Our Commitment to Excellence

Here at Superior Threads we continually focus on improvement. We feel little things pay off in big ways.
We pay attention to even the smallest details and are very specific about certain aspects of our company. Whether it's making sure we have well organized items on our warehouse shelves to the packing of boxes, we are committed to excellence. In fact, Bob gives every new employee a "box making lesson." Bob says it is in his genes because his grandparents' name is Packer and therefore he knows how to pack.

Our detail-oriented staff goes through training to make sure each box is packed with the highest standards.

Each box needs to have well aligned edges.

Taping in both directions keeps the product secure. Our focus is on problem prevention rather than problem resolution.

Some people might even consider us a little obsessive, but we want you to receive your order in prime condition.

When you open your box we want it to look nice and in excellent condition.

The Quilt Pattern Shoppe

Superior Threads has partnered with The Quilt Pattern Shoppe to offer you even more service.
While browsing the web have you ever wished you could use your quilt patterns right away, instead of waiting for your purchase to come in the mail?


Problem solved!
The Quilt Pattern Shoppe (TQPS) is an on-line store offering immediate downloading of quilt patterns by many talented designers.
By printing patterns from your home computer, you save shipping costs and time.
TQPS also offers kits, supplies, block of the month, and even a shopper's rewards program.
Currently offering over 200 great patterns, the list is growing daily. TQPS provides a free monthly newsletter that will keep you up to date on the latest products, sales and designers.
If you are a designer and would like your patterns to be made available, there is an easy process to become a featured artist.
Good News: In honor of their 1st Anniversary, TQPS is offering a GIVE AWAY !(on their blog HERE)
Make sure to check out their web site at www.thequiltpatternshoppe.com/

Season Opener of SplashBall

We are celebrating the beginning of summer here in sunny St. George, Utah with our Season Opener of SplashBall with Superior Threads. It was 90 degrees here today. SplashBall is kind of like rough basketball in the pool. There is no such thing as a foul.

From May through early October, SpashBall games are every Friday from noon to 1:30 if Bob is in town (because if Bob doesn't play, no one plays) . It really is part of our workday, although participation is optional. We usually have about 10 players each week. Can you believe we get paid for playing in the pool? (Bob has to buy his friends.) SplashBall gives us the needed break from a long week of hard work.

SplashBall started around five years ago when we thought it would be a good idea to get together for a little healthy competition and it has turned into a highlight at Superior Threads.

We even offer trophies for the winning team (and yes, Bob's name is on the winning team's 2008 season trophy.)

There have been some pretty bad scrapes, cuts from fingernails, numerous bruises, foot blisters, and even a black eye, but they are soon forgotten.

Kyle Fisher, assistant warehouse manager, was our MVP for 2008.

We asked Kyle why he enjoys playing SplashBall. "It's all around good fun for everyone. I love roughing up the other guys," he said.

Bob's claim to fame is his three-point shot from the far edge of the pool, which he says he ALWAYS makes.

Once 1:30 rolls around we go back to work, making sure your orders are filled and taken care of in a timely manner.

You can watch a video of last year's SplashBall competition HERE.

Meet Jon Cole, Vice President

Jon Cole, Vice President, has been with Superior Threads since he was 15 years old. As Jon was growing up he lived two doors away from our home and worked and played with our children when the company was new.
Jon's first task at Superior was cutting and packaging Dissolve, one of our first products. This background has helped Jon understand Superior Threads from the bottom up.
As Vice President, Jon's main focus is to implement new ideas that help our company grow and improve. He works daily on the Kaizen suggestions (see blog post 3/9/09) and the S.T.E.P. program (see blog post 3/16/09).
"I love being part of a company where the public is so excited about a product. Seeing people's loyalty to Superior Threads makes my job fun. Our customer's are our #1 priority and I appreciate being part of a company that actually lives up to their mission statement to focus on quality and service. Many companies say they believe in these principles, but Superior Threads walks the walk," he said.
Jon is also very committed to personal growth. "We can always be good, but my goal is to be better. I'm very anti-complacent."
We see Jon's contributions here at Superior Threads on a daily basis. Whether it's providing a motivating message at our morning meetings (every work day at 9:00 a.m.) , solving computer problems, or even unloading pallets when needed, Jon's diverse talents help Superior Threads move forward in today's growing market.

Farewell To Todd

On Monday we had a luncheon to say farewell to our son Todd, who will be leaving for two years to Tokyo, Japan as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Todd has worked at Superior Threads as one of our first employees. He has worked full time for the last five years, currently serving as one of our Vice Presidents.

Todd was born in Japan (I usually say "made in Japan") and is excited to be returning to the place of his birth.

Mother Superior thinks two years is a very long time!

We met in the lunchroom to say our goodbyes and to share some food.

Heather, Todd and Bob (whose first name is Todd)

From the staff (except Pat, who was on the phone at photo time) at Superior Threads: "Best wishes. We will miss you! We will continue to work hard to be bigger and better when you come back in two years."

Heavy To Show, Thin To Blend

Some have asked "What weight thread should I use for the top of my quilt project? Should I use a 20 30, 40 or 50 weight?" The answer is that it depends on whether you want the thread to blend or stand out?
A good rule to remember is "Medium/Heavy To Show, Thin To Blend".
If you use a decorative thread, most likely you want to add dimension to the project and highlight the thread. Therefore a medium to heavy weight thread is recommended.

Brytes by Caryl Bryer Fallert is a 30 weight thread.
How do you know which thread is heavy and which thread is thin?
Remember that the smaller the number, the thicker the thread.
Below is a chart outlining some our thread selections with the respective weight.
WEIGHT EXAMPLES:
17 wt. Perfect Quilter
19 wt. Poly Quilter
30 wt. Brytes
35 wt. Lava, NiteLite, Extra Glow
40 wt. King Tut, Rainbows, SunBurst, Super Brights, Highlights, Natures Colors, Art Studio Colors
50 wt. MasterPiece, So Fine
60 wt. The Bottom Line

#810 Zebra Rainbows/ 40 wt.
A lightweight variegated thread will not be as visible as a medium, heavier variegated thread. Therefore, most lightweight threads are not variegated.
Although our grand daughter Avilyn couldn't imagine why anyone would want to quilt with any thread that wasn't pink.

She is now considering blue because it matches her eyes.

Thread Twist and Why It's Important

You may be wondering why we feel thread twist is important when selecting thread. Keep reading, because we want you to have the best information when purchasing thread.
With the exception of monofilament, all thread has some degree of twist applied.
When looking at labels, you will see numbers like 50/2 or 50/3. The number following the slash indicates the number of plies or strands twisted together to make the final product.
An important quality to look for is how many twists are applied to the thread.
A loosely twisted thread will look bulky and fluffy on the spool. It will unravel and shred more easily. As a poor quality thread passes along the thread path of a machine it can be easily snagged or caught, causing breakage. Slight snags create all those matted buildups inside a machine.
A tightly twisted thread has a smoother surface and will not get caught or snagged easily.

To clarify this principle, hold a large bath towel between two people. Twist the towel a few times and measure the distance. Twist the towel a few more times and measure the distance again. You will notice the distance between the two people becomes shorter and shorter with each twist.
The same applies to thread twist.
A quality thread requires 20% more fiber than a low quality thread. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Superior Threads cares deeply about quality. We bring you the absolute very best products. We guarantee our threads.
Update on the Motherland:

Progress on the new building is coming along nicely.
Framing has started on the first level.

The wiring is being installed.

And the roof is on! This second level will hold our School of Threadology.