At Aurifil, we’re endlessly inspired by the creativity and passion of our Artisans—and Maude MacDonald of The Retro Quilter is no exception. Maude’s signature style is bold, joyful, and instantly recognizable, and we’ve long been wowed by the way she brings her vintage flair to modern quilting.
We’re always excited to see what she’s working on, so when we found out she wanted to take our Forty3 thread for a spin in her serger, we couldn’t wait to see the results. As always, Maude delivered with flair, offering up a fresh perspective, invaluable tips, and beautiful makes—all just in time for the launch of our new serger thread packs.
We’re so grateful for her insight and thrilled to share her experience with you. Whether you’re a serger pro or just getting started, we hope Maude’s post sparks a little inspiration for your next project!
If you’ve spent any time around sergers, you’ve probably been told that polyester thread is the gold standard. And sure, it makes sense—poly is strong, smooth, and built for the high-speed stitching sergers demand. But what if I told you there’s another option that works beautifully, especially if you’re sewing with natural fibers? Enter Aurifil Forty3 cotton thread—a serger-friendly cotton thread that’s a total game changer.
I recently put Aurifil Forty3 to the test while making my patchwork circle skirt, and let me tell you, I am hooked. Not only does my serger absolutely love it, but using cotton thread with cotton fabric just makes sense. My garment will age beautifully because the fibers are working together, rather than against each other. Here’s why I think you should give it a try too!
Why Cotton Thread for a Serger?
Typically, sergers use polyester thread because it’s strong, smooth, and lint-free. But if you’re working with cotton fabric, poly might not always be the best choice. Cotton fabric and cotton thread shrink and wear at the same rate, which means your seams will age naturally instead of breaking down unevenly. This can make a big difference in the longevity of your handmade garments and quilts.
I actually gave Aurifil Forty3 a go on 100% polyester fabric—just to see—and yeah, not great. My serger didn’t love the mismatch, and the performance just felt off. It really reinforced something I already believed: cotton thread belongs with cotton fabric, and polyester with polyester. Matching your thread fiber to your fabric fiber just creates a more balanced, longer-lasting result.
But Is It Strong Enough?
Absolutely. Aurifil’s Forty3 is a heavier weight than their standard 50wt quilting thread, making it strong enough to handle high-speed serging without breaking. I’ve been putting it through its paces, and the durability is fantastic. My seams feel secure yet flexible, and I’m more confident knowing my skirt will hold up over time.
What About Lint?
Yes, cotton thread does produce more lint than polyester—it’s just the nature of the fiber. But sergers are designed to be easy to clean, so a quick brush-out or blast of air keeps things running smoothly. To me, a little extra lint is a small trade-off for the benefits of a natural fiber thread.
Pro tip: If you’re running all four cones in cotton, it’s worth doing a quick clean-out every couple of projects. I like to keep a little lint brush or a can of air nearby just to stay on top of it.
A Couple Extra Tricks
One little trick I’ve found helpful: if you’re worried about bulk in your seams, try running Aurifil Forty3 in just the loopers and keeping your needles threaded with something finer (or vice versa, depending on your project). It’s a fun way to mix and match without sacrificing strength.
Also, try threading your serger with one cone first and run a few test seams on scrap fabric. You’ll get a feel for tension, stitch balance, and how your machine likes it—without going all in right away.
Where to Find Aurifil Forty3
This thread isn’t as commonly used in sergers, so you might not find it in the typical serger thread aisle. Ask for it at your local quilt shop or check online retailers that carry a full range of Aurifil threads.
** Hot tip: Aurifil just launched Serger Packs! Available in mini or full-size, they come in two glorious neutral hues—Sea Biscuit (6722) and Smoke Grey (5004). Click the button below for all the details!
Give It a Try!
If you’re a cotton-lover like me, I highly recommend testing out Aurifil Forty3 in your serger. Whether you’re making garments, quilts, or home decor, using cotton thread with cotton fabric just makes sense. Once you try it, you might never go back!
Have you ever tried cotton thread in your serger? Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your experience!
(Patchwork skirt pattern is by Charm Patterns by Gertie: Millicent Skirt)
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