A while back, Connecting Threads contacted me to see if I would try their Essential thread. They sent me four spools and I used one and posted over the weekend that I would give the other three to someone who commented on which sock pattern I should choose.
First, I’ll review the thread and then I’ll tell you the winner!
I had not used Essential thread before. There was no particular reason why I had not used it except that several years ago, a retailer was going to stop carrying one line of thread that I love and he gave me the opportunity to buy a huge box of what was left for dirt cheap so I did and even though it’s a lot of odd colors, I use it a lot. And, another brand of thread that I like, I see the vendor at local quilt shows and can buy the cones of thread without paying shipping so I stock up on a couple of cones of two basic colors I use and then I rarely have to change thread. I had never even seen Essential thread in real life before receiving the four spools sent by Connecting Threads.
My opinion: It seems a little thicker, but not much, than the threads I normally use. With just a minor tension adjustment on my Bernina, it worked just fine and gave me perfect stitches and the Bernina seemed quite happy with it. I saw no more or no less lint than I see with the other brands I mostly use. It seemed plenty strong.
I would use it again. I liked it equally as much as the other two threads I use and wouldn’t hesitate to buy it when I need thread. I just clicked over to the Connecting Threads website and see that they have it on sale for 30% off through August 15 and that makes this thread much more affordable than the other two brands I use. If I weren’t in the middle of a move, I’d definitely be stocking up on some of this thread right now.
Now . . the winner of three spools of thread is:
Judy D., congratulations and please email me your address and I’ll get three spools of thread on their way to you!
Mary C in WA says
Congrats to Judy D! She’s my WASIQ friend I got to meet last Nov at a quilting Retreat!
Karen says
I use that thread a lot too and have had good luck with it.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Judy D in WA says
OMG!! I’m excited. I needed something to cheer me up today and this just did! Thanks so much Judy L! 🙂
Sandra says
I use Connecting Threads thread all the time. My Jamone and Brother love it. I, too, received a notice about the sale and will be stocking up on white and neutral.
Sharon Spingler says
I have 2 spools of all the Essentials and love them and yes, they are thicker but work great when doing satin stitch.
Marla says
I have good luck with Essentials too with my Bernina. I also love the Essential Pro thread for longarm quilting. My Innova loves it and have had great luck with it. I just wish they had more colors to choose from. Just finished one using lilac thread and turned out great. Congrats to Judy D.!
A Left-Handed Quilter says
Congratulations to Judy D! I use Essential thread all of the time – they have the prettiest colors – and they are very affordable. I usually stock up on the sets when they go on sale. Which reminds me… ;))
Ann says
I have been using Essential thread for years and love it.
Chris says
I use Essentials thread and love it. The shipping issue is a no brainer. $50 purchase and no shipping then. Doesn’t take long to have a $50 purchase. They have large cones of the major colors also. They carry Hobbs battings and have them on sale all the time to. Chris
pdudgeon says
me too! love the Essential thread!
Michelle says
I love their thread. Even with shipping on a smaller order, it’s less expensive than the chain store sale prices on threads I don’t like as much.
Erin says
Congratulations Judy D! I love essentials thread! Glad u did Judy!
Jocelyn says
I really like Essential thread. I am a little disappointed that Connecting Threads no longer carries the variegated thread, as I like to use that in children’s quilts. But their threads have worked well for me, with a nice selection of colors.
Kathy C says
Congratulations Judy D…
WA is getting closer to having a winner in OR…maybe next time 🙂
Joan says
I use the Essentials on my Bernina and on my HQ16. It works wonderful in both machines. I have almost all the colors and use it for thread painting as well as piecing and applique. The HQ16 also loves it and I do not find any more lint than other brands. I also use the Marathon poly thread for thread painting. Can usually find that thread at the bigger conventions. It too, is pretty reasonable in price.
Danette Mollere says
I also use Essentials all the time. Yes, I have to adjust my distance a little because it is thicker. But what a great thread. Love, love it. And the price makes it even more worthwhile.