The Perfect Topstitch: Thread Color Choices For T-Shirt Quilts

Choosing the right colour thread for your T-shirt quilt is an important decision, as it can make or break the final look. The colour you choose should complement the quilt's fabric and design, without being too distracting. One popular approach is to match the thread to the background or lightest colour in the quilt, to keep the focus on the colours and patterns of the fabric. Alternatively, you could use a colour that blends across the quilt, such as a toned-down gold thread. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider using a bright and bold thread, like neon pink or rainbow. It's also worth considering the sheen of the thread, as matte threads reflect less light and are preferred for traditional quilts. Finally, don't forget to think about the back of the quilt—using the same colour thread on both sides can help minimise the appearance of any mistakes.

Using two colours of thread

When making a T-shirt quilt, you can use two different colours of thread – one for the front and one for the back. The thread on the back of the quilt comes from the sewing machine's bobbin, while the stitching on the front comes from the top threads, which go through the needle. Using two colours can be a fun way to add a unique touch to your quilt, but it's important to note that the results may not be perfect. In some places, you may see the top thread on the bottom of the quilt, and vice versa. This tension variability is typical of any sewing machine stitching at high speeds while moving on an X, Y axis.

If you're unsure about using two different colours, you can always opt to use the same colour thread on both the front and back of your quilt. This is a common choice as it often looks more cohesive and can complement the quilt's design. Some quilt makers even use the same colour thread as the backing material to hide their quilting, especially if they want the focus to be on the T-shirts themselves rather than the stitching.

When choosing thread colours, it's essential to consider the overall design of your quilt. You can match the thread to the background colour or the lightest colour in the quilt to keep the focus on the colours and patterns of the fabric. Neutral colours like white, off-white, and grey can also work well with any quilt. Alternatively, you can add a pop of colour with something bright or use a contrasting thread colour to make the quilting stand out.

For T-shirt quilts, it's recommended to use quilting thread, a special type of thread made to withstand the high speeds of a long-arm quilting machine. These machines can sew up to 3000 stitches per minute and constantly change sewing direction, so a strong thread is necessary.

Neutral thread colours

When choosing a neutral thread colour, it is important to consider the overall effect you want to achieve. Neutral colours can be used to make the quilting shine, or to keep the focus on the fabric. They can be used to create a subtle, supporting role for the thread in the quilt, or to add a pop of colour and texture.

Some examples of neutral thread colours include:

• White
• Off-white
• Grey
• Taupe
• Silver
• Mauve

Matching thread to the background colour

When it comes to matching thread to the background colour of a quilt, there are a few approaches you can take. Firstly, it is generally recommended to match the thread to the background colour of the quilt. This keeps the background colour unbroken and emphasises the colours and patterns of the fabrics. If there is no distinct background, matching the thread to the lightest colour in the quilt is a good option, especially if the quilt has deep contrasting colours.

Alternatively, you can opt for a thread colour that blends across the quilt, so it doesn't stand out too much. For example, using a gold-toned thread on a quilt with a variety of colours. If you want to add a fun element, you can choose a contrasting pop of colour for the thread, such as orange thread on a black and white quilt.

For two-colour quilts with high contrast, the thread will likely stand out no matter what. In this case, it is often recommended to use the lightest colour, to keep the light colours unbroken and let the darker fabric absorb the extra movement.

If you want the stitching to be visible on the back of the quilt, using the same colour thread for the top and bottom can help minimise the appearance of 'mistakes' when the colours bleed through to the wrong side. However, if you don't want to see the stitching, you can use the same colour thread as the backing material to hide the quilting.

When matching thread to a solid-colour fabric, it is best to compare a single strand of thread to the fabric to find the most accurate match. The thread should blend in with the fabric as closely as possible, and it is usually better to choose a thread that is slightly darker than the fabric, so it disappears into the shadows, seams and folds.

For fabrics with prints or patterns, the thread is typically matched to the ground colour or the lightest colour in the pattern. If there is no clear background colour, you can select the thread that blends best with the fabric, such as dark blue thread for a fabric with olive green, red-orange, light brown and dark blue colours.

Remember, you don't always have to match your thread exactly, and sometimes a contrasting colour or a neutral thread like white, off-white or grey can work well.

Using invisible thread

Firstly, it is important to note that there are different types of invisible thread, and some are easier to work with than others. Nylon invisible thread, for example, is much stiffer and has a similar feel to fishing line, while polyester invisible thread is more flexible and easier to work with. It is recommended to use a high-quality brand of invisible thread, such as YLI or Sew Art, to ensure the best results.

When working with invisible thread, it is advisable to use a smaller needle, such as a size 60/8 sharp/microtex needle. If you have an automatic threader, you may need to thread the needle by hand due to the small eye of the needle. To make this process easier, you can colour in the tip of the thread with a black permanent marker, which can be cut off once threaded.

It is also recommended to use regular thread in your bobbin. A 50wt cotton, poly, or specialist bobbin thread can be used, and you can choose a colour that matches your backing fabric. If your tension is off and the bobbin thread shows through to the top, you can colour it with a marker to match your fabric. While some quilters have had success using invisible thread in the bobbin, it is generally recommended to avoid this to reduce complexity and the risk of difficulties.

Additionally, you may need to adjust the tension of your machine when using invisible thread. It is often necessary to reduce the top tension setting slightly to achieve the desired tension. It is a good idea to make a practice piece to check your tension before working on your T-shirt quilt.

Another tip for using invisible thread is to use a thread nest over the spool when quilting to ensure the thread winds off evenly. This can help prevent tangling, which is a common issue when working with invisible thread.

Finally, invisible thread is not recommended for beginner quilters as it can be challenging to work with. It is important to note that with invisible thread, you cannot see the size of your stitches, making it difficult to maintain a consistent stitch length.

Using a variegated thread

Quilting with variegated thread is a fun way to add a pop of colour to your T-shirt quilt. Variegated threads are multi-coloured, with repeating patterns of different shades. They can be used to complement the colours of your T-shirts or to create a bold contrast.

When choosing a variegated thread, consider the weight and thickness of the thread. Threads are usually labelled with a weight, such as 40 wt or 30 wt. Thicker threads are great for adding texture and dimension to your quilt, but they require a larger needle. If you're using a thicker thread, like 40 wt or 30 wt, you may want to use a thinner thread in the bobbin to balance it out.

The colour change in variegated threads can vary in length, so pay attention to the repeat length when planning your quilting. You don't want to lose the beautiful colour changes in the thread due to the quilting pattern. Additionally, consider the tension of your sewing machine. The top and bottom threads may show through to the opposite side, so try to match the colours to minimise the appearance of mistakes.

If you're quilting with cream-coloured T-shirts, a variegated cream thread can add depth to your design. You can also use variegated threads on solid-coloured fabrics to make the colour changes stand out. Play around with different colours and patterns to see what works best for your T-shirt quilt!

Frequently asked questions