Quilting question

[MYellowRose]

I have a simple quilt made by my paternal grandmother in the mid 1960's that needs some work. I'm willing to do it but I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing first.
It's just two pieces of a blue print material sewn together as the top and the bottom is a large piece of plain blue. The problem is that most of the quilting stitches have broken and come out. I want to requilt it and was wondering if I should use something other than cotton thread. I don't want to use nylon thread but was wondering if maybe it would be better if I used silk thread or just a cotton/polyester blend.
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Oh yes, the original quilting was plain vertical and horizontal lines but I'm wondering about using a different pattern. Any thoughts on that would also be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Shamrock1121]

* I have a simple quilt made by my paternal grandmother in the mid 1960's that needs some work. *I'm willing to do it but I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing first. *
* It's just two pieces of a blue print material sewn together as the top and the bottom is a large piece of plain blue. *The problem is that most of the quilting stitches have broken and come out. *I want to requilt it and was wondering if I should use something other than cotton thread. *I don't want to use nylon thread but was wondering if maybe it would be better if I used silk thread or just a cotton/polyester blend.
* Any advice would be very much appreciated.
* Oh yes, the original quilting was plain vertical and horizontal lines but I'm wondering about using a different pattern. *Any thoughts on that would also be appreciated.
* Thanks.

It's best to quilt with 100% cotton thread (aka quilting thread). Stop by a quilting supply store and let them check it and make a suggestion. Without seeing the condition of the batting, and what kind of batting, it's a little hard to tell what would be best.

Personally, I wouldn't do anything more to it than is absolutely necessary (that's the museum training in me), especially because of the age of the fabric. I'd hesitate placing it in a hoop because it's a finished quilt and you could actually damage/tear already weak threads/fabric.

Good luck on your restoration.

-Karen

[leera]

MYR.....I would agree,take it to quilt shop and let them point you in the direction you need to go with it.

[homesteaderbelle]

I would use all cotton thread. It is easier to work with and it is just better ,in my opinion. As for the quilt, I would do nothing to it. It is a work of art that was done by another. Leave the art as it is and maybe you could just lay it on the sofa for decoration or conversation.
Good luck on whatever you decide to do with it.
Belle

[mtwildflower]

New thread on piece that has old stiching can often make the problem worse than it was to begin with. It seems as though it literally 'cuts' the fibers of the older fabric, particularly if the item has been well used and washed often.

I would also take it to a quilt shop.