Amount Of Thread Needed To Make a quilt (chart)
by Kelsi Watts: The quilting fabric chart below represents the average amount of thread needed to make a good quality quilt.
| Quilt Size | Light Quilting | Heavy Quilting |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Size | 400 yds. | 1,200 yds. |
| Queen Size | 600 yds. | 1,600 yds. |
| King Size | 750 yds. | 2,000 yds. |
Sewing thread size, fabric and needle chart
This sewing thread size chart quickly suggests the best thread size to use with different fabric weights. It also suggests the best needle size to use with the thread.
| Thread Weight(Size) | Fabric Type | Needle Size |
|---|---|---|
| 80-50 wt. | Light Fabric | 60/8, 65/9, 70/10, 75/11 |
| 50-40 wt. | Medium Fabric | 75/11, 80/12, 90/14 |
| 40-20 wt. | Heavy Fabric | 100/16, 110/18, 120/19 |
When to use cone thread
The term 'cone thread' simply means a larger spool holding more thread than your average spool of thread. It's called cone thread because of the shape of the spool which is cone-shaped (wider on one end).
The two main benefits of cone thread are a) the ease with which the thread comes off the narrow end of the cone and b) how much additional thread it contains for larger sewing projects.
Cone thread use on your sewing machine
Cone thread as it's most often referred to is just regular sewing thread on a larger spool. You can use 'cone thread' on your home sewing machine though it's likely you will first need to add an attachment to make it work properly.
Cones of thread are larger than regular spools of thread and may not fit on your standard spool holder.
Using all-purpose thread while quilting
All-purpose and quilting specific threads are both safe choices for hand quilting. If you want to stick with all-purpose thread for your quilting project make sure it's appropriately sized. Thin all-purpose thread will work well for applique heavy quilts, otherwise a medium thread should do the job nicely.
Spotting a good quality sewing thread
Sewing machines require good quality sewing thread to work optimally. You can spot good quality thread by giving it a good pull and by lightly scratching at it with a fingernail.
If the thread breaks or frays you may want to use a higher quality thread with your sewing machine to avoid frustrating thread breaks.
Special sewing thread is rarely needed
When sewing stretchy or heavy fabric it's best to use a thread of the same material type, when possible. Otherwise, Polyester thread works well with most fabric and special sewing machine thread is typically not needed.
Strong thread is called heavy duty thread
Outside of industrial applications the strongest thread available for use in home sewing projects is called heavy duty thread. Modern heavy duty thread most often has a core made of a strong material wrapped in a more traditional thread material. Heavy duty thread is ideal for use with embroidery sewing projects.
The best thread type for your sewing machine
Polyester thread is best to use for sewing synthetic fabric on your sewing machine. This is because Polyester can stretch a small amount making it more forgiving than cotton. Also, Polyester thread is less likely to shrink when compared with cotton thread. For natural fabric, cotton thread with a Polyester core works extremely well.
How to spot good bobbin thread
Good bobbin thread is as strong as any sewing machine top thread. Go ahead and compare their tensile strength by seeing how easily they break. Pull the bobbin thread tight and scratch it lightly to see if it frays. Good bobbin thread should not be any more breakable than standard high quality thread.
