King Tut, from Superior Threads, is an extremely low lint, #40/3-ply extra-long staple Egyptian-grown cotton thread. It is available in 133 colors, including multi-color variegated colors, tone-on-tone variegated colors, and solids. The variegated colors have a one-inch color change interval so clever quilters can predict how the thread will appear on their quilts. King Tut thread is mainly used for machine quilting, decorative stitching and top stitching.
King Tut was the thread featured in Lesson 103 from Superior University. Our assignment was to make a hedgehog pin cushion and to stitch decorative lines with King Tut thread on each side of its body. The thread in my kit was multi-color variegated color 929 called “chariots of fire” – yellow, orange and red. I chose a cream-colored felt for the hedgehog body and auditioned a variety of stitches before settling on a swirly design. It just looked like me!
My first impression of King Tut thread was that it was thick and I couldn’t quite imagine quilting with it. My machine quilting threads have been getting thinner and finer, and this was definitely a step in the other direction! But once I tried different decorative stitches with it, I started to see great possibilities. This is a thread meant to be seen and sure to make an impact.
To see the first two lessons, go to Bobbin Work with Razzle Dazzle for Lesson 1 and Thread Painting with Rainbows for Lesson 2. To join Superior University, please visit Superior Threads.
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