Maynard Longarm Quilting — Comparison
Glide vs Superior Threads: Longarm Showdown
Choosing the right thread for your longarm quilting can make or break your quilt’s finish and your quilting experience. Glide from Fil-Tec and Superior Threads like So Fine or Bottom Line are two top contenders that longarm quilters swear by. Glide shines with its trilobal polyester luster while Superior offers matte versatility for blending stitches. The stakes? Perfect tension smooth quilting and a professional look without breakage or lint. Well dive into their strengths weaknesses and when each excels on a Bernina Q24 like mine.
Photo by Junior Diniz PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON on PexelsGlide Thread
Glide is a trilobal polyester thread known for its shiny finish that makes quilting pop on the quilt surface. Available in 40wt and 60wt its designed for high-speed longarm machines handling fast stitching without frequent breaks. Quilters love pairing it with matte bobbin threads like Superior So Fine or Bottom Line to avoid tension issues. The luster comes from its unique trilobal shape reflecting light beautifully in open areas. Its low-lint nature keeps machines clean during dense quilting. Many longarm pros including those on APQS frames choose Glide for its reliability and eye-catching results. On my Bernina Q24 it glides through intricate designs effortlessly.
Superior Thread
Superior Threads offers a range like So Fine (50wt matte polyester) Bottom Line (60wt thin polyester) and King Tut (40wt cotton) catering to different quilting needs. So Fine is a favorite for its fine texture that works on both longarms and domestics with minimal lint and a subtle matte look. Bottom Line excels as a bobbin thread pairing well with shiny tops like Glide for balanced tension. These threads blend stitches into busy quilts or allow dense quilting without overpowering the design. Cotton options like King Tut add texture but may produce more lint. Superior’s variety lets you match thread to quilt style and machine preferences seamlessly.
Glide Thread vs Superior Thread: Side-by-Side
| Factor | Glide Thread | Superior Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Shiny trilobal polyester stands out | Matte blends into fabric |
| Lint | Very low lint keeps machine clean | Low lint especially polyester lines |
| Tension Ease | Pairs best with matte bobbin | Versatile top and bobbin options |
| Breakage | Handles high speed well | Reliable across weights |
| Visibility | Highlights quilting designs | Subtle for busy quilts |
| Weight Options | 40wt 60wt | 40wt 50wt 60wt varieties |
| Machine Compatibility | Great for Bernina Q24 fast stitch | Flexible for longarm domestic |
| Cost | Mid-range cones affordable | Similar pricing good value |
When to Choose Glide Thread
Pick Glide when you want your quilting to shine literally on quilts with open spaces or modern designs. Its trilobal luster accentuates stitches in the ditch or free-motion work making motifs pop. Ideal for confident quilters on high-speed longarms like my Q24 where speed meets precision. Use it topped with a matte bobbin to sidestep tension tweaks. If breakage during dense quilting frustrates you Glides elasticity wins out.
When to Choose Superior Thread
Opt for Superior when blending stitches into pieced tops or tackling beginner quilts. So Fine or Bottom Line matte finish recedes letting fabric patterns lead. Perfect for heavy quilting on busy quilts without drawing attention to threads. Their weight range suits varied projects from piecing to finishing. If lint or machine fussiness is an issue Superiors low-maintenance polyesters deliver consistently.
Carol’s Take
Folks after quilting thousands of quilts on my Bernina Q24 I recommend Glide for most customers. Its shine adds that wow factor without the headaches and pairs perfectly with Superior in the bobbin for foolproof tension. Unless youre after a super-subtle matte look Glide handles everything from edge-to-edge to custom with ease. Trust me itll make your quilts sing and keep your longarm purring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glide work better than Superior on longarms?
Glide excels in shine and speed making it a longarm favorite for visible quilting. Superior shines in versatility for blending or bobbin use. On my Q24 Glide tops most jobs but I mix them for best results. Tension is key either way. Your quilts style decides.
Which thread breaks less on a Bernina Q24?
Glide polyester elasticity resists breaks during fast longarm stitching. Superior Bottom Line is thin and tough too. Both outperform cotton in high-speed work. Adjust tension finely and theyll both glide smoothly. Ive rarely had issues with either.
Shiny or matte for beginner longarm quilters?
Matte Superior So Fine blends mistakes for newbies building confidence. Glide shine shows every stitch so save it for practice quilts. Start simple tension-wise with consistent pairings. Both are forgiving with practice. Soon youll love Glides pop.
How to tension Glide vs Superior?
For Glide top use matte Superior bobbin and tweak top tension clockwise slightly. Superior all-poly setups need less adjustment. Drop test your bobbin and sample quilt first. My Q24 dials in quick. Eyes and ears guide the perfect stitch.
Cost difference between Glide and Superior?
Both offer great value in large cones around similar mid-range prices. Glide 40wt gives more yardage for shine lovers. Superior variety means no waste on small projects. Bulk buys save most. Quality pays off in finished quilts.
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