Mastering Aurifil Threads: My Favorite Tips for Seamless Sewing
Emily HerbsterAs a dedicated Aurifil Artisan, I’ve spent countless hours stitching, piecing, and quilting with these incredible threads. From their vibrant colors to their versatility across projects, Aurifil threads are a staple in my sewing studio. Along the way, I’ve picked up some helpful tips and tricks that have not only made my sewing smoother but also elevated the quality of my projects. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or new to Aurifil threads, these insights might inspire you to make the most of your thread collection.
Displaying and Storing Aurifil Threads: Functional and Beautiful
One of my favorite things about Aurifil threads is how gorgeous they look in a collection. I wanted to showcase their beauty while keeping them organized, so I turned to an Ikea Skadis pegboard system for thread storage. To maximize functionality, I had custom spool holders 3D-printed, designed specifically to fit Aurifil spools
Although the Etsy shop I purchased these spool holders from no longer lists them, there are plenty of other sellers offering similar items. A quick search will bring up a variety of options to suit your storage needs. This setup isn’t just practical—it’s a way to turn your thread collection into part of your creative space’s aesthetic. Seeing my threads on display inspires me daily, reminding me of the colorful possibilities waiting to be sewn. Plus, proper storage helps maintain the quality of the threads, protecting them from sunlight while keeping them within easy reach.
Large Cones for Quilting: The Thread Net Revolution
For piecing my quilts, I rely on Aurifil's large cones of 50wt thread in the color chalk. It's perfect for blending in with a range of color due to it's soft white color. These large cones are perfect for long sewing sessions, as they hold so much thread that I rarely need to stop to rethread my machine, only to fill my bobbins. Plus, their 50wt cotton is ideal for creating smooth, flat seams that don’t add bulk to quilt tops.
However, when I first started using the large cones, I ran into some frustrating issues with the thread breaking mid-project. At the time, I didn’t realize that this was due to how the thread unwinds from such a large spool. The solution? A simple yet powerful tool: the thread net.
What is a thread net you might ask? A thread net is a lightweight, mesh-like sleeve that fits around a spool or cone of thread. Its primary purpose is to control the thread's tension and prevent it from unraveling too quickly or tangling as it's fed into the sewing machine.
Thread nets keep the thread's tension consistent as it feeds into the machine, preventing snagging or excessive slack. Ever since I started using a thread net on my Aurifil cones, my piecing has been problem-free. This small adjustment has made a world of difference, and now I never sew without one when working with large cones.
Aurifil Threads for Binding: A Professional Finish
When it comes to finishing a quilt, I love using Aurifil's extensive range of colors to color-match my binding thread. For me, the goal is to let the craftsmanship of the quilt shine without the thread standing out. By blending the thread color seamlessly with the binding, the finished quilt has a polished, professional look that I adore.
Whether I’m working with bold, vibrant colors or soft, neutral tones, Aurifil’s impressive palette makes it easy to find the perfect match. The subtle blending of thread and fabric enhances the overall appearance of the quilt, allowing the design and textures to take center stage.
Aurifil Threads for English Paper Piecing (EPP): The Perfect Match
English paper piecing is one of my favorite slow-sewing techniques, and Aurifil threads are my go-to choice for this art form. Here’s why:
-
Unmatched Color Range: Aurifil offers an incredible variety of colors, making it easy to find the perfect shade to blend seamlessly with your fabric. When stitching, I always color-match to the lightest fabric in the pairing, ensuring that my seams are nearly invisible.
-
Cotton Over Polyester: While some quilters prefer polyester threads for EPP, I find that they tend to be too slippery for me, which makes securing stitches more challenging. Aurifil's cotton threads have just the right amount of grip, offering resistance that helps keep stitches snug and secure.
-
Thread Gloss for Tangling: To minimize tangling and make stitching smoother, I pair my Aurifil threads with a high-quality thread gloss from Ponderosa. This not only enhances the thread’s durability but also makes the entire sewing experience more enjoyable.
These small but thoughtful choices add up, making my EPP projects more precise and satisfying to create.
Using Aurifil Threads for All My Projects
Aurifil threads have become an indispensable part of my sewing journey. Whether I’m piecing a quilt, working on a bag, or hand-stitching EPP, their quality and versatility shine through.
-
Quality You Can See and Feel: Aurifil threads are strong, smooth, and consistent, making them a joy to sew with.
-
Vibrant and Versatile Colors: The extensive color range means there’s always a perfect match for my projects, whether bold or subtle.
- Durable and Dependable: With proper storage and tools like thread nets, Aurifil threads deliver consistent results every time.
Whether you’re working on a large quilt, mastering garment construction, or enjoying the meditative art of English paper piecing, Aurifil threads offer endless possibilities. By displaying your collection, incorporating helpful tools like thread nets, and choosing the right thread for each project, you can elevate your sewing and quilting experiences.
Do you have your own tips or favorite ways to use Aurifil threads? I’d love to hear them—drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other!