Applique Threads

For invisible machine appliqué where you want your stitches to disappear completely, you have two excellent choices: Silk #100 or Invisible Thread (monofilament). Silk #100 is an ultra fine 100 wt. silk thread that's so fine it virtually vanishes into fabric. It's perfect for appliqué on quilts where you want the fabric shapes to shine without visible stitching. Use a Topstitch #70/10 needle and loosen your tension slightly for best results.

Silk #100 is hands-down the best thread for English Paper Piecing. Its ultra-fine weight means your hand stitches virtually disappear into the fabric, creating crisp, clean points and seamless joins that make EPP so beautiful. The fine silk glides through the fabric effortlessly, making repetitive stitching much more enjoyable and less tiring on your hands. Because it's so fine, you can take small, precise stitches that hold securely without adding bulk to your seams - crucial when you're joining lots of tiny pieces together. Silk #100 is also incredibly strong despite being ultra fine, so your EPP projects will hold together beautifully for years. The natural fiber feels wonderful to work with, and it doesn't tangle or knot.

The difference is all about the look you're going for. Invisible appliqué uses ultra fine threads like Silk #100 or monofilament Invisible Thread to make your stitches disappear. You're stitching around appliqué shapes with tiny, nearly invisible stitches so the fabric is the star of the show. This approach is perfect for traditional Baltimore Album quilts, intricate hand appliqué designs, or any time you want a subtle, refined look. Decorative appliqué, on the other hand, makes your stitching part of the design. You use heavier, high-sheen threads like 40 wt. Variations, Majestic, or Elite to stitch around appliqué shapes with a blanket stitch, satin stitch, or other decorative stitch. The contrast between the thread and fabric becomes a design element that adds dimension and visual interest. Think of raw-edge appliqué with bold blanket stitching, or folk art quilts with visible hand stitching. Both approaches are beautiful - it just depends on the style you want. Many quilters keep both types of thread on hand and choose based on each project.

For hand appliqué with Silk #100, use a [Topstitch #70/10 needle](https://ylithreads.com/collections/needles/products/70-10-titanium-coated-topstitch-needles). The large eye and deep groove protect the ultra-fine silk thread from friction while creating tiny, invisible stitches. For machine appliqué with invisible thread, the same Topstitch #70/10 works beautifully. If you're doing decorative machine appliqué with a blanket stitch or satin stitch, step up to a [Topstitch #80/12](https://ylithreads.com/collections/needles/products/80-12-titanium-coated-topstitch-needles) for 50 wt. threads or [#90/14](https://ylithreads.com/collections/needles/products/90-14-titanium-coated-topstitch-needles) for 40 wt. threads like Elite.

For most machine appliqué, Precision 60 wt. is the ideal bobbin thread. Its ultra-fine weight stays hidden on the back of your work while creating balanced stitches with your top thread. When using invisible thread for needle-turn or raw-edge appliqué, Precision in a neutral color (white, black, or gray depending on your fabric) blends into the background. If you're doing decorative appliqué and want a polished finish on both sides, you can match your bobbin thread to your top thread. Precision prewound bobbins save time and provide consistent tension throughout your project.