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Sewing Threads
by Maria Nerius
There are many types of threads available. They may all look the same, but there are differences. Threads can vary in fiber content, fiber length and thread size. Working with the correct thread for your sewing needs will make the project easier whether you are sewing by machine or by hand. You get what you pay for rings true in sewing, with better results when you purchase a quality thread instead of a bargain thread. A good quality thread is strong, smooth, and consistent in thickness and resists tangles.
The thread's fiber content can be natural or synthetic. Natural fiber threads come from a source in nature like cotton, linen or silk. A chemical process makes synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, rayon and acrylic. In general a synthetic fiber has greater strength than a natural fiber. Aligning and then twisting fibers together makes thread. Thread made from longer fibers, staple or filament; tend to have greater strength than short staple fibers.
It would be wonderful if there was one thread to meet every sewing need, but for now no such thread exists. You must select a thread that meets your individual sewing project needs. Your fabric will have an influence on the type of thread you select. Fiber content of your thread need not be the same as your fabric. You can mix and match threads and fabrics that are natural and synthetic. Heavyweight fabric requires a heavyweight thread and lightweight fabric requires a finer thread. Very light weight or sheer fabrics are best sewn with a very fine needle and an extra fine thread. Using the correct thread size may help reduce puckering, a problem frequently encountered when sewing lightweight fabrics. Don’t forget to consider the care requirements of your thread choice. While most threads can be machine-washed and dried, there are some exceptions. Some rayon threads require cold-water temperatures, while metallic and nylon threads can be heat sensitive. Metallic and silk threads can be harmed by chlorine bleach. The thread care requirements should be compatible with the fabric care requirements.
Types of Thread
100% Cotton Thread isn’t used as often as in the old days because stronger, more durable threads are available. But for the purist, all cotton thread is still popular. This thread creates soft stitches and comes in several weights needed to sew different fabrics. There is little give or stretch to this type of thread. Best used on natural fiber woven fabrics.
Cotton Covered Polyester Core is the most commonly used all-purpose thread. The polyester core provides strength and stretch while the cotton outer layer gives easier sewability.
100% Polyester Thread has good strength with the important ability to stretch and bounce back. It is recommended for knits and sews well with wovens. Inferior polyester will appear fuzzy and produce lint. Quality long staple polyester makes a good substitute for silk thread.
Silk Thread is made from long continuous filament fibers resulting in strong and lustrous thread that can stretch easily. Quality silk thread is more expensive than other threads, but worth the price for heirloom clothing and tailoring.
Rayon Thread is lustrous like silk, but is less durable. Use it as a substitute for silk in decorative work.
Nylon Thread (monofilament) is strong and semi-transparent. It is designed for sewing nylon tricot and other lingerie fabrics. Avoid using a very hot iron on nylon thread.
Metallic Threads are for decorative use. They should be used with a larger sized needle, an all-purpose thread in the bobbin, and sew slowly. Fiber content may be 60 percent polyester and 40 percent metallic.
Basting Thread is a soft, weak lightweight thread made especially for easy removal.
Serger Threads are designed for high-speed sewing. Slightly finer in size than other threads it has a special finish for higher speed sewing. It is available on cones, king or compact tubes. There are a variety of threads available for you can use for serging.
Maria Nerius is a Professional Crafter, Author, and Contributing Writer and Columnist to industry trade journal, Craftrends.
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