Thread for Longarm Quilting

When starting your longarm quilting journey, it pays dividends to use quality threads. A 40 wt. thread is the standard quilting weight thread because it's visible when stitched and heavy (thick) enough that the thread's diameter correlates with adequate tensile strength (resistance to breaking). Longarm machines put more tension on the top thread than home sewing machines, so using a strong, high-quality thread will do wonders for reducing stress (on the thread and on you) and frustration.

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Low-lint threads produce minimal lint but not zero, while lint-free threads produce absolutely no lint. Low-lint threads include cotton threads like Majestic and Machine Quilting Thread (extra-long staple cotton that's mercerized and gassed) and poly-wrapped threads like QuiltMaker. These create far less lint than budget, low-quality, or short-staple threads, but you'll still need to clean your machine periodically. Lint-free threads like Perfection, Precision, Elite, and Variations are made from continuous filament polyester, which means there are no short fibers or fuzz to shed. Many longarm quilters use cotton and polyester threads, as both have excellent uses. As long as you use high-quality threads and regularly maintain your machine, don't fret about lint.

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You can absolutely mix cotton and polyester threads in the same quilt, and many longarm quilters do this strategically based on the desired effect. There's no rule requiring you to match fiber types throughout a project. For example, you might use cotton Majestic thread for decorative motifs where you want a natural matte finish, then switch to polyester Elite for areas where you want high sheen and bold reflection. Or use lint-free Perfection for background fills to minimize lint, then switch to QuiltMaker for a matte-finish visible outline stitch. We recommend checking and adjusting your machine's tension when switching between thread types and weights.

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M-style prewound bobbins are the standard for most longarm machines. They hold significantly more thread than self-wound bobbins and provide consistent, factory-wound tension from start to finish. Precision prewound bobbins (60 wt. lint-free polyester) are popular among longarm quilters because they stay hidden on the quilt back while keeping your machine clean. Dream Seam prewound bobbins (50 wt. cotton) are excellent when you want cotton throughout your quilt. The time savings add up quickly: less stopping to wind bobbins means more quilting on customer quilts or your own projects.

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Thread breakage usually comes down to needle, tension, or thread quality. First, use a fresh Topstitch needle sized for your thread weight (#90/14 for 40 wt., #80/12 for 50 wt.). The larger eye and deeper groove protect thread better than Universal needles. Second, loosen your top tension slightly, especially with polyester threads. Third, use a thread stand for large cones to ensure smooth thread delivery. Fourth, check your thread path for burrs, rough spots, or lint buildup. Longarm quilters who switched to our threads often report dramatic reductions in breakage.

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