Our Hand Quilting Thread, a beloved choice among quilters for over two decades, has earned its reputation as the best in the market. Made from 100% Egyptian-grown extra-long staple cotton fibers and finished with a smooth glaze (coating), this 40 wt. 3-ply thread is designed specifically for hand quilting applications and techniques. The glazed finish ensures the thread effortlessly glides through fabric layers without tangling or knotting, making your quilting process more enjoyable. Available in the most popular hand quilting hues, this thread simplifies needle threading, even with small-eyed needles, allowing for a frustration-free experience.
Strength and durability are at the core of our Hand Quilting Thread’s performance. Quilters appreciate its surprising strength and pliability, making it easy to rework stitches without fraying or breaking the thread. Reviewers consistently highlight its reliability, noting that it does not tangle or shred like other brands. Whether you are a seasoned hand quilter or just starting, this thread offers the control and precision you need, and it holds up well even under the pressure of repeated needle pulls and rethreading.
Each 500-yard spool provides ample thread for your quilting projects, offering exceptional value and performance. Quilters often rave about how smooth the thread feels as it glides through the fabric, making intricate quilting designs and stitch patterns easily achievable. Whether stitching heirloom-quality quilts or smaller lap projects, our Hand Quilting Thread ensures that each stitch is as smooth and robust as the last, allowing you to focus on your artistry while the thread delivers exceptional results.
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Hand Quilting Threads - Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Why do hand quilters choose cotton thread?
Why do hand quilters choose cotton thread?
There is no rule stating you must use cotton thread with cotton fabric. However, many hand quilters choose to use a cotton thread because cotton threads and fabrics shrink and wear together, and quilts can age evenly without puckers or pulls. Cotton has a natural matte finish, adding a subtle texture to your quilt without a distracting sheen or reflection when stitched. As a bonus, the extra-long staple cotton fibers in YLI’s hand quilting thread mean you get a smooth, strong thread with very little lint. The result is consistent tension and a quilt that feels as soft and comfortable as it looks.
What does the glaze on hand quilting thread do?
What does the glaze on hand quilting thread do?
A thin wax coating, usually called glaze (you may see a thread labeled as 'glazed cotton'), is applied to the thread during finishing as a barrier for friction, a strength enhancer, and a lint-reducer. This coating helps the thread glide effortlessly through multiple layers of fabric and batting without knotting or tangling. Just keep in mind that the same coating that makes hand quilting a joy can gum up your machine, so glazed hand quilting thread should only be used for handwork.
What is the ideal thread weight for hand quilting?
What is the ideal thread weight for hand quilting?
A 40 wt. thread gives you the perfect balance of visibility and finesse. It is substantial enough to highlight your quilting design yet fine enough to blend into the fabric when you want a subtle texture. Hand quilters love 40 wt. threads because they work well with small needles for precise stitching while resisting fraying from repeated pulls.
How long should my thread be (what is the optimal length)?
How long should my thread be (what is the optimal length)?
Most hand quilters agree that a length of eighteen inches is long enough to find your stitching rhythm, yet short enough to glide through the quilt sandwich without excess friction or knots. Cutting your thread into roughly eighteen- to twenty-four-inch sections keeps every pull smooth and even, so you can focus on the flow of each stitch rather than stopping to untangle or bury frayed ends. If you don't cut your thread into manageable lengths, you'll find it twisting and springing on itself, making it more difficult to stitch evenly.
Which needle style and size do most hand quilters use?
Which needle style and size do most hand quilters use?
Betweens, also called Quilting needles, are the gold standard for hand quilting in sizes eight or ten. Their short shaft and small eye cradle 40 wt. thread perfectly, letting you feel every layer of fabric and batting as you stitch. Size eight offers a bit more substance for visible stitches, while size ten can slip through tighter curves with graceful precision. Like most quilters, we recommend you try different needle styles and sizes to find the best fit for your project or preferred technique.

Our Quilting Threads
If you are going to appliqué, piece, or quilt, our selection of cotton and polyester quilting threads is an absolute joy to stitch with.
Our cotton threads are made from extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, known for its extremely low lint and high strength. We mercerize and gass our threads for increased luster and presence.
Our polyester threads are smooth and lint-free. They range from blenders to bold colors and from very fine (thin) to heavy (thick), providing excellent choices for all quilting applications and techniques on your home sewing and longarm machines.