What Thead to use for a "Heirloom Quilt"

[Jill B.]

Just would like some advice on what Superior Thread to use for a Machine Appliqué Quilt, I am looking for something that would last for years and years as this quilt is going to be my family heirloom quilt.

a. I don’t want the thread to show, but would rather choose for length of time the thread would last rather than if it showed a bit.
b. Machine appliqué only as no piecing in this quilt.
c. I thought that cotton or silk would not last in the long term, perhaps I am wrong with this ????
d. I thought perhaps Monopoly as this could be used on all the appliqués, but will it be the thread that lasts the longest.
e. I thought perhaps polyester, but will it be the thread that lasts the longest.

Thanking you in advance for any help or advice

[Jill B.]

This is a great question for Dr Bob himself at Superior Threads. Why don't you email him and let us know what he suggests.

My first hunch would be poly, as it will outlast the cotton of the fabric. Perhaps So Fine if you want a more 'cotton' look. If you want it invisible, then MonoPoly or Bottom Line if you want a tiny bit to show.

And of course, if you have some of each of these threads, then a test stitchout will help too, at least for the look you'll get.

[Norma H.]

Michelle that was the best advice for Jill. I look forward to what Bob will say

[Norma H.]

The only problem with doing test samples would be waiting to see which one lasted longest :P

[Susan B.]

The only problem with doing test samples would be waiting to see which one lasted longest :P

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Google "oldest known silk" for some fascinating info. This is from the NYTimes.
Diane Gaudynski quilts heirlooms, so does Cindy Needham. I believe they both love silk. I know I do.


MINERAL traces on an ancient bronze weapon appear to have revealed that silk was used in China 1,000 years earlier than had been supposed.

The oldest silks previously known dated from the Han Dynasty (roughly 206 B.C. to A.D. 220), according to Dr. Lucy R. Sibley of the University of Georgia.

But she and a colleague at the university, Dr. Kathryn A. Jakes, have found unmistakable traces of silk in mineral deposits on a bronze halberd blade from a far earlier epoch. The weapon was found originally in an archeological site of the Shang period and has been dated to about 1300 B.C. Since it seems most unlikely that the bronze weapons was contaminated with silk fibers from an era 1,000 years later, the scientists have concluded that silk must have been in use in the Shang civilization, which flourished from about 1800 to 1100 B.C.

[Rita C.]

I was going to suggest cotton, rayon or silk because they are natural fibres so they will last as long as your cotton quilt. Personally I would not use monopoly because there is no way of knowing whether it would go brittle over time or whether somebody in the future might use an iron that is too hot and melt the stitches. Just my tuppence worth. When will we get to see what you are doing Jill?

[Nancy R.]

I agree with Rita. The quilts we have now that have been around for a long time were quilted with cottons and silks. And Rita makes a good point about the cotton fabrics.

[Lois B.]

I agree. Why stitch it together with something that will last longer than the cloth itself?

[Jill B.]

I was going to suggest cotton, rayon or silk because they are natural fibres so they will last as long as your cotton quilt. Personally I would not use monopoly because there is no way of knowing whether it would go brittle over time or whether somebody in the future might use an iron that is too hot and melt the stitches. Just my tuppence worth. When will we get to see what you are doing Jill?

I had not thought of it this way so thanks heaps for all the input as it changes my thought pattern and I agree with this, of course not much to look at with the cotton fabric gone and only the threads left........dahh Jill........ :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Well Nancy and I are making "The Loading Dock Quilt by Mary Buvia".

[Rita C.]

Well you have your work 'cut out' for you Jill! :lol: Very best of luck with it and I look forward to seeing it when you are done.

[Nancy R.]

And I wouldn't mind seeing in-progress pictures, if you are willing to share. So much fun to see a big project like this come together!