Aurifil - Spring Prairie - Variegated (#4653)

Aurifloss is a 6-strand 100% Cotton floss wound on a gorgeous wooden spool.

12wt Cotton is Aurifil's heaviest weight thread and the go-to for big stitch hand quilting.

28wt Cotton by machine allows your stitching to shine with bold results and by hand creates beautiful texture.

40wt Cotton provides greater stitch definition while still highlighting the piecing.

40wt 3ply (Forty3) Cotton was made specifically to handle the rigor of today's high-speed, high-tech Longarm machines.

50wt Cotton offers a beautiful subtle effect to allow the piecing to shine - a staple for every sewing studio.

What type of Cotton does Aurifil use?
Aurifil is 100% Egyptian Cotton, grown in the MAKO region of Egypt on the river Nile. When considering the quality of cotton we can make the comparison to that of wine, different geographic areas offer different attributes to the raw material. Aurifil thread is long staple, which refers to the length of the fibers in the raw cotton Boll, the length of the fibers determine the quality of the cotton.

Is Aurifil thread organic?
While Aurifil threads are not organic, they are Oeko-Tex certified. Oeko-Tex certification relates to how a product is processed, including things like dyes and finishes used. It means that the threads are certified free of harmful chemicals and are completely safe for human use. Or… in quilter’s terms, you and your loved ones can wrap yourselves in those lovingly stitched quilts without worry!

Is Aurifil thread waxed or coated?
Aurifil thread is not waxed, but it is passed through a transparent paraffin oil during the winding process. It is this treatment that eventually helps the thread to glide through your machine. It does not leave any type of residue, simply serving to increase functionality to ensure the highest level of ease for the end user.

How do you measure the weight of Cotton?
Aurifil's thread weight is determined by something called Number English or Ne. Ne is a measure of linear density and refers to the number of hanks (840yd or 770m) of skein material that weigh 1lb. For instance, 50 hanks (42,000yd or 38,500m) or our 50wt thread (Ne 50) weighs 1lb. Under this system, the higher the number, the finer the thread.

Why would you use 50wt over 40wt thread?
Aurifil's 50wt thread is thinner than their 40wt, making it ideal for piecing. It is this thinness that provides flatter, more accurate seams resulting in a truly professional finished product. When it comes to quilting, the 50wt is a fantastic choice because it sinks into the fabrics, creating the perfect amount of definition without being overbearing, allowing the piecing to be the star of the show!

What is the best weight for quilting?
The best wt for quilting truly depends on the type of quilting you are looking to achieve: 80wt allows for superfine detail; 50wt offers a beautiful subtle effect to allow the piecing to shine; 40wt provides greater stitch definition while still highlighting the piecing; 28wt by machine allows your stitching to shine with bold results and by hand creates beautiful texture; 12wt is our go-to for big stitch hand quilting.

What is the best weight for piecing?
Aurifil's 50wt thread is the ideal weight for piecing because it results in flat, non-bulky seams. It is a fine, strong thread that virtually disappears.