🧵 Meet Madeira Thread — And Why Gudrun Swears By It
At GE Designs, we’re always searching for the highest-quality tools to help you create quilts you’re truly proud of. That's why we're thrilled to officially spotlight Madeira Thread, a German-engineered powerhouse of premium threads, in production for over a century. This thread delivers flawless stitches, vibrant colors, and exceptional performance—whether you’re piecing, quilting, or adding delicate details.
Madeira’s Legacy of Excellence
Made of extra-long staple Egyptian Giza cotton, Madeira’s Cotona thread undergoes double mercerization, which gives it a silky sheen, remarkable strength, and near-zero lint - perfect for precise, clean sewing. Made in Germany under rigorous quality and environmental standards, these threads are OEKO‑TEX® certified and built to stand the test of time.
Why Gudrun Chose Madeira
When Gudrun discovered Madeira’s Cotona thread, she noticed an instant, and dramatic, difference.
“It was like night and day … smooth, strong, and so easy to work with. And I love that they offer the perfect weights for every part of my quilting process.”
So naturally, she agreed to partner as an ambassador - because she genuinely uses and recommends Madeira to her students, fans, and fellow quilters.
Gudrun’s Top Madeira Picks
On her Tipsy Tuesday show, Gudrun shared her preferred weights of Cotona:
Cotona 50-weight: “My go-to for daily piecing—strong, smooth, and blends beautifully.”
Cotona 30-weight: “For free-motion quilting—it really pops.”
Cotona 80-weight: “Perfect for fine details when you don’t want the thread to show.”
How to Choose the Right Cotona Thread
Here’s a quick reference:
Weight |
Best For |
Recommended Needle |
#80 |
Fine detail, monogramming, heirloom |
80/12–90/14 |
#50 |
Piecing, applique, seam work |
75/11–80/12 |
#30 |
Free-motion quilting, decorative stitching |
80/12–90/14 |
Shop Gudrun’s Favorites
We proudly carry the exact Madeira Cotona threads Gudrun uses, so you can achieve the same level of precision and artistry. Whether you're piecing blocks, quilting textures, or embellishing with embroidery, the right weight and stunning color range are at your fingertips.
Pairing premium cotton prints with Madeira’s Cotona thread ensures not just beautiful results, but reliable stitches that endure. Made for quilters who value finesse and function, this combination elevates every stitched detail into a masterpiece.