Rayon Thread Sewing Advantages

Rayon thread has an unmistakable sheen.

Rayon is neither natural nor synthetic. Rayon starts as chips of wood. After several treatment methods, the wood chips produce viscose. More treatment follows and then machines create strands of fiber from the viscose. A few finishing steps complete the rayon thread. According to Swicofil AG Textile Services, rayon was "the first viable manufactured fiber."

Low Cost and Availability

Rayon's cellulose content and method of production contribute to low cost and widespread availability. This makes rayon a popular choice for a high end visual appearance without the exorbitant costs of other threads with a similar appearance, such as silk.

Appearance and Feel

Sewers and manufacturers prize rayon's sheen or luster, similar to that of silk, especially for embroidery. Another bonus is that rayon thread creates a smooth and soft feeling. Because of its smoothness, rayon also lays well, creating non-bulky, easily flowing fabric.

Absorbent Property

Rayon's cellulose nature enables extreme absorbency. Dyeing very absorbent material such as rayon creates brilliant colors, contributing even more to rayon thread's widespread use. Absorbency also makes rayon ideal when creating wicking fabrics for sports and hot weather applications.

Sewing Machine Compatibility

Many people prefer rayon when using sewing and embroidery machines. Rayon glides through a sewing machine, not requiring drastic settings in regards to tension. Rayon thread contributes to longer lasting machines that do not break down as fast, thus lowering maintenance costs.

References

• Swicofil AG Textile Services: Viscose Rayon
• Allstitch; Printwear Magazine; Knock down, drag out... Emroidery Thread Co-Existence; Alice Wolf; March 2008
• Clotilde: Thread Guidelines

Resources

• UNL; Historical Materials [...]; NF91-37 Thread Facts; Rose Marie Tondl et al.; 1991
• Threads Magazine; Choosing Machine-Embroidery Threads; November 2008