When Superior Threads asked me back in November what threads I was interested in testing out, So Fine was one of my top three – you have already seen reviews for King Tut and Bottom Line – and now it is time for So Fine. I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved quilting with this particular line of thread. It comes in three different weights 30, 40, and 50.
As always when I prepare to do any type of review I gave my machine a thorough cleaning and checked the Home Machines Thread Reference Guide to make sure that I had the correct needle and tension settings on my machine. I was using So Fine #50 which recommended a 80/12 needle and 4.0 – 5.0 tension setting. Remember that when trying out any new product you should always make sure that you have checked the recommended settings for your machine – this will help you avoid frustration caused by tension problems!
I tested it out on the Mystery Quilt for my hubs.
I did straight line quilting in the ditch here is a look at the back – I used So Fine as my top thread and I also used it as my bobbin thread.
Throughout all the quilting I didn’t have a single break. It is also the first quilt that I have done in one sitting. I was only going to do the large diamonds, but then I read the packaging on the batting that I used and realized that I had to quilt at least every 6-8 inches. That led me to quilt squares inside the diamonds. In the end I really love how it turned out with the additional quilting.
I also decided to use the So Fine to sew down the binding. In order to add a little extra pizzazz (not that my hubs actually noticed) I did a decorative stitch
The decorative stitch that I selected is one of the most complicated as far as needle movement is concerned on my machine. Throughout the entire quilting and machine sewing of the binding I did not have a single thread break. Any time that I don’t have to rethread my machine does so much for my frame of mind. Sewing/quilting is supposed to be relaxing and any time I have to deal with a break it does nothing but raise my blood pressure. My blood pressure stayed nice and low with this quilt!
Things I Liked:
- My number 1 favorite feature of this thread is that there were no thread breaks.
- I used it as a bobbin thread and a top thread – it worked seamlessly
- My machine was clean when I started and clean when I finished quilting – ZERO LINT. Any time I don’t have to clean my machine I am a happy happy camper.
- So Fine comes in three different weights with over 200 color choices. Talk about selection!
- So Fine comes in cones, spools AND pre-wound bobbins.
- As always – I am a fan of the Superior Threads Education portion of their website – I have yet to come across a thread manufacturer with this much information available on their products. Including two videos focusing solely on So Fine.
Recommendations:
- Start with the Home Machines Thread Reference Guide and a clean machine. You will get your best results when following the recommendations of the experts.
- If you want to try out the thread but are not really sure if you will like it – try out the “Try Me Specials” that Superior offers – it is a great way to try out a new thread and see if it is something that you will want to use in the future.
I have no improvements to offer Superior Threads at this time on So Fine. It is a fabulous product. The only thing I did not try was piecing with it, this is on my list, but after quilting and sewing down the binding on this quilt I was virtually out of thread!
Have you used So Fine? If so which version of it do you like best and why?
PS: I have a great giveaway this week from Sondra over at Contemporary Cloth – go enter!
What a beautiful quilt!
beautiful quilt !!! I use So Fine quite a bit ; love it !
I love how this quilt turned out! And it is very warm too ;). I am going to have to give So Fine a try.
wonderful quilt. thanks for the review!
Thanks for the review! I may not be a quilter, but my garment sewing deserves the best thread!
I have not used it, because I rarely use polyester threads, but if I see some at the Cincinnati show this weekend, I will buy some to try, based on your review. I’m pretty sure Superior is there. They make the best metallic thread, if you ever want to try that. I used the variegated gold and the variegated silver in my Gammill longarm, and it did break, but far less often than YLI and other ones I tried.
I have used So Fine #50 exclusively for both hand & machine piecing, as well as finished quilting, and love it. I’ve never had any problem with breakage or lint accumulation. #50 was recommended by a Superior rep at Pacific Intl Quilt Festival several years ago when I was a newbie; at the time I bought 10 cones of basic tans & greys, costly at the time, but I’ve NEVER once regretted it.
I am less than a year into my quilting addiction. I have always used cotton thread because I was told it would shrink at the same rate of the fabric. It appears this a polyester thread. If so, I guess there’s more than one line of thinking?
Beautiful quilt Melissa! I have one cone of So Fine, not sure what weight but have used it for piecing. I love Bottom Line and need to try King Tut as I have heard so many great things about it.
So Fine is next on my list to try! I just received two spools of King Tut from a giveaway and I’m itching to try it! Thanks for a great review. 🙂
Love how that quilt turned out! That is how I sew down almost all of my bindings now, it just adds a little extra pizzazz I think! Next time I have to buy thread I’ll get some of this to try out! Thanks for the review. 🙂
Cool….love your insights!!
Your quilt is gorgeous! I love the fancy stitching on the binding. Neat idea and I’ll have to remember that. Great review!
Great quilt!!! I love the thread as well!!!