Threads
The vast array of threads available cause quite a lot of confusion to new sewers. the majority of customers go for a color match with no regard to the type of thread that they have selected. The only rule with threads is that you definitely pay for what you get. “Bargain ‘”threads may create fabric and machine headaches. I have seen a machine sent for service that was stitching poorly just because of the “bargain “ thread on it. black threads in particular cause many problems so buy the best quality black thread you can afford.
Thread is either long or short stapled. the longer the staples the better the quality and the dearer the cost. Long stapled cotton is wonderful to work with for quilting. If the thread looks uneven and fuzzy when you look closely at a strand of it then it is probably short stapled. short stapled threads are made form 1 1/2” long fibers where as long stapled thread is made of 4 to 5 1/2 “ fibers. Long stapled thread has improved sewing ability , greater luster and strength. look for a thread that is smooth even, fine and strong.
Over locker thread is sold on large cones and is slightly finer than all purpose thread but not quite as strong. It is extra smooth for high speed sewing and is really economical. I place it on a thread stand and use it for general sewing. Use a triple stitch in any stress seams and it will be strong enough. I must admit that I do a great deal of my construction on the over locker and just do the finishing and detailing on the sewing machine.
I like and recommend Rasant thread, a cotton wrapped polyester thread for general sewing and it is also sold on cones so is very economical. It suites a variety of machines and is best for knits.
Machine sewing thread is either polyester , cotton, rayon or silk. Polyester can be used on any fabric. It is strong and will not shrink or fade. Cotton thread has limited give and is not as strong as polyester and it may shrink. It sews well, dyes beautifully and has a great luster. It is available in a variety of weights for quilting and decorative techniques. Sulky cotton 30 is thicker than the regular cotton and Sulky cotton 12 is thicker again. Both sew beautifully and have a delightful luster.
Silk thread is made form protein so it works well with protein fibers like silk and wool. it is strong , fine and elastic. Unfortunately it is quite expensive.
Rayon and Polyester Decorative threads are very fine and have a high luster or shine but are very week. They are thinner than regular threads so that the thread can be stitched very densely . They are perfect for applique, buttonholes or embroidery. Any situation where “pretty” is more important than strength. I mainly use Mettler Poly Sheen embroidery threads and especially when I want black. I never have any trouble with threads breaking .
Topstitch and upholstery threads are the polyester equivalents of the cotton 30 and 12 threads.(the smaller the number the thicker the thread) Ideal for topstitching on garments or crafts.
Metallic threads are a minefield. Buy the ones that do NOT TWIST when you unwind them. Cheap ones can be worse than some expensive ones. If it is wrapped in shrink wrap beware! Look before you buy is a must with metallic threads. I recommend Mettler metallic threads. I did an entire queen size quilt with metallic motif embroidery and decorative stitches and the only thread to guarantee consistent results 9 with a metallic needle of course) was the Mettler brand.
• I recommend that you use black , white and grey threads for construction and match the color only for top stitching or buttonholes.
• Put a thread stand next to your sewing machine so that you can use the economical cones of thread.
• If the thread looks fluffy or uneven don’t use it.
Thread is either long or short stapled. the longer the staples the better the quality and the dearer the cost. Long stapled cotton is wonderful to work with for quilting. If the thread looks uneven and fuzzy when you look closely at a strand of it then it is probably short stapled. short stapled threads are made form 1 1/2” long fibers where as long stapled thread is made of 4 to 5 1/2 “ fibers. Long stapled thread has improved sewing ability , greater luster and strength. look for a thread that is smooth even, fine and strong.
Over locker thread is sold on large cones and is slightly finer than all purpose thread but not quite as strong. It is extra smooth for high speed sewing and is really economical. I place it on a thread stand and use it for general sewing. Use a triple stitch in any stress seams and it will be strong enough. I must admit that I do a great deal of my construction on the over locker and just do the finishing and detailing on the sewing machine.
I like and recommend Rasant thread, a cotton wrapped polyester thread for general sewing and it is also sold on cones so is very economical. It suites a variety of machines and is best for knits.
Machine sewing thread is either polyester , cotton, rayon or silk. Polyester can be used on any fabric. It is strong and will not shrink or fade. Cotton thread has limited give and is not as strong as polyester and it may shrink. It sews well, dyes beautifully and has a great luster. It is available in a variety of weights for quilting and decorative techniques. Sulky cotton 30 is thicker than the regular cotton and Sulky cotton 12 is thicker again. Both sew beautifully and have a delightful luster.
Silk thread is made form protein so it works well with protein fibers like silk and wool. it is strong , fine and elastic. Unfortunately it is quite expensive.
Rayon and Polyester Decorative threads are very fine and have a high luster or shine but are very week. They are thinner than regular threads so that the thread can be stitched very densely . They are perfect for applique, buttonholes or embroidery. Any situation where “pretty” is more important than strength. I mainly use Mettler Poly Sheen embroidery threads and especially when I want black. I never have any trouble with threads breaking .
Topstitch and upholstery threads are the polyester equivalents of the cotton 30 and 12 threads.(the smaller the number the thicker the thread) Ideal for topstitching on garments or crafts.
Metallic threads are a minefield. Buy the ones that do NOT TWIST when you unwind them. Cheap ones can be worse than some expensive ones. If it is wrapped in shrink wrap beware! Look before you buy is a must with metallic threads. I recommend Mettler metallic threads. I did an entire queen size quilt with metallic motif embroidery and decorative stitches and the only thread to guarantee consistent results 9 with a metallic needle of course) was the Mettler brand.
• I recommend that you use black , white and grey threads for construction and match the color only for top stitching or buttonholes.
• Put a thread stand next to your sewing machine so that you can use the economical cones of thread.
• If the thread looks fluffy or uneven don’t use it.
