This month, we’re shaking things up and challenging our Artisans to break free from their go-to thread weights! Whether a die-hard 50wt fan, an 80wt enthusiast, or a 12wt devotee, we asked our Artisans to reach for the thread weight they use the least—embracing the unknown and uncovering new creative possibilities.
Thread weights have the power to transform a project, adding depth, texture, and personality in ways you might not expect. So, what happens when you swap out your tried-and-true favorite for something new? Magic! Our Artisans have pushed their creative boundaries, experimented with fresh techniques, and proven that sometimes, the most overlooked thread weight might just be your new secret weapon.
Let’s dive in and see how they spread their thread-wings—who knows, you might just be inspired to try something new yourself!
Mary Burroughs-Mayer
February’s Artisan Challenge was all about using my personal, least-used thread weight that Aurifil makes. I want to say I love them all equally, but honestly, there are two that haven’t really entered the chat yet – through no fault of their own – and one of those is the Forty3 weight. Any guesses as to what the other one is? Wool! Someday, I’ll try out some hand embroidery, but it’s not something I do much of right now. Aurifil’s Forty3 thread was developed specifically for higher speed applications like longarming (which is probably why I haven’t used it much – someday I will have one of my own!!). It is three strands of 40 wt. 100% cotton thread wound together vs. two strands in the regular spools of 40 wt., 50 wt., etc., that you may already be familiar with. This third strand strengthens the thread and gives it additional width – about the same gauge as their 28 wt. thread, but it feels a little stiffer to hand, in my opinion. I used it with my walking foot – not exactly high speed, though, I know – to finish off this sweet Heart Cookies quilt (pattern by Krista Moser), and honestly, it worked wonderfully. I used it in the bobbin as well with a 90/14 needle on top and had zero issues. This would be a great thread for a quilted garment like a jacket where the quilting stitches could use more strength (like across the shoulders or armpits). I’m so glad to add Aurifil’s Forty3 thread to my quilting arsenal. I hope you will try it and let me know what you think!
Aurifil Threads used: Forty3 2021 for quilting; 50wt 2021 for piecing; 50wt 2930 for the binding.
Janice Reimer
I used to think that 80wt thread was only for EPP projects, so I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully it quilted! There’s a lovely subtlety to it that helps balance out the busier areas of the bag. On the flip side, the coordinating brown 28wt thread adds the perfect amount of texture to the solid panels. This project has me bubbling over with “I made it!!”
Aurifil Threads used: 80wt 2930; 28wt 5024; 50wt 2000, 6730 and 2375.
Amy Freyn
For the February Aurifil Thread Artisan Challenge, I wanted to “push your boundaries by exploring a thread weight you’ve used least.” Since I mainly use longarms, I chose the 8-weight threads to try my hand at embroidery. 8 weights: 2000, 2847, 2840,2815, 2850, 2564 Floss: 2425, 2310 Pattern by Bella Savoy: Whimsical Floral Embroidery
Aurifil Threads used: 8 wt 2000, 2847, 2840,2815, 2850, 2564; Floss 2425, 2310.
Amanda Loewen
Add texture and definition to your machine quilting with 28wt thread. I added a pop of neon blue and green to this black and white Open Prairie Quilt with a mix of 28 and 50wt threads in a grid design. The bright colours and small-scale grid contrast the large-scale block perfectly!
Aurifil Threads used: 28wt 1148; 50wt 7001.
Janine Heschl
I had the idea of the bunny ‘shadow puppet’ ages ago, but never got round to stitch it. Until a few days ago… I started out with a sketch of my hands, trying to recreate a bunny shadow (lots of cramping involved), which I then transferred onto a water soluble stabilizer and then embroidered with my sewing machine onto black medium weight calico. I wasn’t sure if my picky machine would work with 12wt thread, but I made it work with an extra thin bobbin thread (80wt). I like its boldness and how you can still recognize the sketch from a distance.
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt 2024
Tamara Darragh
For February’s Aurifil Artisan Challenge, I reached for 40/3 weight, which I hadn’t used much until this past year! I put it to the test to longarm my Folk Fables Quilt using Light Grey Green (#2843). I was skeptical that a cotton thread could stand up to the tension of a longarm, but I’ve never had a thread break! I adore the fact that the cotton has a low sheen, which lets me keep my quilts made from all-natural materials. 40/3 is my new go-to for longarming! Happy stitching! xo, Tamara
Aurifil Threads used: Forty3 2843.
Candice Odeen
Now that kid sports practices are back in swing, my Mom-uber schedule is getting a bit bonkers. I’m picking back up my hand sewing project to sneak in some sewing time in those little gaps and recently switched from using 50wt to 80wt for English Paper Piecing (EPP). I have never used EPP before, but the @aurifilthread Artisan challenge for February was to try out a thread weight we use the least. I love how smoothly the 80wt glides through the fabric, which is a huge benefit when hand sewing. I’ve noticed fewer tangles and friction and am loving it so far!
Aurifil Threads used: 80wt 2600, 2692.
Suzanne Campion
This month’s challenge not only encouraged the use of exploring new thread weights, but it also helped me explore the quilters block I have with my fussycut EPP panels. I use 80wt thread to piece my EPP in Liberty tana lawn fabrics. I decided to try it for quilting and was thrilled with the result. The colour and fine thread did not distract from the fussy cutting detail. I also used 12wt lana wool for the first time, hand quilting and machine quilting, contrasting with 40wt quilting lines. I was so thrilled with the results that I started another project making a key tassel, button tufts and pouch all quilted with the lana wool!
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt lana wool 8007, 8021; 80wt 2835, 2600; 50wt 2600; 40wt 4651; 12wt 2425.
Tania Tanti
Caught up on some colour play and mindless painting. Enjoying the combination of thread and fabric.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2525 6729; 40wt 1147 4093 2270 4030 2150; 28wt 2885 2865; 80wt 6737.
Fiona Johnstone
I was debating between a purple Forty3 and a gold 28wt thread to quilt my Omega quilt top before I turned it into a jacket. I thought the purple Forty3 was ideal because it added an extra level of stitch definition to the quilting due to the extra ply in the thread. It also added a lovely tone to the jacket without overpowering the fabrics.
Aurifil Threads used: Forty3 2535.
Ashelyn Downs
I planned to write a blog post on this make but ultimately ended up winging it and not having an inkling of how I could helpfully instruct others on how to make one similar… And I forgot to take (nice) photos of my process… Because I was in pre-QuiltCon panic mode. I improv pieced a large panel of my favorite fabrics (peep that Art Gallery Fabrics discontinued denim grid!) leftover from previous improv quilts, hand quilted in a sort of topography-inspired design, and then hacked away at it until it resembled a less tailored version of the gorgeous Japanese work wear that has become more widely shared in recent years! Threads used: Aurifil 28wt thread in colors ‘Muslin’ & ‘Steel Blue’.
Aurifil Threads used: 28wt 2311, 2755; 80wt 6737.
We encourage you to click through and check out each of these amazing projects in more detail!