All manner of threads appear in advertisements of the 18th and 19th centuries, including silk, such as our Silk Quilter's Thread.  Looking at extant garments you will find various weights of silk typically used for silk and wool.  It was available in a variety of colors to suit any need.  

• Our hand/machine-sewing-weight #30 Silk Quilter's Thread comes on a 50 meter spool.  It may be used in a sewing machine if required. 
• We have closely matched these threads to our custom dyed , used for buttonholes and thread buttons, as well as embroidery.