Threads for blanket stitching appliqué

[Jeannine K.]

I am still working on my month 3 arcs, 4 done and 32 to go, had hubby in hospital for part of March so behind a bit....my question is, I have a mixture of threads both poly and cotton that are the right colors. Do you think that would be okay to use for the blanket stitching? I see Sue used all Mettler cotton, so am wondering if I should spring for new cotton threads? I have a bunch of Superior 40 wt Highlights and Mettler Polysheen, also 40 wt. I don't really have a clue as I mostly do needle turn appliqué, but want to learn the machine method. Just need some feedback on this.

[Jeannine K.]

Just wanted to add that some of my threads are Aurifil cotton 40 and 50 wt. this would give a mixture of poly and cotton in the quilt....

[Margo C.]

I am new at this blanket stitch also so can't say for sure, but it might be worth our time to make samples using the threads we have on hand to see how they look, then throw the sample in the wash to see how the threads come through that. It will probably be time well spent as well as practice on the tricky corners!

[Constance G.]

I have used Sue and Pat's raw-edge technique on several pieces., mostly small things like wallhangings. If you are going to mix threads for the blanket stitch, be aware that the weight of the thread will determine how visible the stitching is. It probably would not be ideal to mix 50 weight with 40 weight, since the heavier thread may produce a more prominent edge, making some patches stand out more than others. It certainly would be fine to do all the appliqué with the heavier thread, if that is the look that pleases you. The other thing to be aware of is the sheen of the thread. Again, you may not want to mix a matte finish thread (such as cotton) with a shiny thread (rayon or some polyester) if you would prefer a fairly uniform appearance to your appliqué.

Having said all that, I will freely admit to grabbing whatever Coats and Clark's Dual Duty thread is handy and the right color for my previous projects! For the BOM, since I consider this an heirloom piece, I will probably stick with 50 wt cotton Aurifil or Mettler. But as Margo says, it's YOUR quilt, so do what pleases you!

[Andree B.]

It all depends on the look you want to achieve. I agree with Margo (and I will do that), to make samples.

And I agree with Connie as well - for my own taste, I will stick with the same kind of thread for all appliqués to keep the look uniform.

I have bought several spools of KingTut from Superior, I can't wait to try that!

Andrée

[Rita C.]

This is a very timely thread (forgive the pun!). I love the look of the Highlights thread from Superior, and have several cones of it, but I ironed a little celtic design that I had stitched out with a Highlights thread today and unfortunately the iron was too hot and it melted the thread! So, if you are going to use the Highlights thread please make sure your iron is not at the hottest setting. I think Aurifil thread is beautiful and very lint-free and in a 40 weight it will be lovely in the blanket stitch. I also love the Superior Rainbows threads and they stitch beautifully in blanket stitch. Personally, I love heavier thread for raw edge applique but if you only have just the right colour in a 50 weight thread then perhaps you could do the blanket stitch that Ricky likes which is a double blanket stitch. It gives a beautiful smooth finish. He also uses contrasting colours to the applique which gives another dimension that I think I am going to try too.

After my little mishap today I decided that I am going to use cotton thread for my raw edge applique on this project. I wouldn't trust myself to remember to turn down the temperature on the iron. :roll:

Libby Lehman's 'Name That Stitch' episode this week is about blanket stitch if you haven't watched it. It might help.

[Jeannine K.]

Thanks for the feedback, I will do some test stitch outs and see which look I like best. Turns out my Aurifil is 40 wt after,all, so will,also test with some 50 wt. I will post my results when I get to that point. You guys were a great help!

[Susan B.]

I tried Isacord 40 wt polyester and DMC 50 weight cotton, double and single blanket stitch. I think I really like the lower sheen of the cotton, and the finer thread. I didn't like doing the double blanket stitch, it just takes too long on all those curves. I still haven't decided, but have time for more samples. Month 3 is done!

If anyone matches up the King Tut solids with the kit fabrics, would you please share your thread numbers? I'm looking for matching threads to fabric. Actually, it would be nice to have the Aurifil numbers, too.

[Andree B.]

I tried Isacord 40 wt polyester and DMC 50 weight cotton, double and single blanket stitch. I think I really like the lower sheen of the cotton, and the finer thread. I didn't like doing the double blanket stitch, it just takes too long on all those curves. I still haven't decided, but have time for more samples. Month 3 is done!

If anyone matches up the King Tut solids with the kit fabrics, would you please share your thread numbers? I'm looking for matching threads to fabric. Actually, it would be nice to have the Aurifil numbers, too.

I remember Sarah Vedeler's video on blanket stitch (BOM2012). If you like the effect of the double blanket stitch, but don't want to take that time, why not consider a 28wt like Aurifil's? (I will try that too!)

Andrée

[Jeannine K.]

I tested out the Mettler Polysheen, Isacord, Superior trilobal and the 40 & 50 wt Aurifil and Mettler cotton. I like the cotton much better. My local shop does not stock Aurifil, so I went with 50 wt Mettler which is very nice. The cotton is more suitable with the look of the blocks. The colors I chose are: Turquoise 0883, red 0601, light golden orange 0829, bright orange 0594, orange red 0739, lighter green 0549 and darker green 0714. This may help someone out there. I have mostly Aurifil in my thread stash, 40 wt for quilting and felt it was too thick for this project.

[Carol R.]

Just completed a sample of the applique. I fused, stitched and washed/dried (by machine) my sample. I used the SoftFuse as I had it on hand. The threads I used were Mettler silk finish cotton, mettler polyester, mettler polysheen and aurifil. I chose my threads based on color. I have no polkies on the main parts of the design, the edges have remained absolutely clean. The only one that is not as clean as I would like is the circle I tried. I am going to try to use turned edge on that. I cannot tell the difference on the the threads, they all look the same to me. I tried a couple of King Tuts threads that looked like they would match, but didn't like them so will use plain threads. I am very pleased with the hand on the Soft Fuse. I can't feel the fusible at all. I did a couple of edges that were not fused with the blanket stitch and there are a few pokies on those edges, so the fusible seems to seal the edge and keep it clean. I used 2 stitch length and 2 stitch width, but I do not have a Bernina, so don't know if it is the same. I am really excited to start this. Carol

[Margo C.]

Thank you so much for reporting your results Jeannine and Carol!! That is the absolute best way to learn what works for you and achieves the look you will like at the end of your project!

[Margo C.]

I just learned through Alex that the colors that Sue used on her original design are:

Mettler colors are Dark Turquoise 814, Light green 847, Dark green 542, Red 601, Orange swirls 913, Orange leaves 953, Orange solid 902.

[Jeannine K.]

Thanks Margo, will compare those with the ones I chose and make a final choice. Already I see that the blue I picked out is too dark, sometimes the lighting in these shops is not the best.

[Jeannine K.]

Thanks Margo, will compare those with the ones I chose and make a final choice. Already I see that the blue I picked out is too dark, sometimes the lighting in these shops is not the best.

When matching colours it is always best to try and do it in natural daylight, period. If you are doing it in a shop it is worth taking possible threads and the fabric to the doorway so that you can get the daylight through the glass - it is usually a good idea to just mention to the assistant what you are up to, and if they sew too they should understand exactly what you are up to and why.