In my quest to find the perfect threads for piecing and quilting, I’ve been trying to make as many quilts as I can, trying out different quilting designs and brands of thread. I can now say I’ve enthusiastically jumped on the Aurifil bandwagon. (That is, once I learned how to spell it!)
I’ve been hearing rave reviews about how wonderful Aurifil 100% cotton thread is for piecing, so that was a no brainer. But after finishing my latest quilt, I can now recommend it for machine quilting, too. Here’s a closeup of one of my String of Pearls blocks, quilted with matching Aurifil 50wt cotton.
Aurifil Thread in Purple and Black
I like the 50 weight because it works well for both piecing and quilting. I prefer to buy the larger 1300 meter spools because that’s usually enough thread for an average sized quilt. Since it can be kind of spendy to stock up on large spools of all the colors I need, being able to use the same thread for sewing and quilting makes it more economical to keep a wide variety of colors on hand. I love all the neutral basics, too!
Aurifil Basics
Thanks to Nancy at Owen’s Olivia for her indepth thread review, I was able to see exactly why Aurifil is such a good quality thread. Her husband took these pictures under a microscope showing what thread looks like when magnified close up. I’m re-posting them here with her permission.
Aurifil is very smooth and closely twisted, leaving less lint and making for a nice tight stitch. No wonder the cheaper cotton threads are so linty – just look at all of those thread slubs sticking out everywhere on the last picture!
My top two machine quilting tips are to use a thread that blends with your fabric, and use the same thread in the top and bobbin. Both of these suggestions will help hide your mistakes (not that anyone makes those, right?).
In all fairness, I do like other brands, too (Superior So Fine 50 wt Polyester, Glide and Isacord Polyester, and Superior Silk.) But Aurifil will be my new “baseline” or go-to thread for both piecing and quilting from now on.
Christa Quilts 
Were these all the same weight for comparison? did they use the recommended needle size? Just wondering….
Christa, I know I commented on this when you first did this blog entry… When you machine quilt, or piece your quilt top do you use the same 50wt on the top and bobbin thread? Thanks. I have been hoarding fabric for a while now I am ready to load up on thread. I saw your link. For the thread on your amazon site. By the way… I love it when I get my fabric orders in from your shop… Love the way the fabric is individually wrapped. Makes it like lots of little presents. Thanks!
Thanks for your nice comments! Yes, I try to use the same Aurifil in both top and bobbin – 50 weight.
I like to try all kinds of different thread also and thanks for the info on Aurifil thread Christa, I need to try some! Thanks for sharing.
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Never used the stuff. But keep hearing good reviews.
Love Aurifil- I use it like you do, as a baseline, but am willing to use other threads. After all, it’s quilting, not brain surgery, no one’s going to die if you break some rules here and there!
Can you get us a photo of Connecting threads thread? It would be a great comparison.
Be sure to contact Nancy on her blog (the link given in my post). I think she wants to update her post and try out more threads š
I just started using Auriful also! You are so right, it is wonderful. It makes a great difference with the lint in my machine. Thank you so very much for this post!
Aurifil is my favorite for piecing indeed. I get a little nervous when I dont have an extra of my “go to” neutrals lying around!
Now, I know, there will be a gasp…. but I really like sulky for top stitching and thread painting. It has a sheen that none of the others do and catches the light beautifully. I’ve also had really good luck with their clear plastic thread too. š
This is a great review! I only use Gutermann because I can get it locally. Makes it easy for a quick replacement. But I’m hovering on an Aurifil order. Sure would be nice to cut back on the lint š
Thanks for sharing Christy! I currently use Aurifil in my bobbin and Guttermann for my top thread. My Bernina loves the combo! I really like how flat my seams are when I use Aurifil. Great company!
I ā¤ Aurifil!
interesting information- had not really thought about the lint level – really good to know – might reduce the cleaning of my machine
So Fine in the bobbin and Aurifil or Isacord on the top is what I’ve been using and have been thrilled. You are so right…….it is lint free!! And for a cotton thread that is amazing!!!!! Great info/review!!!! Hugs………
I have used Aurifil thread for some projects and I also find it very good. Thanks for the explanation. I have been using up my other threads and I can tell the difference. Wonderfil, a Canadian thread is also good. They have a line called invisafil that was recommended to me at an applique class.
I didn’t even know about Aurifil until I won a box of the Flats collection in a giveaway in the spring. It really does make a difference. I’m gradually adding to my small collection and feel even more justified in the spending the extra money when I see reviews like this from more experienced quilters, so thanks for posting!
I’ve been using Aurifil since I started making quilts a couple of years ago. It was the thread of choice of my instructor then. I’ve tried a couple others but always went back to the Aurifil. It sews cleanly and never breaks in my machine. It gives me a tight line so my 1/4 inch seam is 1/4 inch when pressed. It is a little pricey, but worth it! š
Are you going to carry Aurifil thread in your shop?
Yes! In fact I carry it in my Amazon store and am slowly adding more colors. Here’s a link to check it out:
http://amazon.com/s/?field-keywords=aurifil&tag=chriquil-20&url=me%3DAO8Y6QISWGJ7M
Thanks for the info and the pictures are truly eye opening.
Thanks for this review. I have been using Coats and Clark for everything only because Wal Mart is the only shopping place around here. I went to KC last weekend and bought my new FOREVER sewing/quilting machine and I got 30 spools of Madeira thread. I am looking forward to trying them too. (And looking forward to unpacking my machine tomorrow… I wanted to rearrange my sewing room first before I got her out.). Did you ever name your new Bernina?