Fabrics with this weave: Many types of satin fabric like peau de soi, charmeuse. New brothread Metallic Embroidery Thread 8. Simply take a lighter to a loose thread, cotton will burn away to ash while polyester melts down to a plasticky nub. Your skin will most likely clear up within a few weeks. Your email address will not be published. Many people use rayon for their embroidering, topstitching, and monogramming. Fabric Measured in Ounces: oz./y2 or oz. A good quality thread will be tightly spun together so that few fibers deviate from the strand. Silk: This thread is fine, flexible, and strong. This thread is most commonly used for sewing due to its versatility and suitability for most fabrics. These are used for machine embroidery with rayon, polyester, and even cotton machine embroidery threads. Maybe *Im* not always the problem! In speaking with other seamstress I find that 50 weight polyester cotton blend thread is the most commonly used thread, for most project types. It can either be twisted in a Z direction (left twist) or a S direction (right twist). Turn the silk pillowcases inside out. How can you tell what kind of fabric you have? Upholstery thread is available in cotton, nylon, polyester, and silk. Its gassed to reduce lint and designed to smoothly pass through thefabric without damaging it. That sounds like a rumorand I have a hard time believing it to be truehowever, I cant say with 100% confidence that it cant happen. are used for embroidery. There are many different ways in which thread is measured and categorized. I had heard of a burn test but could not remember what to look for. Just try not to light the rest of your pants on fire in the process! Its even used in childrens bedding and mattresses. Embroidery thread is more decorative in appearance when compared with regular sewing thread. Oops. I know a lot of quilters who prefer to use me. This fiber is unique in that its strength increases when wet to 3.3-6.0 grams/denier. In the fiber world, the strength of cotton is considered moderate to above average. If you are worried about added shrinkage, go with the poly thread. I sew garments, not quilts, and have just switched to cotton thread. Thanks for the interview! But as the times and technology change, even so, does sewing thread. Now Poly, I hear you have some pretty well-rounded interests. Bleach will remove the color, but it does so at the risk of also damaging the threads. Do you know if this is true or not. Tex: How many grams do 1000 meters of thread weigh? The higher the number, the heavier/thicker the thread. The special coating is essential for firefighting gear and race car suits. Cotton is a natural fiber; poly is synthetic. I do know that the lower the number, the thicker the thread. C: Im glad you brought that up because thats a rumor Ive been wanting to address for a while. Lol. Standard polyester and nylon threads are combustible, but will burn slowly and may self-extinguish. Well super interesting, so which is your preference for quilting Suzy? Im strong. Is it better to sew with cotton or polyester thread? We are going to discuss the two most common types of thread, polyester and cotton. The purpose of a finishing thread is both practical and decorative. The many options on the market, however, can make selecting the correct brand or cotton style (from traditional linen to cotton-blend iterations, like jersey) difficult. Burn a small piece of the fabric to identify the fiber used in it. Polyester thread is a synthetic all-purpose thread. The first number is meant to convey the thickness/heaviness via the Number Standard. Thread Weight: How many kilometers of x thread is needed to equal 1 kilogram? A win- win! Its the last thread reference youll ever need. Fire Retardant: This thread is able to withstand extreme heat. Most 100% cotton thread will go through a Mercerizing process, where thread is treated under tension in a solution of caustic soda, which makes the cotton fibers more uniform. It should not feel rough or uneven. Cotton breathes better than almost any other fabric, including a poly-cotton blend. Thank you for always being awesome!! Contrary to an old weaver's myth, embroidery thread can be used for top stitching on a sewing machine. Polyester thread is a synthetic all-purpose thread. Corespun Thread: This type of thread is composed of a core of continuous filament polyester that is wrapped with either cotton or polyester yarn, like a cocoon. Tell me more about that. When should you use polyester thread? It isnt very strong and breaks easily, which is why it needs the white glove treatment. It has embroidery work on it as well. They are oftentimes used by quilters. Generally speaking, All-Purpose Polyester thread works well for most general sewing projects. Industrial thread is really a 2-part term; it can either describe the spool size (like a 5 lbs spool) or convey strength not found in the home-sewing realm (like Kevlar Thread). This creates a smooth finish and improves performance. It works really well for me. Fusible Batting Tape: Why You Need It and How to Use It, 5 Secrets to Machine Quilting with 12 wt. More them drinks. While cotton is a natural fiber, microfiber is made from synthetic materials, typically a polyester-nylon blend. For natural fabric, cotton thread with a Polyester core works extremely well. Cotton Thread is both soft and strong. Its not as heavy/thick as heavy-duty thread, nor as thin/light as embroidery thread. Lucky for you I'm a part-time P.I. Singer All-Purpose Thread 3. Count cotton (NeC, NeB or Ne) This is an indirect system that is used to depict the thread size. You are so imaginative. Cotton-poly blends Cotton-poly blends, including 50/50s and CVCs, combine the softness and natural feel of cotton with polyester's temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties. When should I use polyester thread? Triangle Jitters Quilt Pattern (Download). Did you hear that ladies?? Some sewing projects require a specific thread type, such as nylon or cotton thread, but most do not. I always love reading your posts. This makes it ideal for visible seams in your projects. Sewing Machines Depend on the Quality of Thread As thread is guided through the sewing machine it passes through many eye openings and through tension disks. Polyester will also make you hot and it does not absorb moisture well. I have 2 cones of this thread and wanted to use it up.love this interview.thanks for sharing. Wool will wick away moisture, but once its saturated, it loses much of its strength. It is suitable for use with a wide range of fabrics, including stretch. Cotton has various finishes, each providing specific results: Whether you choose cotton or polyester thread, it is important to keep in mind the basic thread characteristics so you can be sure your finished product looks great and will last. Its low maintenance, durable, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive. Polyester thread is best to use for sewing synthetic fabric on your sewing machine. Mercerized: This process coats the yarn, making it stronger and increases its luster. Silk burns slowly and does not melt, but shrinks near the flame. The cotton component also makes them more comfortable than products made solely of polyester. Because its highly absorbent, it dyes wonderfully. Sorry to interrupt, but I think my background is what gets people the most confused, so let me clear a few things up. I sometimes get really bogged down with the information on various quilting blogs but yours is always my favorite to receive. Fabric weight is measured per surface area. These elements include light, humidity, dust, and temperature. you want the authentic flannel experience. The Difference Between Cotton and Poly Thread: A Hard-Hitting Interview. You may have also seen thread measured as No. Both nylon and polyester are strong and light-weight thanks to their polymer-based construction. P: [wink] My fiber is then twisted up and stretched by machines until its ready to be wound onto cones. Thanks for making me smile and think today! The above image depicts a 3-ply thread. When dealing specifically with weight, the smaller the number, the heavier/thicker the weight. For instance, its best to use silk thread for silk upholstery fabric. Its compatible with nearly all fabric (lightweight to heavyweight). Thanks for sitting down with these two guys to get that sorted out. Today, most sewing machine thread has a polyester core that prevents thread breakage by making it slightly stretchy. I'm also looking at Maine . Polyester is not resistant to bleach. If youre unsure, go by the feel of the thread and trust your judgment. There are many degrees of cotton quality. Its acceptable for both hand and machine sewing. For example, a heavy-duty outdoor thread will be thick and resistant to UV rays and may contain water-resistant properties (depending on the manufacturer). All Right Reserved, The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Sewing Thread, BladeSaver Thread Cutter by Purple Hobbies, tips and tricks for sewing metallic thread. That being said, cotton thread doesn't stretch as much as Polyester thread so it is more prone to breaking. Each brand of spool has a slightly different way of doing it and one brand even has a hidden compartment! Cotton thread is a little bit stronger than polyester thread and a lot softer. Hi. It holds dye well and is known for producing long-lasting, vibrant colors. Ugh. (I do this over a sink) If the fabric melts, it's poly. But, much of the thread Ive had for years is poly or a cotton-poly blend: your interview didnt go into blends: what do you think? S: Thanks so much Cotton and Poly for sitting down with me and opening up. Thread sizes between 135D and 180D are fine threads, while between 630D and 900D are coarse threads. Check out the Quilting 101 tab for everything you need to know to start your first quilt! Microfiber is very fine as much as 1/100th the diameter of a human hair and about one-third the diameter of a cotton fiber. Invisible polyester thread is also available and is an ideal choice for some projects. The key difference between cotton and polycotton is their durability; cotton is prone to wear and tear whereas polycotton is resistant to wear and tear and more durable than cotton. 50 is thicker than No. Thanks for keeping us entertained and informed! Mettler Variegated Cotton Thread 9. Waxed Braided Cord. I did a quilt for my daughter about 20 years ago the only thing that us coming undone is one of the stitching at the ends which looks like the material is wearing. Depending on the density, and the number of threads, the water-resisting properties of polyester increase. The takeaway here is that you want the thread tenacity to match the fabric strength or slightly weaker. It prevents weeping seams and is resistant to mildew. And I dont make a huge messlike some other Threads. Silk is often used in fine tailoring, fine embroidery, sewing on buttons, and when finishing the edges of buttonholes. To do this, carefully light the end of the thread with a match or lighter and observe the way it burns. A higher tensile strength would indicate a stronger threadbecause more weight is needed to break it. A good thread count for a sheet set is anything above 200. Place a piece of the fabric in your fireproof container and ignite one corner. I also love using the rayon variegated threads for decorative stitching and wish more were made with cotton or poly as my machine does not always like the rayon thread. - Thicker thread weights, like 30/40, make the quilting stitches stand out more. Do not use with high heat or steam, as it will weaken and destroy the stitches. Youll often see threads described as 2-, 3-, and 4-ply. This is usually around size 40 and can be made from polyester, cotton-wrapped polyester, or cotton. Ill take the comfort of natural cotton any day! Take a few fibers and hold them against a flame. Many upholstery enthusiasts recommend matching the upholstery thread fiber with your fabric fiber. Knit tops, Nylon skirts, Jeans, oh especially Jeans. Wash on a gentle or "silk" cycle in cool water. Subscribe Now:http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=EhowbeautyWatch More:http://www.youtube.com/EhowbeautyYou can tell cotton fabric and polyes. One sure way to tell is a burn test. This thread is usually made of polyester or cotton. If teachers everywhere taught like you do, it would be more enjoyable and wed all be smarter! Its available in a variety of fiber variations and adds a great bit of energy and interest to both decorative stitching and utility stitching. Once my fibers are twisted and spun to create a single thread, Im singed over an open flame and then dunked into a special elixir called caustic soda! It is a good choice for sewing garments and other items that will be washed frequently, as it can withstand the heat and agitation of the washing machine. You can also find embroidery thread made of cotton and silk. Popular quilting thread brands are Aurifil and King Tut. Polyester, cotton and rayon threads tend to be a bit stronger than regular embroidery thread but all can be used for top stitching with good results. Its usually made with a polyester core and wrapped with slivers of metal foil/tinsel.