From what I've read on spool ends weight and strands are not always indicated. Weight and # of strands can be checked at the manufacturers websites.
Head over to Superior Threads http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/
The link is directly to their education topics that cover basically everything needed to know about thread.

In the meantime, thread weight and # of strands matter for a few reasons:
1) this will indicate the size needle appropriate to the thread or if it should be used in the bobbin only
2) this will indicate whether the thread will be more in the background (fine thread) or on top of the quilt (heavy thread)

Thread weight:
a) the lower the number the heavier the thread - the higher the number the finer the thread
b) a 60 wt/ 2 ply polyester or cotton is a fine thread and will head toward the background of a quilt
c) a 30 wt/ 3 ply cotton is quite heavy and will sit more on top of the quilt and really be the focus
d) a 50 wt/ 3 ply cotton is much heavier than a 50 wt/ 2 ply cotton as there is literally 100% more thread, it will feel heavier in your hand

Needle size:
1) The lower the number the finer the needle - the higher the number the larger the needle
2) there are often 2 numbers on needles the first is the American size; the second is the European size
3) with a fine thread use a lower number needle; with a heavier thread use a higher number needle

NOTE: needle and thread size run in opposite directions

Happy quilting!
Teri

I am not sure how many people come to this forum but I have a question about thread weight. This is new to me since being on this site and I have checked a lot of my threads and they do not indicate what they are or I don't understand what is written. To begin with I always used guiterman now I also use rasant and signature and I have one aurifil which i love but can't afford not to use the supplies I have as thread is not cheap. Can anyone help with and explanation of thread weight and why it is important. Thanks

I'd almost say yes that there is an advantage to using invisible thread, however one thing you won't be able to see is where your tension is off and how long your stitches are.
Quilting with invisible thread can have an advantage of showing where your tension is off if a different color is being used in the bobbin.
What I'd seriously suggest is that you get some muslin, thread that you'd like to use in the quilt and the batting (if you have leftover blocks that you can piece together that would be better), drop your feed dogs and play for a while.
Its always better to try and learn good habits from the beginning.

Teri

I am wondering if there's an upside to using less visible thread since I am a beginner, so that it will be kind to my mistakes. Like monopoly or a color blend. Any opinions? Jan