Best Quilting Thread of 2026

Corey Phillips Avatar
Corey Phillips
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2026

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Quilting thread is an essential material for anyone who enjoys quilting. It is a strong, durable thread that is designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use. Available in a variety of colours and thicknesses, quilting thread can be used to create intricate designs and patterns on quilts, as well as to reinforce seams and stabilise the fabric. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, using high-quality quilting thread can help you achieve a professional-looking finish on your projects.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

New brothread 12 Multi-Purpose Cotton Threads Cover #TOP 1
New brothread 12 Multi-Purpose Cotton Threads
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread for Quilting Cover #TOP 2
Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread for Quilting
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Aurifil Cotton Mako 80wt Thread, Moondust Cover #TOP 3
Aurifil Cotton Mako 80wt Thread, Moondust
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Quilting Thread

New brothread 12 Multi-Purpose Cotton Threads

NB-MCT-12C01
600M(660Y)
New brothread 12 Multi-Purpose Cotton Threads Cover
New brothread 12 Neutral&Jean Colours Multi-Purpose 100% Mercerized Cotton Threads 30WT(50S/3) 600M Each Spool for Quilting, Sewing and Embroidery

The New brothread Cotton Threads are made from 100% gassed and mercerized cotton, providing a strong and smooth surface ideal for quilting, sewing, and embroidery. This multi-purpose thread is suitable for various techniques, including machine and hand sewing. It works exceptionally well with natural fabrics like cotton and linen, minimising the risk of puckering after washing. Additionally, the spool features a locking base that prevents tangling, allowing for a hassle-free sewing experience.

What We Like
High-quality mercerized cotton
Suitable for natural fabrics
Resists thread tangling
Versatile for various sewing tasks
#TOP 2

Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread for Quilting

20061
Muslin
1422 yd
Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread for Quilting Cover
Aurifil A1050-2311 Mako Cotton Thread Solid 50WT 1422Yds Muslin

The Aurifil Mako Thread is crafted from 100% long staple mercerized Egyptian cotton, ensuring a high-quality finish for your projects. It is ideal for machine embroidery, quilting, and serging, providing versatility for various sewing tasks. The large spool means you can sew for longer without frequent changes, enhancing your efficiency. Additionally, being produced in Italy, this thread reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making it a reliable choice for all your sewing needs.

What We Like
High-quality Egyptian cotton
Versatile for multiple uses
Large spool for convenience
Made in Italy
#TOP 3

Aurifil Cotton Mako 80wt Thread, Moondust

1080-6725
#6725 Moondust
Aurifil Cotton Mako 80wt Thread, Moondust Cover
Aurifil Cotton Mako 80wt Thread, 6725 Moondust

The Aurifil 80wt Thread is made from 100% Egyptian cotton and comes in a convenient 306 yards on a wooden spool. This fantastic thread is ideal for free motion quilting, machine embroidery, and hand applique, making it a versatile choice for various crafting projects. Its thin design ensures that stitches almost disappear, giving your work a polished finish. Despite its delicate appearance, this thread is strong enough for machine quilting, providing durability and reliability for all your sewing needs.

What We Like
High-quality Egyptian cotton
Ideal for various quilting techniques
Thin, nearly invisible stitches
Strong enough for machine quilting
#TOP 4

Aurifil 50wt Cotton Thread - Natural White

20026
Natural White
1422 yd
Aurifil 50wt Cotton Thread - Natural White Cover
AURIFIL USA Aurifil 50wt Cotton 1,422yd-Natural, 1422 yd, Natural White

The Aurifil Cotton Thread is made from 100% long staple mercerized Egyptian cotton, ensuring high quality and durability. This makes it an excellent choice for machine embroidery, quilting, and serging, providing you with versatility for various sewing projects. The natural white colour offers a clean and classic finish, allowing your work to shine. Additionally, being produced in Italy, you can trust in its craftsmanship and quality that is synonymous with the Aurifil brand.

What We Like
High-quality Egyptian cotton
Versatile for multiple uses
Natural white colour
Crafted in Italy
#TOP 5

Aurifil Mako Cotton 40 Weight Thread

1040-2600
Grey
1094 yards
Aurifil Mako Cotton 40 Weight Thread Cover
Aurifil Mako Cotton 40 Wt 2600 Dove1094 Yds

The Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread is a versatile 40 weight, 2-ply cotton thread, designed specifically for machine quilting. With 1,094 yards per cone, it offers excellent value and ample length for your projects. You'll find that using the recommended 80/12 microtex or sharps needle helps achieve precise stitching, while the universal needles (75/11 or 90/14) are perfect for quilting. For long-arm quilting, this thread performs exceptionally well with 3.5 or 4.0 needles, ensuring a smooth sewing experience. Enjoy the convenience and quality this thread brings to your quilting tasks.

What We Like
High-quality cotton thread
Great for machine quilting
Ample length for projects
Compatible with various needles
#TOP 6

Aurifil 50wt Cotton Thread - 1,422yd White

20027
White
1422 yd
Aurifil 50wt Cotton Thread - 1,422yd White Cover
Aurifil 50wt 1,422yd-White, Cotton, White, 1422 yd

The Aurifil Cotton Thread is made from 100% long staple mercerised Egyptian cotton, ensuring durability and a smooth finish for your projects. Perfect for machine embroidery, quilting, and serging, this thread allows you to achieve professional results with ease. Its large spool provides ample length, meaning fewer interruptions during your crafting. Additionally, being produced in Italy adds a touch of quality, making it a reliable choice for all your sewing needs.

What We Like
Durable Egyptian cotton
Suitable for various sewing techniques
Large spool for convenience
High-quality Italian production
#TOP 7

Aurifil Mako Cotton 40 Wt Light Beige Thread 1094 Yards

1040-2310
Beige
1094 yards
Aurifil Mako Cotton 40 Wt Light Beige Thread 1094 Yards Cover
Aurifil Mako Cotton 40 Wt Light Beige 1094 Yds

The Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread is a 40 weight, 2-ply cotton thread that comes in a generous 1,094 yards cone, giving you plenty of material for your quilting projects. It is best used with an 80/12 microtex or sharps needle, which ensures precise stitching and durability. For versatile use, you can also try a universal needle sized 75/11 or 90/14, especially for quilting work. If you are into long-arm quilting, the thread performs excellently with a 3.5 or 4.0 needle, making it a reliable choice for machine quilting enthusiasts.

What We Like
Generous 1,094 yards cone
Compatible with various needle sizes
Ideal for machine quilting
Strong 2-ply cotton thread
#TOP 8

COATS & CLARK 350-Yard Hand Quilting Cotton Thread

Coats & Clark
26618
White
COATS & CLARK 350-Yard Hand Quilting Cotton Thread Cover
Coats & CLARK Hand Quilting Cotton Thread, 350-Yard, Natural

The COATS & CLARK Quilting Thread is crafted from 100% cotton, making it perfect for traditional hand quilters like you. The thread features a special glace finish, which enhances abrasion resistance, ensuring your projects are durable. You will appreciate how this finish also prevents tangling and knotting, allowing for a smooth quilting experience. Each package contains a generous 350-yard spool, providing ample thread for your quilting needs.

What We Like
100% cotton material
Prevents tangling and knotting
Abrasion resistant
Generous 350-yard spool
#TOP 9

Coats & Clark White Professional Quilting Thread 3000 Yds

Coats & Clark
6975.0100P01
White
Coats & Clark White Professional Quilting Thread 3000 Yds Cover
Coats & Clark Professional Machine Quilting Thread, 3000 yds, White

The Coats & Clark Quilting Thread is a great choice for your quilting projects. With 3000 yards of thread, you have plenty to complete large or multiple quilts without needing to stop and replace it often. The thread weight of 30 means it’s strong yet fine enough for detailed stitching. Designed for use with a machine needle size 11, it fits most standard sewing machines perfectly. Made of 100% mercerized cotton, this thread offers a smooth finish and added strength, making your quilting neat and durable.

What We Like
Long 3000-yard length
Strong 30-weight thread
Compatible with needle size 11
100% mercerized cotton
#TOP 10

Coats & Clark Hand Quilting Cotton Thread

Coats & Clark
26610
White
Coats & Clark Hand Quilting Cotton Thread Cover
COATS & Clark S980-0100 Hand Quilting Cotton Thread, 350-Yard, White

The Coats & Clark Quilting Thread is a perfect choice for traditional hand quilters. Made from 100% cotton, this thread offers a soft and natural feel, ensuring your projects maintain their quality. Its special glace finish provides excellent abrasion resistance, meaning you can quilt without worrying about wear and tear. Additionally, this feature helps prevent tangling and knotting, making your quilting experience smoother and more enjoyable. With a generous 350-yard spool, you will have plenty of thread to complete your projects with ease.

What We Like
100% cotton for quality feel
Glace finish resists tangling
Durable and abrasion resistant
Generous 350-yard spool
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What thread is best for quilting?

For most quilting on a home machine, a 40-weight cotton thread is an excellent choice. Because the 40 weight cotton thread is heavier than the finer 50 weight cotton thread, quilting stitches will show up more easily on the quilt.

2. What is special about quilting thread?

Quilting threads hold the layers of the quilt sandwich together securely, making indents in the project wherever the stitches are sewn. The indents and the thread both add a decorative finish to the quilt.

3. Is quilting thread the same as embroidery thread?

STRENGTH- Quilting thread is stronger than embroidery thread as it is designed to hold your blocks together for generations to come. Embroidery thread is designed for surface embellishment. Embroidery thread does not have the same strength and is not designed for seaming.

4. Will quilting thread work in a sewing machine?

Hand Quilting thread has a wax coating on the thread making it stick to everything thing metal in a sewing machine. It can't slip through the tension disks, it gets slowed down around metal guides, and sometimes it even sticks to itself as it is trying to come off the spool!

Editor's Notes

During our quilting thread research, we found 306 quilting thread products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 43,645 customer reviews through our big data system to write the quilting thread list. We found that most customers choose quilting thread with an average price of £16.50.

The quilting thread are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of quilting thread, including New brothread, Aurifil, Coats & Clark.

Written by
Corey Phillips Avatar

Corey Philips is an electrician and lighting expert. He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering. Corey is a specialist contractor in lights. He sells and installs and recommends lights and lamp sheds, and other lights accessories. Aside from that, Corey is vast in installing and maintaining electrical appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, and the likes.