Superior Threads recently introduced an awesome new thread called Microquilter. Microquilter is a 100 wt super-fine polyester thread. It is the same weight as Kimono silk (also made by Superior Threads) and Wonderfil Invisafil thread. Microquilter is available in 30 colors including lots of neutrals. Microquilter comes in 3,000 yd cones and is priced at $11.50 per cone.
Microquilter is a very versatile lightweight thread. In the longarm world, its obvious use is for small, dense fillers. It’s perfect for microstippling, matchstick filling, tiny pebbling, and designs with lots of backtracking. It is also very useful for stitching in the ditch, whether you plan to use Microquilter in the rest of the quilt or not. Finally, Microquilter works well as a bobbin thread! We recommend a 16/MR 3.5 needle with Microquilter for longarm users.
For those who quilt with a domestic machine, all of the above uses would still apply. However, Microquilter is also excellent for invisible machine applique (please see review here) and for couching invisibly over small trims. Superior Threads recommends that you use a 70/10 topstitch needle in a domestic machine.
Finally, Microquilter has a place in the hand sewing world. It can substitute for silk thread in hand applique. Microquilter can also be used for English paper piecing. It’s super-strong and super-fine, perfect for whipstitching those hexies together!
We use Microquilter here primarily as a quilting thread and use either Microquilter or The Bottom Line in the bobbin. We use a size 16/MR 3.5 needle with Microquilter on our APQS longarms (and on George too) and have had no significant issues with it at all. If you experience any thread breakage or shredding, we recommend that you troubleshoot your machine as you normally would. We have not needed to adjust our bobbin winders to use 100 wt thread. The secret is to make sure that your thread is fully seated in the tension guides.
We carry all 30 colors of Microquilter and a collection of neutral colors perfect for stitching in the ditch – give it a try, you’ll love it!
I’m Angela- Co-host of the Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting PBS show. APQS Long arm Dealer and Educator. Triplet Momma. Designer. Thread Bimbo.
4 Responses
Does the machine have to be retimed to use a 16 needle
Thanks, I have a Freddie, so I guess I’m ok
Angela,
Would Magna-Glide Delights prewound bobbins work with the Microquilter thread on my APQS Lenni?
Hi Roxie!
The quilt fairies here have used the Magna-Glide No. 60 bobbins (the ones that are 60 weight and come in boxes of 72 or 100 bobbins) with the Microquilter and it’s worked really well! We generally recommend a 60 weight bobbin or skinnier for Microquilter. The 80 weight Decobob prewound bobbins are our current favorite bobbin to pair with Microquilter! The regular 40 weight Magna-Glide might be a little too thick. If you really want to pair the regular Magna-Glides with Microquilter, we’d recommend practicing on a test sandwich before quilting on your quilt. Hope that helps!
Kelsey & the Quilt Fairies