About Sewing Thread

With the economy in such a crunch, many people are looking for a way to save some of their hard-earned money. Creating your own garments can help you make ends meet if you are on a budget. Chances are you already own a sewing machine so there is no time better than now to put it to good use. The basic sewing kit consists of needles, patterns, seam ripper, tape measure, scissors, pins and sewing thread. The sewing thread that you select for your project can mean the difference between failure and success.

Types

You have many options of sewing thread and it comes in every color imaginable. Cotton thread is used to sew light and medium weight material such as cotton, linen and rayon. It is also used for general sewing and is recommended for beginners. This thread is usually mercerized, a finishing process that gives it a smooth and shiny finish. Mercerized cotton thread is often used for quilting. It is not flexible and should not be used on knits, as the stitches will break. Heavy mercerized cotton thread works well on denim and leathers. Pure silk thread is used on silks, chiffon, knits and light woolens. Polyester thread can be used on most fabrics but is best for knits and other stretch material. Cotton-wrapped polyester is a strong thread that is used for heavyweight fabrics such as upholstery and also for quilting. Buttonhole twist thread is used to make buttonholes, hand sewing and top stitching.

Selecting the Right Color Thread

Choose a color that is a shade darker than the material. Sometimes it is difficult to find the exact match; choose a thread that is one or two shades darker than your material. Avoid selecting a thread that is lighter than your material if you are trying to make your stitches unnoticeable. If your material is multi-colored, the thread you select should match the dominant color in your pattern. Silk thread is expensive but it blends in with any shade of color.

Rayon Thread

Rayon thread is a great alternative to pricier silk threads. It can tolerate high-speed sewing machines without breaking or fraying. It has a shiny appearance similar to silk but it is easier to work with. Rayon thread comes in solid colors but there are also 'twist' versions available. Twist threads consist of two or more solid colors to form one single strand. This type of thread is ideal if you need to camouflage your stitches. It is best not to use any type of bleach on rayon threads because they will lose their color. Some brands may be color-fast but most are not.

Decorative Sewing Thread

Metallic thread will give your sewing project a decorative touch with its lustrous appearance. It is often used in machine sewing, hand sewing, or for embroidery stitches. It is best to use a sewing needle and a bobbin specifically designed for metallic thread. These needles have a larger eye and groove that will help to prevent your thread from breaking. The thread will flow easier because there is less friction. Metallic thread should not be used in a high-speed sewing machine. Sewing too fast can break the thread. Thread that has a nylon core and that is wrapped is easier to handle. Metallic thread must be handled with care because it is sensitive to heat.

Warning

While you may be tempted to choose the cheapest thread possible, you may be setting yourself up for frustrating problems. Thread that has poor fibers can cause constant knotting, breaking, tangles, and improper stitch formation, and breaking as you are sewing. The wrong thread in your sewing machine can mean broken needles, tears in the material, and a jammed up sewing machine. Hold your thread up to the light to check for frayed edges and roughness. Look for brands that offer you a guarantee. Excellent brands are not afraid to guarantee their product. If you choose the wrong thread, your sewing project may not hold up well against normal wear and tear.