Greetings Aurifil family and happy 2024! I’m Karen L. Miller, Master Educator for Aurifil and Program Director for Aurifilosophy (Aurifil’s unique education program). Thread Matters is back and we’re excited to kick off the new year with a celebration of Thread Labs 1.0.
If you’re not familiar with Thread Labs, let me explain:
Thread Labs 1.0 is a six part series that tells the story of Aurifil– from a shared celebration of Aurifil’s 40th anniversary, to their history and unique production process, to an in-depth education on their revered threads. The series, launched in the form of a subscription in 2023, was designed to present makers with key tools to confidently create with all varieties of Aurifil thread while executing a wide range of techniques. 2023 participants finished the year inspired, armed with new skills and a wealth of knowledge and the overall program feedback was phenomenal.
For 2024, all six installments of Thread Labs are available to purchase individually, giving unique and tailored access to this wonderful and creative thread education. Each lab presents an exclusive project crafted by one of our revered Aurifilosophers & Designers, tailored to educate and inspire via a featured thread weight. The box itself includes a perfectly curated range of threads while a secure online portal plays host to exclusive digital content including downloadable project PDFs, educator interviews, thread tutorials, and more. Labs can be purchased through your local quilt shop or direct from Shop Aurifil.
** Be sure to read through to the end for info on our exclusive Thread Labs Giveaway!!
Today, we’re delighted to highlight the entire Thread Labs series sharing details of each box along with helpful tips and tricks for working by hand and machine with a variety of thread weights. Each of these tips (and many more) were shared in the thread labs Project PDFs and videos. We’re also excited to share galleries featuring completed consumer projects from our 2023 subscribers. These makers were truly inspiring and we loved following along with progress throughout the 6 months. As hoped, the thread, projects, instruction, and education inspired some amazing work. Kudos to all that participated!
Thread Labs 1.1
Featured Educator: Karen L. Miller of Redbird Quilt Co.
In the box: Aurifilosophy 7 spool pack, Aurifil Swatch Book, Aurifil Thread Reference Card, Aurifil Storage Case, Aurifil Family History Postcard
Key Digital Assets: Exploratory Aurifilosophy Session, Project Review with Karen L. Miller (VIDEOS); Aurifilosophy Exemplar Pin Cushion by Karen L. Miller (PDF)
Techniques Covered: Machine Topstitch & Decorative Accents; Machine Invisible Appliqué; Hand Wool Applique & Embroidery; Visible Mending; Cross Stitching; Needle Turn or Invisible Applique
Tip– Machine Topstitch with Aurifil 12wt: Increase stitch length (3.0 or higher) and decrease (lower) the top tension. Use Aurifl 40wt in the bobbin and a new 90/14 or 100/16 topstitch needle. Stitch slow and steady, preferably with an even-feed or walking foot.
Tip– Invisible Machine Appliqué with Aurifil 80wt: Select a machine blanket stitch and adjust the stitch length as desired. To achieve the invisible applique component, adjust the stitch width between .5 and .75 for a small bite into the applique fabric.
MAKER SHOWCASE
Thread Labs 1.2
Featured Educator: Amy Friend of During Quiet Time
In the box: 1 Tula Neon Collection (3 large spools of Tula’s exclusive Neons), 1 large spool 50wt 6737, 6 x small spools 50wt (2423, 1114, 4660, 4659, 3320, 2615)
Key Digital Assets: 50wt Education with Karen L. Miller, Interview with Amy Friend (VIDEOS); Portal Mini Quilt by Amy Friend (PDF)
Techniques: Foundation Paper Piecing
Tips– Foundation Paper Piecing with Aurifil 50wt:
- Choose a size 90/14 needle. The needle size normally recommended for Cotton 50wt is a size 80/12 needle. Stitching with the larger needle leaves bigger punctures in the paper, making paper removal easier.
- Set the machine stitch length to a 1.6 mm to aid in removal of papers prior to quilting.
MAKER GALLERY
Thread Labs 1.3
Featured Educators: Barbara Persing & Annie Smith
In the box: 1 large spool 40wt (4020), 5 small spools of 40wt (2886, 5016, 2135, 2479, 2520), 8 small spools of 28wt (2479, 2588, 5005, 2810, 1147, 1231, 1133, 6729)
Key Digital Assets: 40wt & 28wt Education with Karen L. Miller, Interviews with Barbara Persing & Annie Smith (VIDEOS); Poppies by Barbara Persing & Orange Blossom by Annie Smith (PDFS)
Techniques: Machine Edge-Coloring Applique and Machine Blanket Stitch Appliqué
Tips– Edge-Coloring Machine Applique with Aurifil 40wt:
- When Edge-Coloring, more thread is always better than less thread. The thread enhances the design, bringing dimension and a natural luster.
- Use the project pattern to preview quilting ideas by drawing the quilting lines in red ink. Drawing helps to visualize how the finished block will look. While drawing, do not lift the pen, better simulating how to execute the continuous quilting design.
Tips– Machine Applique with Aurifil 28wt:
- Although Cotton 50wt thread works wonderfully in the bobbin, choose Cotton 28wt in the bobbin for this method. Matching the bobbin thread weight to the top thread weight eliminates the need to adjust the top or bobbin tension.
- When cutting applique pieces, use serrated edge scissors. Keep the scissors steady and move the fabric in the desired shape while trimming it.
MAKER GALLERY
Thread Labs 1.4
Featured Educator: Jo Avery of Jo Avery Stitch
In the box: 4 x small spools 80wt (1148, 2479, 5022, 2606), 5 x small spools 12wt cotton (4652, 5002, 4657, 4654, 2520), 5 x small spools 12wt wool (8083, 8870, 8540, 8530, 8135)
Key Digital Assets: 80wt & 12wt Education with Karen L. Miller, Interview with Jo Avery (VIDEOS); Flower Mandala by Jo Avery (PDF)
Techniques: Needleturn Appliqué, Big Stitch & Embellishments
Tips– Quilting, embellishing, and appliqué with Aurifil 12wt and 80wt:
- When prepping an envelope pillow back, position the envelope seam vertically and add triangles in the upper corners for an easy transition from pillow to a dowelled wall hanging.
- When hand sewing, it’s important to match the eye of the needle to the thickness of the thread. Using an appropriately sized needle reduces friction and the chance of the thread shredding or breaking as it is used.
MAKER SHOWCASE
Thread Labs 1.5
Featured Educator: Karen L. Miller of Redbird Quilt Co.
In the box: 1 x full size cone Forty3 (2123), 2 x sample cones Forty3 (3920, 4653), 1 x large spool of monofilament (Clear), 1 x small spool of 40wt (2908), 1 x small spool of 50wt (2000)
Key Digital Assets: Forty3 & Monofilament Education with Karen L. Miller, In depth project video with Karen L. Miller (VIDEOS); Falling Leaves by Karen L. Miller (PDF)
Techniques: Free Motion Quilting, Walking Foot Quilting, Thread Painting
Tips– Thread Painting and Free Motion Quilting with Aurifil FORTY3 and Monofilament:
- If you’re not familiar with free motion quilting, consider marking the loop design on a practice sandwich. This allows you to warm up, learn a new skill, and test your tension before working on the final project. Turn on some music, relax, and give yourself the opportunity to have some fun.
- No need to fuss over the length of your stitches when thread painting! Use the opportunity to become accustomed to moving the fabric under the needle— just have fun with it. If you don’t like what you’ve stitched, continue to add thread to “fix” it.
- Why Bring the Bobbin Thread to the Top? Although this step may take an extra minute to execute, it’s good practice when free motion quilting or thread painting to know exactly where the bobbin thread is at all times. Bringing the bobbin to the top helps avoid bird’s nests and stitching nightmares on the back of the quilt sandwich. It also allows you to trim flush or knot and bury both threads from one location.
MAKER SHOWCASE
Thread Labs 1.6
Featured Educators: Susan Ache & Aneela Hoey
In the box: 16 x small spools of Floss for Cross Stitch & Embroidery: 1104, 1133, 2220, 2420, 2425, 5015, 5022, 6730, 1148, 2140, 2270, 2882, 2830, 4093, 5018, 2130 (2425 is used in both projects, 2130 is a bonus color!)
Key Digital Assets: Floss Education with Karen L. Miller, Interview with Susan Ache (VIDEOS); Interview with Aneela Hoey, Honeycomb Embroidery by Aneela Hoey, Joy to the World Cross Stitch by Susan Ache (PDF)
Techniques: Cross Stitch, Embroidery
Tips– Hand Embroidery with Aurifloss:
- Remember to relax and have fun. Cotton Floss is wonderful to work with. It is always worth taking some time to get used to stitching in a way that doesn’t feel intense so grab some fabric, put it in a hoop if you like, thread your needle with some floss and make some stitches. Start with a simple running stitch, then try a different stitch that appeals to you. Don’t worry if things look wonky or if you prefer some stitches to others.
- Choose embroidery needles when working with Cotton Floss. Embroidery needles have a longer eye which makes it easier to thread floss through.
Tips– Cross Stitch with Aurifloss:
- To prepare floss for stitching, divide strands one at a time. Pull a single strand from the last end cut, position it to the side before pulling the next strand. Arrange the unused strands with the last end cut clearly positioned for pulling your next set of strands. Smooth the 2 strands before threading the needle with the first end cut.
- If you’re new to cross stitch consider using a 16ct Aida cloth to get started. The clearly defined stitching holes in Aida cloth make it easier for a beginner to know where to stitch. No need to “stitch over 2” when using a 16ct Aida.
MAKER GALLERY
GIVEAWAY!
To enter-to-win your choice of ONE of the 6 Thread Labs boxes, simply leave a comment below answering the following:
What thread weight or technique would you like to see featured in our next Thread Labs Subscription?
Giveaway is open through Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:59pmCST. Winner will be notified via email on Monday, February 5.
Feeling inspired? Find your perfect box and dive right in! Have questions? Be sure to check in at threadlabs@aurifil.com. Happy Stitching!!
Great threads and colors are brilliant.
I’d love to learn more about using 12 weight cotton and wool for quilting.
Would love to go more in depth on each thread and the various stitches on the machines and also the different feet and what they do or change. Using elastics, or making stretchy bags. Would like to have different levels of tasks so you can build up to the difficult ones. I’m still working on this years thread labs and learning a lot.
Bead embroidery
I use a lot of 50wt. and I’m always inspired by new projects, tips and tricks.
Topstitching with twin needles
Machine stitching with 28 wt or 12 wt wool
I’d like to see more on couching techniques using Aurifil thread. I’m especially interested in how to use threads to simulate piping.
I would like to see more on thread painting and longarm quilting
I’m interested in more information on using the wool thread. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
would love to see a session on thread painting using AuriFloss!
Free motion machine quilting using various weights
Thank you. I would like more hand quilting with the variety of weights, especially 12, and trapunto.
Free motion quilting on long arm
A full embroidery project and maybe more that can be done with aurifloss
I would love to see use of the 12 wt cotton. Not just on a quilt top, but other uses?
I would like to see thread painting and how to hand quilt with the thicker threads.
Which threads can successfully be used on a long arm for FMQ?
I also would love thread painting with 40wt Auriful and maybe experiment with lower weight threads. Thanks!
Hand embellishment techniques with 12 wt. thread.
Serging with cotton thread – cone Forty3 and cone Forty4 or whatever is appropriate. Possibly making table linens
I would like to experiment with different weight threads on my mid arm – thread painting, free motion, any new skills are welcome!
80 weight uses
And 28 wt
Machine quilting with 28 weight
I would like to see something using 80 wt. thread used to quilt. I am interested in how to do quilting when you want the quilted effect without the quilting really showing up much.
Since I have a longarm, which of these threads can be used on the longarm?
I have a new embroidery machine and would love to see how the 28 wt and 40 wt threads can be used.
I have mostly 50 wt. Aurifil thread and would love to see more projects using the thread painting technique! I get so much inspiration here!
Always interested in learning more free motion techniques for long arm quilting….tips for the different thread weights.
I only use Aurifil threads. I use mostly 50 weight for both piecing and quilting. I’d like to learn more about other weights when quilting.
I’d like to learn more about your new 8wt thread.
Uses for your brand new 8 wt thread:) or on the other end, 80 wt.
Merci pour projets, je me suis régalée, j ai appris beaucoup de choses . Maintenant j’utilise beaucoup mieux les différents types de fils. 👍😊
Would love to know more about the tips and tricks pertaining to your 8wt thread.
I love variegated threads so maybe a post featuring thdm and different ways to use them. I iuse them mostly fir quilting but would love other ideas for using them.
I would love to see more thread-painting projects, especially incorporating beads and embroidery. Thanks for sharing all the education and eye candy!
I would love to see big stitch quilting in various thread weights.
I will definitely save this Aurifil info for reference. I love the look of big stitch quilting and would like to see the different thread weights shown together to better choose the best one for me. Look forward to seeing your booth at Quiltcon.
Only thread I use for piecing. The wool thread works great on my wool projects
I use Aurifil thread for nearly all of my sewing projects. Quilt tops, project bags, etc. I am always looking for tips and tricks to make my finished projects the best they can be.
I’d like to see your wool thread in a subscription.
I’d like to see 12 wt floss used in big stitch quilting. I love traditional hand quilting but with all the fun colors and faster results with 12 wt, it’s irresistible.
would like to see some sashiko with Aurifil thread!
My favourite thing about participating in Thread Labs 1.0 was learning more about combining thread weights in the same project for different elements and effects. I would love more of that approach. Particularly would like to see thread painting with different weights.
Free motion quilting with various threads
Would love to learn more about english paper piecing and needle turn applique.
I’d love to know more about needle turn applique and more embroidery stitches.
I would love to see a tutorial featuring needle turn appliqué, and also the new 8 weight thread as a decorative element on appliqué!
I’d love to see Aurifloss used on some felt butterflies, perfect for Spring decorations such as wreaths!
I would live to see more using the 12 weight thread. I have never used it
The new aurifil 8wt and big stitch quilting. Used for 80wt and epp
I would be interested in techniques for using 28-12 weight thread for couching or piping.
Any further tutorials with 50 weight thread.
I would like to see a lab for wool thread.
Free motion quilting with various weights of thread
Machine stitching with 28 wt or 12 wt wool And thread painting!
I’d like to learn more about decorative hand quilting. Also would like to see how the different weight threads compare when doing free motion quilting.
I haven’t done much with 28 wt. would love to see that
I would like to see different thread weights and the effects they create in machine quilting.
I would like one featuring the new 8 weight thread! So much potential
I’d love to learn about hand piecing threads
I would love to know more about 8 weight Auriful, and all it can do!
All the possibilities of the new 8 🎉🎉🎉
I’d love to see one with the 12 weight – both hand and machine use. Also, your new 8 weight 😊.
I would be excited to see anything about thread painting!
I’d like to see a feature on the 80 wt as well as the monofilament.
I would like to try the thread for long stitch quilting and applique.
Thread lab 1.5 is my favourite 🥰
I would love to see a cross stitched piece with the cross stitch floss
The new weight that hasn’t been released yet… 😉. Is it 8?
I would like to see the various ways to use 12wt thread – in hand stitching and top stitching.
Machine embroidery with 40 or 50 wt and your new thread weight
I love 80wt and 50wt and would enjoy a Thread Lab using those.
Thread painting and longarm stitching interest me.
I would love to try hand quilting with 40wt or 50wt.
I’ve never used Aurifil! I’d love to try their hand embroidery threads,the colours are scrumpy!
I would love to work with 12 wt thread. I am learning and loving big stitch quilting!
12wt with hand quilting
Wool and crazy embroidery!
I’m interested in the wool thread for embellishments and 80 wt thread for needle turned appliqué
I’m interested in the wool thread
I would love to learn about thread painting with the 12 weight thread
12wt for hand quilting.
The world of different thread weight is all new to me, so I’m curious about all of it!
Everything about embroidery! Threads, technics! Would be great!
I’d love to see more about the 12 wt thread in regards to big stitch hand quilting and binding!
Threads suitable for home quilting and how each type would be used both in weights and colors. I’m never sure what color or weight suits my quilts.
I would like to see more on foundation paper piecing and finishing the quilt top.
I would like to see a bit more with 28wt 🙂
Topstitching is not my favorite part of stitching, yet
12wt Wool
I would love to see projects using 12 wt thread
So lovely. I would love to learn about thread painting.
I would like to see Couching and Thread Painting.
I just LOVE the idea of these Thread Labs – brilliant!!!!
I would like to learn methods using different threads for embellishment. Thanks!
I would be curious to see how 28wt or 12wt would work for sashiko, and the suggested uses for the new 8wt….. and then what we can realize with the wool thread aside from embroidery on wool/felt 😊
I would like to learn best threads for hand and machine applique. And what thread weights to use.
I’d love more projects that are tailored solely for hand-stitching. I know technically anything can be hand sewn, but it isn’t usually realistic to do. It’s hard to find sewing ideas/projects that don’t require a machine, which can be disappointing when you don’t have access to a sewing machine.
I would like to see more about 12 wt wool and cotton for hand quilting.
28 wt! would love to learn more.
Want to learn more about 80wt.
I would love to find out more about the difference between 40 and 50wt. Can I use them interchangeably?
I’d love to see more free motion quilting using different weights of thread, how they look, similarities & differences, and best practices for using each different weight.
Theead painting!
Big stitch hand quilting. And more thread painting, with shades and tones. How do I prevent the work puckering?
I have lots of Aurifil 50wt, so I am keen on learning more about other weights suitable for free motion quilting. What about featuring Bobbin couching with different Aurifils?
Use of 12# with needle size, machine or hand. Machine I have more of a problem with thread shredding or breaking.
I recently purchased an embroidery machine and would like to see what threads/techniques are best for machine embroidery.
Curious on more fmq techniques
I’m mostly a stitch in the ditch FMQer. I’d love more tips and techniques to get a little fancy with my quilting.
I’d like to see examples of decorative serger techniques with 12 wt and other decorative Aurifil threads. I also enjoy doing handwork & decorative sewing with these heavier threads!
Machine stitching with 28wt.
Using various weights to machine stitch bindings to quilt edges.
I would like to see more with 12 wt. thread. Love them all.
Love using the Aurifloss for all my Crosswork Pieces ! Let’s see more Crossstitch !
Thanks for your neat Giveaway too!
I love Aurifil Threads! The ease of using them, the colors available besides the hues and shades offered are scrumptious.
As for what to focus on i say what ever you’d like. You always do a wonderful job describing, talking how to even use the threads and the creative projects highlighted are many and I trust you- Aurifil never disappoints. Thanks.
I would like to see decorative stitching with 12 wt. thread.
Thread to use with embroidery machine quilting
I like working with wool – hand stitching. Would like to see thread that would create a great texture with the wool.
I don’t really know what I would like to see for thread weight. I do loom rugs – if there were something that would work for that. I also do embroidery, cross stitch, sewing, plastic canvas. I just like learning more and more about everything. Thanks
Thread to use in hand embroidery. Thank you
I like working with heavier threads I would like to see ideas for projects using 28wt and 12 wt. Working with wool is new to me and I would love to see what threads you would suggest to use for embroidery on wool.
I would like to see the heavier threads used to embellish clothing.
Great information. Thank you! I would love to see information and projects using 80 wt or higher wt threads. Interested in needle turn applique techniques.
I have been using Aurifil on my sit down quilting machine, I use the 50 weight, not sure if I’m using the right size needle to go with that weight. I get skipped stitches and breakage. I do put it in the bobbin also. Would love to learn more about the other weights, too!
I’ve only just started hand quilting. Any techniques with any weight would be interesting. I have only tried big stitch quilting with size 8 thread.
I’d love to see more of the 12 wt as well as your new 8 wt for hand quilting -I’m obsessed!
I would like to know how to use 2 threads in one machine needle and the benefits/uses
I would like to learn more about both 3 strand geometric smocking and 4 strand picture smocking. I am interested in learning comparisons as well as pros and cons of different weight threads in relation to both fabric choice and design outcomes.
I would like to learn how to big stitch quilt. I have never hand quilted.
I would like to learn more about using 28 and 12 weight threads. I already use 50 and 40 weight. Love using them.
I would like to see more Hand Wool applique and embroidery techniques.
I would like even more on machine quilting… especially with heavier threads.
I’d like to see more projects using blended color threads. How do you predict how they will look? I’ve used them on some items, but the uniqueness of the colors didn’t really show.
I would love to see more about machine quilting with 40 and 50 weights
I’d love to learn more about using 12 weight cotton for use in embroidery.
I am interested in learning how to use the 8 weight thread.
I’d like to see about contrasting thread colors
I’d like to see walking foot quilting with different thread weights and colors, such as making plaid and other designs
I would love to see anything with painting with thread wt 12 and mixing it with other weights
I love to quilt and I use a lot of 50 wt thread. I always love to see new ideas and techniques.
I’d like to see more in depth information on thread painting, including a whole wall quilt not just one item from it. Thanks!
Thread Labs 1.5
I am very interested in Thread Painting. I have seen such incredible pieces made by that process!
I love Aurifil 80-weight thread, and would like to see more modern hand appliqué designs.
Free motion quilting for beginners!
Love your thread – always great! Would love some tips on embellishment with the heavier weights on quilts!
I’d love to see some info on using a sit down long arm. Currently i use mostly 50wt but would love some tips on using heavy weight threads on my sit down long arm.
I’d like to see something using 12 weight with some fun hand embroidery basics.
I would love to see a Thread Labs box that focuses on kantha stitching and Aurifil 12 weight thread! 🧵 Your threads are so gorgeous and are the highest quality!! ❤️
I’d like to see the various thread weights being used on a longarm quilting machine as well as all the tips to go along with this.
I would like to see more projects with 12 wt threads.
I would like to see a combination of weights used from start to finish on a quilt , 40 weight to piece, 80 weight to machine quilt and 12 weight with the new 8 weight for additional hand quilting and not sure what to use for some big stitch- probably the 8 weight .
As a spinner and knutter, I’m really curious about about wool thread, more details please!