Curious about how to add bold texture and dimension to your quilts? Machine quilting with heavier weight thread is a great way to make your stitching stand out and create a unique look. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the benefits of using thicker thread, how to adjust your machine settings, and tips for achieving smooth, even stitches. Whether you’re new to heavier threads or looking to try something different, this tutorial will help you add a special touch to your quilting projects!
When finishing a pillow with my new Sugar Coated Stars quilt pattern, I decided to try something new! I love the look of hand quilting with heavier weights of thread. But I have to admit, I don’t always have the time or patience for hand quilting. So I decided to experiment with a heavier thread in my machine! I decided to use 2 different weights of Aurifil Thread – one for the quilting in the middle of the star and a heavier for the outside outline of the star.
Tips on how to quilt with 12 weight thread
Using 12 weight thread in my machine was surprisingly easy with just a few minor adjustments! I sew on a Juki TL2010Q and had to make some minor adjustments to my tension to account for the heavier thread.
I used Aurifil Thread 12 weight in Grey and my usual go-to Aurifil Thread 50 weight in White in my bobbin. You can also use 40 weight in the bobbin.
I also used a Schmetz Microtex 90/14 Topstitch Needle.
I used my walking foot, lengthened my stitch length to 4.0 and took my time. It turned out perfect! I used Aurifil Thread 50 weight in Arctic Ice to quilt the center of the star in my pillow top. I love the look of the 2 weights of thread in the quilting! It was the perfect finish to this project!
Tell me, have you tried machine quilting with a heavier weight of thread before? Do you have any other tips to share? Drop me a comment below!
My Other Favorite Tools and Notions:
Baby Lock Sewing Machine (I sew on a Baby Lock Jazz II and a Ballad)
Thread-I use Aurifil 50 wt for all of my piecing
Mechanical pencil/fabric marking pen, i.e. Frixon Pens or Sewline Erasable Pens
Scissors or rotary cutter
Cutting mat – I like using a rotating cutting mat
Straight pins – I like ultra-fine Magic Pins or Clover extra-fine patchwork pins
Seam ripper
Specialized trimmers (if you choose): my favorites are:
Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmers
Creative Grids 4 in 1 HST Ruler
Creative Grids 6.5″ Quilting Ruler
Creative Grids Perfect 5” Ruler
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