There are so many weights of thread, sometimes it hard to decide which one to use when.  Here's a little guide that I hope will help.

 12 wt thread - We carry Aurifil 12wt cotton thread.  This is the thickest thread Aurifil makes.

Use for Hand Appliqué, Hand Embroidery, Hand Quilting, Cross Stitch, Embellishment and Lace, Machine Appliqué, Blanket Stitch, Buttonhole Stitch, Machine Embroidery, Machine Art Quilting, Sashiko, and Redwork.

Needle Recommendations:  100/16 or 90/14 Topstitch Needle|

When using 12wt thread by machine, we recommend using a much thinner thread in the bobbin, like a 40wt.


28 wt thread - We carry Mettler 28wt silk finish cotton thread. 
 

This 28wt thread is the second heaviest weight thread that we offer and is perfect for double strand cross stitch, blanket stitch, hand applique, hand piecing, hand quilting, bobbin and machine lace, machine quilting, longarm quilting, machine embroidery and lower looper serging. 

Wonderful effects on decorative applications, ornamental stitchings and applications can be achieved with this thread of 100% long staple, Egyptian cotton. It can also be used for buttonholes or for sewing the hemline of jeans. The mercerization process provides high tensile strength, heat resistance and has greatly reduced shrinkage.

Needle Recommendation:  90/14 Topstitch, Quilting or Denim needle.

When using 28wt thread by machine, we recommend using a much thinner thread in the bobbin, like a 40wt.

 
40wt Tsu Mu Gi (Tsumugi) Cotton thread 

This 40wt, 2ply, mercerized thread, made with 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, has a beautiful, lustrous finish. It provides smooth stitches that look great for quilting, sewing, and appliqué projects. This lovely 500m/ 547 yard per spool thread is made by Lecien Co. of Japan. "Tsu mu gi" is processed under strict quality control in Japan to produce a high quality sewing thread.

 Because it is a slightly thicker weight than 50wt piecing thread, it is perfect for use when sewing bags, toys or dolls, garments, or when a more defined topstitching or quilting pattern is desired. It is also terrific for Single, Double or Triple Strand Cross Stitch, Hand Piecing, Bobbin and Machine Lace, Machine Applique, Machine Embroidery, Edge-to-Edge, Pantographs, and Custom Longarm Quilting.

Needle Recommendation:   

80/12 Microtex/Sharp, Universal, or Denim Needle
90/14 or 75/11 Quilting Needle

When using 40wt thread by machine, we recommend using a much thinner thread in the bobbin, like a 40wt or 50wt thread.

50 wt thread - We carry METTLER 50wt silk finish cotton thread.  

SILK-FINISH COTTON 50 is the perfect sewing and quilting thread for your finest cotton creations. The high-quality thread boasts a luxuriously soft effect and has a supple feel.  Through the mercerization process, SILK-FINISH COTTON 50 reaches a high breaking point, high heat resistance, and has reduced shrinkage.  Available in both solid and multi-colors.  The multi-color thread impresses with its natural shine and gives all your creations special effects.  

50 wt thread - We carry AURIFIL 50wt cotton thread.  

Aurifil’s 50wt thread, is a versatile and popular cotton thread. It is available in a wide variety of colors and is wound on Aurifil's iconic 1,422 yard orange capped spools. The 50wt, 100%  long staple Egyptian cotton thread is strong and thin, and results in remarkably flat and crisp seams. While it is wonderful for piecing, subtle quilting & topstitching, and English Paper Piecing, it also works incredibly well for Needle Turn Applique, Bobbin and Machine Lace, Machine Applique (Straight Stitch, ZigZag, Blind Hem and Blanket Stitch,) Machine Embroidery, Dense Machine Quilting, Subtle Machine and Longarm Quilting, Basting, Whole Cloth and Micro Quilting, and Dense Background Designs.

Needle Recommendations:  80/12 Microtex/ Sharp needle, Universal, Quilting or Denim Needle.  50wt bobbin thread recommended.