With a fresh month comes a new creative challenge for our Artisans: the 3:2:1 Challenge! This time, we invited them to push their boundaries by incorporating at least 3 thread colors and 2 different weights into 1 unique project. The goal? To showcase the versatility of Aurifil threads in a single, unified design.
From layered textures to intricate machine embroidery, our Artisans have truly risen to the occasion, embracing the endless possibilities of mixing and matching threads. Their projects not only highlight the beauty of combining thread weights but also inspire us all to think outside the box and explore new creative pathways.
A huge thank you to all our October participants! Your passion and innovation continue to inspire and enrich our community. Let’s jump into this month’s projects and discover how each Artisan made the 3:2:1 Challenge uniquely their own!
Ben Millett
Last year I created a mockup of my Thanksgiving Mini using Kona Cotton. I made it a reality this year and am thrilled with how it turned out. The combination of machine quilting and handquilting with different thread weights adds a variation (to my previous version of the quilt) that is quite pleasing to the eye.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 6725; 12wt 2260, 2000, 6725, 2150
Sandy Saengsuk
2 thread weights and 3 colors. I chose my 2 favorite thread, 8wt along the brim with my machine and 12wt wool thread for handquilting on the crown piece.
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt Wool 8401, 8331, 8wt 1133 , 2205 from Evolve Collection
Amy Freyn
3:2:1 Challenge! I used 3 different colors and weights of Aurifil threads to make these mug rugs as a gift for a friend who loves blue footed boobies.
Aurifil Threads used: 80wt 2310 , 40wt 2260, 12wt 5005
Janice Reimer
Texture galore! As someone who lives in solids, I love the added texture and depth the chunkier weights create.
Aurifil Thread used: 8wt 4644, 2566, 2000: 28wt 2816, 2847, 5024; 50wt 4644, 2375, 2310, 2405, 6730, 5001.
Claire Houghton
3-2-1 3 colours, 2 thread weights, 1 project all done on water soluble fabric over a layer of tulle.
Aurifil Threads used: Forty3 wt 4553, 50wt 5022, 5016, 2021
Zeïba Monod
For this project, I used Aurifil 80wt in black to keep the details clean and defined in the reverse appliqué without taking over the design. For a bit of boldness, I added 12wt in yellow and red—perfect for big stitch quilting that makes each symbol pop. The bright colours brought an extra layer of energy and focus around the symbols. These threads really helped capture the meaning of each Adinkra symbol, making the quilt a fun mix of colour and texture.
Aurifil Threads used: 80wt 2692, 12wt 3920 and 2250
Amanda Loewen
The brilliance of the changing maple leaves was the inspiration for this project. I used fabric from my stash to make scrappy nine-patch maple leaves and sewed them into a table runner with some chambray for background. The table runner was quilted with pink and golden threads in an organic wavy pattern to resemble the winds. I hand quilted maple leaves by tracing leaves from my backyard with red floss to add extra texture to my table runner.
Aurifil Threads used: 1100 50wt, 2240 50wt, 2260 floss
Sandy Saengsuk
Grab your plain old sweatshirt, and give it a fresh look with a patchwork pocket, plus some tips for using 12wt with your domestic machine.
Aurifil Threads used:
Top thread: 12wt 2435 and 2132.
Bobbin thread: 50wt 4657 and 2134
Piecing: 50wt 2021
Kimberley Arnold
I was inspired by a beautiful children’s book to design a new owl FPP pattern for my shop. I then finished my mini wall-hanging with free-motion quilting and hand embroidery in 11 different colours in 6 different weights of thread!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2692, 4669, 6724, 2625, 7001, 2024; 80wt 6722, 2515; Floss 1133; 28wt 2479. 12wt 5005; Wool 12wt 8405
Hannah Parks
The wide spectrum of colors and thread weights came in handy for my latest improv quilt. I pieced it with my usual cone of grey 50wt, and used 80wt for the appliqué. When it came time to quilt it, I ended up deciding to stitch in the ditch and outline some elements, in order to keep focus on the piecing. I matched the fabrics to corresponding 50wt for this, and used a 12wt thread (with matching 50wt in the bobbin) to outline the black and white squiggles. Finally, I finished it with a 50wt for the binding! A fun exploration of colors, both of fabric and of thread!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 6724, 4242, 4182, 2240, 2270, 2390, 5007, 7002; 80wt 2000; 12wt 4241
Candice Odeen
Our Aurifil Artisan challenge for October was 3-2-1… three thread colors, two weights, one project. For this hexie pillow is used several colors of 40wt and a blanket stitch on top, with my all time favorite 50wt in the bobbin. I absolutely love this 40/50 combo when I want a slightly heavier texture on the top.
Mary Burroughs-Mayer
These FPP Polar Bear pillows are really getting me in the mood for winter (it’s in the low 70’s here in California so still feels like a long way off…)! I love using multiple thread colors and weights to add some dense texture on smaller projects like these pillows. And the best part? All the thread tails will never be seen inside the pillow! This is a foundation paper pieced pattern by @iniminiz_handmade and it was so fun to convert him into a polar bear!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2692, 2021; 28wt 4651, 5021
Vivian Doan
October’s 3-2-1 challenge gave me the chance to finish my Ghost party mini Halloween quilt by @woollypetals. I used scraps of blacks and whites that I had lying around and I made the ghostly quilt for my front door and combined many thread weights that include 50wt for piecing and quilting, and 40wt, 12wt and 8wt for the little spooky little details like a spider web and little sparkly stars.
Aurifil Threads used:
Aurifil 50wt 2692, 2021 for piecing and quilting, 7001 for the moon top stitching
Aurifil 8wt 2000 for the eyes, 5001, 2420 for the stars,
Aurifil 40wt 4660, 3660, 4250, 3920, 3910 for the spider web
Aurifil 12wt 4020 for the spider web
Zoe Mayson
For my Kaliedoscope Project Bag, it combines skills with using English Paper piecing, applique and machine sewing, so is perfect for showcasing a range of thread weights. 80wt thread is perfect for EPP and applique, and I used shade 2026 which is a lovely neutral colour that disappears as you sew! I love the look of varigated thread, and the blue tones of 28wt shade 4655 were perfect use for some hand quilting. I used some more varigated thread for some decorative top-stitching, in floss this time for a bold look.
Aurifil Thread used: Floss 3660; 80wt 2026; 28wt 4655
Tamara Darragh
I loved bringing the Maggie Poppins Tote to life with a mix of Aurifil threads in various weights, each adding its own charm. The large, wrap-around exterior pockets are decorated with embroidered details in bold 8 wt, 12 wt (cotton and wool), and floss, letting those sweet Ruby Star Society flowers bloom in soft, colorful texture. Nearly every surface is quilted with 12 wt cotton, creating a textural, sturdy foundation, while delicate 80 wt stitches finish it off the details. This tote felt like a joyful celebration of color and texture, each thread bringing something unique. For tips on working with these thread weights, visit my blog!
Aurifil Thread used:
Bobbin thread 50wt 2021; 12 wt 2420
Quilting, top thread bag construction; 12wt 2420
Embroidery; 12wt 2155, 2220, 5022, 2425; 12wt wool 8431, 8440; 8wt 2000, 2880; Floss 2725
Hand Sewing; 80wt 2405, 2155
Marta Chade
I usually stick to one thread weight per project, so this challenge was a fun way to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. After brainstorming a few ideas, I remembered this crochet + weave technique for making blankets that I’ve been wanting to try forever! The only catch? It’s typically done with a single yarn weight. But after some testing, I found the perfect combo—the 50wt cotton created an ideal mesh base, while the wool threads added just the right texture. I couldn’t be happier with how this miniature blanket turned out!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2000, 2270, 2890, 2132; 12wt Wool 8326, 8135, 8250, 8960
Mariana Diaz
3, 2, 1… SEW! Three colors, two weights, one project. I have to give props to the creative minds at Aurifil that come up with these challenges, because every time I think I know the drill, they toss me another curve ball! Ah, but I love it. I enjoy brainstorming something new and exciting. But I do know to expect one thing: Be ready to spend time on the minutiae! I always end up taking it slow with these which is such a nice change of pace. So without further ado, let me take this in the reverse order; one, two, three: One Project, 2 Weights, 3 Colors.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2423 ,1104; 12wt 4020
Annie Tremblay
This challenge is one of my favorite because this is what I love to do the most: playing with threads! Using at least 3 colors, 2 different weights on 1 project. I love the texture it adds to it! Thread used: Aurifil 50wt in 4644, 28wt in 6724, 12wt in 4644 and 8wt in 2000 and 2815
Aurifil Thread used: 50wt 4644; 28wt in 6724; 12wt 4644; 8wt 2000, 2815
Janine Heschl
This challenge has been the most challenging in terms of thread colour, as I opted for monochrome. So five shades of grey blended into one another to sculpt chimpanzee skin folds, and using 50wt white and black to accentuate the details. Stitched in free motion on my Singer 107W102, this October challenge has been demanding and rewarding at the same time.
Aurifil Threads used: 40wt: 4241, 2630, 5004, 2620, 2600; 50wt: 2692, 2024
Emma Giacalone
For my 3:2:1, I’ve been a little bit creative with the brief, and used three thread colours and two weights to make one fruit as part of a bigger project I was working on – namely, a raspberry! I wanted to make this vintage sweet packaging, because I was really drawn to the fruit illustrations. For the raspberry I used a deep pink 50wt to outline the fruit shape, a mid pink 50wt to fill in the drupelets (did you know this was the name for the bead-like blobs? I had to look it up!) and then a pale pink 28wt to highlight each individual drupe. The thicker thread gives the illusion of the light catching the fruit and helps to add dimension, as well as ensuring that the thread did not disappear into the pink stitches, which can sometimes happen with heavily worked areas of embroidery . They were surprisingly difficult to sew, but I think the finished fruit look good enough to eat!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 1100, 7002; 28wt 2410
Barbie Mitchell
I love the diversity of quilting! One project can incorporate a multitude of techniques, each requiring a specific thread weight. For instance, in this Christmas tree quilt, I used a delicate 50wt thread for precise machine piecing. To add depth and texture to the quilting, I’ve combined 12wt and 8wt Aurifil threads. Since discovering Anna Maria Horner’s stunning 8wt Aurifil range, I’ve been hooked! This challenge has given me the perfect opportunity to experiment with different thread weights and elevate this beloved pattern.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt, 12wt & 8wt 2530, 2120 & 1148
Sarah Harris
The new VOTE quilt pattern by Carolyn Friedlander was an easy choice to make as part of the look 3-2-1 challenge. For me, election season is easier to get through when I have voted and then kept my hands and anxious mind busy sewing. Adding a variety of thread weights and colours was a fun challenge and made me step outside my typical thread picks.
Aurifil Threads used: Floss 6738; 80wt 2725 , 1243; 40wt 6738; 50wt 2725, 1246; 12wt, 2725, 1243, 1246.
Suzanne Campion
Contemporary cathedral window cushion. This is one of a set of three cushions I have been commissioned to design for a local hairdressers salon. I have highlighted colours from the interior in my choice of fabrics from Billy Reue which I have used with a charcoal Oakshott cotton. I have created texture by hand quilting with 8 wt and 12wt threads, and machine quilting with 50wt using a triple stitch.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2630; 12wt 2630, 4657; 8wt 2566.
Andrea Kjorlaug
This month’s challenge was such a fun exploration of color and texture. I chose to use 2 different 50wt colors to create subtle lines for my quilted duffle bag. I also used 12wt to let the edge stitching along the straps and zipper binding shine. The duffle bag pattern is self drafted and is the final module in my Accelerated Sewing Academy.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2370, 6711; 12wt 8343
We encourage you to click through and check out each of these amazing projects in more detail!
Creativity in abundance!!
Stunning work! Inspired!
I so enjoy seeing all the different textures and projects that come from using Aurifil threads. These today are Awesome! Thanks for sharing.