I love Superior thread. I think they have the finest metallics out there and I've tried them all, believe me. I have sewn for hours with their metallics without a thread split or any problems. Metler is a nice quality thread and I have often used it for fashion sewing, but I think Superior is better, especially for piecing and quilting. I also like YLI silk threads for applique work and Gutermann for fashion sewing. I often use Isacord for embroidery applications and it works nicely. If I need the sheen of rayon, I will use Sulky, but it tends to split and break sometimes.

I LOVE Superior threads (and have the most experience with King Tut and Bottom Line). I also love Aurafill and use it exclusively for piecing. I use Isacord for machine embroidery and some thread painting.

If you want to find out about Mettler threads here in the UK, contact Dawn Cameron-Dick. She has a website and I'm sure she'll answer any questions you have got.

For ease of stocking a shop and for quality, you can't really do better than the whole range of Superior threads (in my opinion). Also remember, that the Superior thread people offer a superb service of advice, charts, etc. via their website. I don't think any other thread company can compete with that.

It might also be an idea to catch the odd workshop with teachers who have a lot of experience in using a variety of threads and include their expertise in their workshops - Philippa Naylor comes to mind.

Finally: After looking at all sorts of makes of threads and colours, the last three bed quilts I made all ended up being quilted with Superior's King Tut.

Mettler is ok. Superior and Aurifil are excellent. YLI silk rocks. I like a lot of the other YLI thread.
Teri

Superior Threads. No one has yet mentioned So Fine. I use it for piecing, and for quilting. My Tin Lizzie especially likes it both on top and in the bobbin with most any other thread on top.

I love SUPERIOR threads! I love their products and I especially appreciate their effort to educate people about thread. There is great info on their web site, and if you ever get a chance to attend one of Dr. Bob's thread lectures, it is time well spent!!! It's NOT an infomercial about Superior threads, but is a truly educational experience about thread in general. Try it! You'll like it!!

http://www.superiorthreads.com/

Thanks for all your input! really useful to hear what everybody thinks; there are so many different threads on the market now...

I have been using PRECENTIA 60/3 ply for piecing.

My store carries Metler and I do like it for many tasks...I like the 60wt silk finish for hand applique as SILK threads tangle tooo much and limited colors.

Love the Superior brands... Depends on what you plan to do with the threads....

Love KING TUT for machine quilting.. it is thicker so you can really see it. I have not tried BOTTOM LINE but my quilter swears by it.

To be honest for machine quilting I use what is the right color... even OH NO... COATS and Clarks... I had used it for thirty years on my old sewing machines.

Have not tried YLI

Superior Threads really live up to their name no matter what type of thread you are planning to use and you can't beat the customer service from the company. I use to think Mettler was a great thread until I was educated that to get the satin finish, the process used is to singe/burn the fuzzy fibers off the thread! I like Aurafil too. It quilts just as nice as Superior's Masterpiece thread.

I love the Maderia metallics. I use quite a bit of the FS ones because they can take heat so good for burning away techniques.

YLI Silk is lovely.

I think I have just about all the King Tutt's and use the bottom line and masterpiece in white, grey and black for general work.

The one kind of thread I just cant resist buying are hand dyed for hand sewing.

We like Aurifil too - seems to suit our machines, thank you Karen!

I really love Aurifil thread. Not too much experience with Mettler. The one time I tried the variegated did not like it at all nor did my machine.

Hello everybody - as we are opening a quilting shop here in the UK, we are now thinking about which type of thread we should stock. Has anybody any experience of Mettler threads, or which threads do you prefer to use? I really appreciate any input, thank you.

http://www.cupcakecottons.co.uk
http://www.cupcakecottons.com