Reverse applique - Thread alternatives

 There are some websites which recommend a substitute for the Alabama Chanin thread.  I've ordered some as well as the AC thread.  So I've taken the time to compare them to see how close they are.

First up

C&C S960 325 yds 68% Polyester, 32% Cotton on top

Alabama Chanin 75 yds 74% Polyester, 26% Cotton  on bottom

The C&C S960, is no substitute, the thread even though it is a hand quilting thread with Glace cotton, it is far too thin.

C&C T3  75 Yds  30% Cotton Glacee, 70% Polyester top - I can no longer find this online, it was in the stash, it is the closest to the AC thread.  There is a another Coats & Clark thread Dual Duty Plus, Button and Carpet thread. 

Alabama Chanin 75 yds 74% Polyester, 26% Cotton bottom

C&C Dual Duty XP 125 yds Heavy 100% Polyester top

It's close, but it's 100% polyester

Alabama Chanin 75 yds 74% Polyester, 26% Cotton on bottom

                                   Alabama Chanin 75 yds 74% Polyester, 26% Cotton on top

C&C  Dual Duty Plus, Button and Carpet thread. ART S920 50yds  75% Polyester,  25% Cotton Glace

This is very close, widely available in limited colors. I bought mine at Joann's who happened to be having a sale on it today.

Now, it could be I'm imagining it, but the AC thread has a smoother feel.  I'll be doing one more test, stitching up a scrap of cotton and laundering to see how they all perform.  In the end, especially with the AC specific colors, you might consider just buying the thread that is already dyed to match your cloth.