Decorative Binding with 12 Weight Thread

For our July Aurifil Artisan challenge, we were tasked with using an option from our Aurifil Artisan Welcome Kits! I wanted to bind my wall version of my Water Colors Quilt Pattern I made for the recent Quilt Along sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting.

I knew this 12 weight Aurifil Thread in Color 2000-Light Sand would be a perfect option.

But how exactly do you use a 12 weight thread in your machine? Good news, with just a few adjustments, you can easily use this thicker thread with beautiful results!

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!

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You may need to adjust the tension on your machine. Use a test quilt sandwich before you begin on your actual project.

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I used Aurifil Thread 12 weight in 2000-Light Sand and my usual go-to Aurifil Thread 50 weight in White in my bobbin. You can also use 40 weight in the bobbin.

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I also used a Schmetz Microtex 90/14 Topstitch Needle.

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Use your walking foot to ensure even feeding of the binding through the machine

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Consider lengthening your stitch length. Because I’m using a decorative stitch, I lengthened to xx.

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Take your time! Slow down and give you machine time to make this adjustment with the thicker thread!

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As I mentioned, practice before to ensure your results are perfect before you being on your project!

I have a full binding tutorial coming soon so stay turned for that!

This wall version of my Water Colors Quilt Pattern was made with fabric from Sharon Holland’s Kindred Collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. Long arm quilting by Debbie Shannon of Spare Threads Quilting!

Looking for your copy of my Water Colors Quilt Pattern? Head over to the American Patchwork & Quilting Store! You can buy your copy of the June 2023 magazine with the pattern inside or purchase the pattern separately!

Tell me, have you tried machine quilting with a heavier weight of thread before? Do you have any other tips to share? I'll definitely be trying this again soon!