I want this answer, too! I am doing FMQ at the moment and started with a rayon, switched to a poly and I still get the fraying on the top thread. Next I'll go to the quilting cotton. New needle (cleaner eye) was no help. I would like to hear what anyone else has to say. I don't think it can be my machine as I did get good results once and just forgot which I used. I'll put a big sign on my wall for next time.

I go from a FMQ UFO to an applique UFO, then to a piecing SBS block UFO and by the time I get back to my FMQ machine, I forget which worked best for me. Oldtimers disease I suppose.

I don't really have a favorite but have successfully used Coats & Clark, YLI, and Essentials. I've also had trouble with some of them, but usually end up rethreading, putting in a new needle and trying a new bobbin. One of those procedures will usually solve the problem. I always use Sewer's Aid with the C&C thread because it tends to be linty.

I had trouble with fraying threads until I read in a book on FMQ that you should use a 90/14 EMBROIDERY Needle. Apparently this has a larger eye and shaft so the thread doesn't rub and break so often.

Now my threads don't break unless I get wild and pull faster than I sew...

Hope this helps..
jacke

I didn't have a 90 but found an 80 to use. I can't really say it helped because I kept having breakage. But the good news is that I'm done! (Pictures posted on Gallery.)

Since, it's only this particular thread that's the problem, it might have to do with the direction of the twist. Try flipping your spool upside down and see if it works that way.

That said, my vintage Montgomery Wards machine (mid-1950s) doesn't seem to care what thread I use on it: rayon, poly, nylon, cotton, silk, Coats and Clark "Star", Aurifil, YLI, Gutermanns, Connecting Threads "Essentials", Mettler, Sulky...I've used them all and gotten pretty much the same response from my machine--no problems.

Annie

I am no expert with FMQ but the few threads that I have worked with have not been a big problem . I have tried several, from rayon, cotton, clear, etc. The only time I have had any was with metalic and I think that was needle and me.(Me is usually the big problem). I don't like the cone threads made of poly but I doubt anyone uses them much. Jayne

I use coats and clark star and another brand I can't think of the name right now too tired but the key is the needle size..you have to use a larger eye needle and adjust the tension...... or your thread will fray.....I don't like poly thread and use only cotton also you need to adjust yourquilt on your frame if you are using a frame tooooo tight will cause your hread to break.......I have to use DB industrial needles with my Janome 1600 also you have to control the speed of your machine.....
Red

I have a Bernina and was told not to use Coats and Clarks unless I want to do a lot of tension adjusting so I don't use it. I use only cotton thread to machine quilt and primarily Gutterman, mettler or YLI. I don't have a breakage problem so perhaps the needle size is the answer.

I like Mettler Silk Finish ( :

The reason I like my vintage straight stitcher for FM quilting is because it's just not fussy about thread. Granted, I have to adjust the tension from one thread to another, but once that's done, it just sews away with no problems. No matter what thread you use, be sure to regularly clean the lint out of the feeddogs and bobbin area. Quilting generates a LOT of lint.

Annie