Colored thread for hand quilting vs. linen colored....

Comment

Comment by Pam/NY on February 18, 2013 at 7:03pm

Me too Barb!!

Comment by Barb/WI on February 18, 2013 at 5:51pm

I just have to say thanks, Pam.  I learn so much from reading posts like this.  Hope you enjoy playing with some color with the thread, then go with what you love.

Comment by Pam/NY on February 18, 2013 at 12:02pm

Thanks ladies for the input...think the next quilt, I'll use some color!

Comment by Carol Ann Hinton on February 18, 2013 at 9:32am

I have used both white & colored threads for all the same reasons others have mentioned here.  When I was practicing to be more consistent in stitch length, I quilted some small white whole cloth blocks in various colors so I could see the stitches clearly, and really liked them when they were finished.  I'm thinking of putting them together in a small wall hanging.  I don't know what judges think about thread color, but if you are trying to reproduce a vintage look, I would lean toward the common off-white.

Comment by Barbara Graham on February 18, 2013 at 9:07am

I love to use all colors of thread. I have scribed for judges and never had one complain about the colors--or even the stitch length--the real key is consistent. I do find when I quilt with white on white, it's hard for me to see exactly what I'm doing and I tend to get lazy. I am currently quilting a white on white wallhanging and wish I had picked a colored thread. When it's finished and hanging, it will look like a white box on my wall.

But, if you want to match the vintage--I would guess white was all the handquilting thread came in, but don't know much about the history of thread. If you are really curious, maybe contact a museum, like in Nebraska and ask when colored quilting threads became available.

Comment by Cat Lady--MO on February 18, 2013 at 9:06am

I also use colored threads when I hand quilt as well as when I machine quilt.  Sometimes all I want is for the quilting to add depth or texture to enhance the piecing, so I will use a thread color that blends. Other times I want the quilting to stand out, and then I will use a contrasting thread color.

I have seen many older quilts that use threads that blend, especially some of the older Amish quilts.

Comment by handstitcher/IL on February 18, 2013 at 9:02am

For me, it depends on the project. If I'm quilting an antique or vintage top, I typically use linen colored thread, while I use colored thread on many of the tops that I've sewn. I'm debating the same issue for a top I finished of vintage blocks from the 30s. The sashing is darker green that will really show light stitches. I'm thinking of going with the matching thread so the quilting stitches will be less distracting, but since I've already basted the quilt with a light backing, I know I won't like the look of the colored thread on the back. Bottom line -- your quilt, your rules, so whatever choice you make will be right for you.

Comment by Pam/NY on February 18, 2013 at 8:53am

Yes, I saw it...I had it made locally...but will keep you in mind next time.

Comment by Janet/MO on February 18, 2013 at 8:39am

Pam, I use colored threads a lot for my hand quilting.  I really don't know what the judges at shows would say, but some times I just think it looks better.  Plus it kind of hides any flaws you might have with your stitch length, etc.  If I have a quilt made of several different colors, I will use several different colors of threads on it.  I have always maintained the thought that our quilting ancestors would have used colored threads if they had been readily available at that time so I would say go for it. 

By the way, did you see my "apology" on your page the other day?  I have got to get in the habit of reading messages posted to my page!