classroom topics...Dot :