AboutConnie Hester Expertise Quilting and applique expert.Can advise on the following topics:quilting, art quilts, quilt design and construction, machine and hand quilting, paper foundation piecing, machine piecing, hand piecing, raw edge applique, turned-edge applique and fiber art.
Experience Winning awards in international fiber and art competitions since 1983; http://www.conniehester.com/
BS,MS
See my work and books at http://www.conniehester.com/
Question I would like to start quilting. I would like to know a few things first. What type of fabric is best for quilting, what type of thread is best and which is the best stitch to use for quilting.
Thanks for listening.
Karlene
Answer Hi, Karlene,
Pre-washed 100% cottons are best to begin with as they need no special consideration, avoid potential problems, and last 100+ years. Cotton-covered polyester thread is best for piecing fabrics. Some speculate that polyester thread will eventually cut through the pieced fabric. I have not found this to be a problem myself and do not pay too much attention as to which thread I use to piece. Quilting thread is best for use in hand-quilting, while cotton-covered polyester works very well for machine quilting. Rayon will shred, as will some other of the more uncommon threads.
If you have access to a library, many basic quilting books are available.
