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If you've been around for any length of time, you know I'm always on the lookout for tips and tricks to make my quilting experience smoother and more efficient. One swap I've made in the last year that's been a simple, but impactful change has been switching from using spools of thread to cones of thread. Cones offer several advantages that might make them your new go-to option for both piecing and quilting, too. Let’s dive into the reasons why and I'll share my favorite kind to use!
1. Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Though cones of thread may seem like a larger investment upfront, they’re much more cost-effective in the long term. A cone typically holds significantly more thread than a spool, meaning you won’t need to restock as often. When you break it down to price per yard, cones often offer a better deal, especially when you’re working on large quilts or multiple projects. For example, a cone of Connecting Threads Essential Quilting Thread in Cone form is $18, and in spool form is $6. The cone holds 5000 yds, so that works out to $0.0036/yard. The spool holds 1200 yds, so that works out to $0.005 a yard. You're saving around 25% by buying the cone.
2. Fewer Interruptions While Sewing
When you’re deep into a quilting project, the last thing you want is to run out of thread midway through. A typical spool you buy at a craft store, holds 200-500 yards of thread, while a cone can contain up to 6,000 yards or more. That’s a lot more continuous sewing without the frustration of running out and needing to stop, re-thread, or replace a spool. This uninterrupted sewing flow is perfect for long stretches of piecing or quilting, especially when working on intricate or large quilts.
3. Better for Machine Quilting
If you’re quilting on your domestic or longarm machine, using a cone of thread is a game-changer. Machine quilting requires a substantial amount of thread, and cones provide plenty of it, making it ideal for dense quilting designs, free-motion quilting, or edge-to-edge quilting. No more worrying about running out of thread mid-quilt!
4. Color Consistency
When you’re working on a large quilt, consistency is key, especially when it comes to thread color. With spools, you might need multiple spools to get through an entire quilt, which can sometimes lead to slight variations in thread color. A cone ensures you have plenty of thread from the same dye lot, giving you perfect color consistency throughout your entire project.
5. Eco-Friendly Choice
Using cones can reduce waste. Since a cone holds more thread, you’ll be discarding less packaging over time compared to frequently replacing spools. Fewer plastic spools and packaging waste means a greener choice for eco-conscious quilters.
6. Convenience with a Thread Stand
Some domestic machines have the capability to accommodate thread cones, but most don't. Enter the thread stand! It's a simple, inexpensive tool that lets your machine feed thread smoothly from a cone, reducing tension issues and thread breakage. I love THIS ONE. You just place the thread cone on the center pin, bring the thread through the loop, then thread your machine like normal.
So what kind of thread do I use?
I've really been loving OMNI in Natural White. It's a 40 weight, 2 ply poly-wrapped poly-core thread with a subtle matte finish. I've found that polyester thread is less linty and I have less thread breaking issues with it in my machine. I use it for all of my piecing. You can get a 6,000 yard cone for $15.99. Shop by clicking HERE.
Final Thoughts
Switching from spools to cones might seem like a small change, but the benefits add up quickly—more savings, fewer interruptions, and smoother sewing experiences. Whether you're piecing together blocks or quilting on your domestic, cones provide convenience and efficiency that spools simply can’t match.