Thanks for stopping by and dont forget to say, Hi! in the comments! Nylon melts easily (only use low setting when ironing), especially if it isnt bonded. Polyester Properties Polyester is hydrophobic. Because of my past, Ive gotten a bit of a bad boy persona, but that couldnt be further from the truth! Its especially useful when embroidering thicker fabric and when you want your design to have great texture. Polyester thread will burn with a clean, odorless flame, and the end will turn into a hard, round bead when it cools. S: Thanks so much Cotton and Poly for sitting down with me and opening up. . . Burnt silk has the odor similar to that of burnt human hair. Tenacity: This is determined by the maximum tensile force divided by linear density (say what?). As a general rule, polyester thread works better than cotton with synthetic fabrics and stretchy, knit . Its gassed to reduce lint and designed to smoothly pass through thefabric without damaging it. After all, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration, many of which go beyond the conventional markers of color, size, and thread count. Generally, you can use machine quilting thread for hand quilting as well. It's not like a string of steel; you'll always see SOME loose fibers (kind of like rope). Its then divided to achieve the desired thickness (when the user is ready to embroider). Natural fibers also tend to have steady flames. Half of this leaves us scratching our heads. We are going to discuss the two most common types of thread, polyester and cotton. Im virtually lint free! Polyester is not resistant to bleach. Stretch: Polyester thread has some stretch to it, but not as much as nylon thread. Im a people pleaser and love collaborating with all types of fabrics. Its perfect for constructing seams, edge stitching, quiltingit does it all. Oh my gosh, I just asked this question in one of my Facebook groups.. Print this page Previous Tips & Tricks These combined threads provide qualities from both fibers, with the outer fiber providing the finished look. Polyester thread, on the other hand, is made from synthetic fibers and is known for being strong, colorfast, and resistant to fading. I should probably grow up and change my ways and really THINK before I stitch. Coats and Clark Surelock Overlock Thread 6. Glazed: Thread is coated with wax, starch, and other chemicals to create a glossy, smooth finish. Anyway, when I told him in my very bad Arabic that I needed 100% cotton, he proceeded to show me how to tell the fabrics apart using the burn test. 3.) Especially in their bobbins. In the fiber world, the strength of cotton is considered moderate to above average. Waxed Braided Cord. Silky soft! Continue with Recommended Cookies. The first number is meant to convey the thickness/heaviness via the Number Standard. These are commonly described as 4-, 6-, and 9-ply thread. Thank you for brightening my day! Youll also find denim thread that is slightly variegated to blend in nicely with denim fabric when darning. 1.Filament: Polyester filaments are continuous fibers, and these fibers produce smooth and soft fabrics. A torn seam is much easier to repair. It should not feel rough or uneven. Whenever you try a new thread, check your machine's upper tension by sewing a 3-in.-long row of zigzag stitches on a scrap of the same fabric you plan to embroider, stabilizing and hooping it properly (for details on stabilizing and hooping, see Machine Embroidery: A Marriage of Fabric and Design by Lindee Goodall). Just try not to light the rest of your pants on fire in the process! So how do you tell if your fabric is 100% cotton? Can I call you Suz? Embroidering thread is typically shinier, with more vibrant colors, and is available in more textures than sewing thread. As a result the best all purpose thread has a polyester core or is entirely made of polyester. Silk fabrics are very smooth to touch, bright and lusterious to see. Since the hole of the safety pin is polished, thread feeds through smoothly. The one issue with the burn test is that a lot of all-natural fibers or even semi-natural threads will burn in the same way that cotton does, irrespective of whether or not it is 100% cotton. Polyester is your go-to everyday thread, it can be used on a variety of different projects for both hand and machine sewing. Although the tip of the needle dulls by repeatedly penetrating a fabric, friction causes any thread to wear out the eye of the needle. Blended products generally cost less and last longer than 100% cotton. Contrary to an old weaver's myth, embroidery thread can be used for top stitching on a sewing machine. Suitable bobbin thread. The fibers are dyed in intervals of alternating shades and colors along the entire length of the thread. A fabric that is finished nicely with a high thread count can be made of non-certified cotton and still be very comfortable. Do find it best to have same thread on bobbins. You could use them for machine quilting, but I think you will find 100% cotton thread to feel softer after a few washes. Polyester thread has a little bit of stretch to it, so anything you are sewing to wear should be made with polyester or nylon thread. I do know that the lower the number, the thicker the thread. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Cotton thread is great for sewing other plant-based fabric, like linen, cotton, and rayon. It can easily be engineered to resemble cotton, silk, and even nylon. The most popular thread used in serger sewing machines is Polyester thread because of it's strength, durability and flexibility. Colors, numbering, and weights vary depending on the manufacturer. To correct this, reduce the density by one-third or increase the design size by 125% of the original. The floats will be in the weft direction, i.e., continuous weft yarn, with as few interruptions of warp as possible. You commonly see this thread used in sailing and other outdoor hobbies. I had heard of a burn test but could not remember what to look for. Yes, Joy, the owner should be able to tell you if its cotton. We recommend using a Jean Needle and choosing classic gold or blue-grey hues. However, its a good choice when sewing delicate fabrics and garments like lingerie. For example: Springfield leather sells: Waxed Thread. Depending on the weight, youll see monofilament thread everywhere from quilting to upholstery. It is a good choice for sewing items that will be exposed to sunlight or other sources of UV light, as it will not fade or discolor over time. - You can use a thicker, "fancy" thread on top and a 50/60 basic thread in the bobbin. It should not feel rough or uneven. Embroidery thread is made from a variety of fibers, rayon being the most popular due to its high sheen and affordability. The industrial thread market is also where you can find the strongest, most durable, and most long-lasting thread. Because of the wax or silicone finish that often covers this thread, it slips through the fabric easily. Your Guide to the Best Sewing Thread 1. How can you tell what kind of fabric you have? . Please be aware that it may not be enough to just burn the threads out of the fringe but you should also pull some threads out of the weft too. After I was picked, I was also combed and thoroughly cleaned. Instead, they will char and turn black without curling up and melting. Is it OK to use polyester thread on cotton fabric? Its not as heavy/thick as heavy-duty thread, nor as thin/light as embroidery thread. P: Suz, can I call you Suz? Clothes! Once its spun, its finished to accentuate project-specific features. Percale sheets have a thread count between 180 and 200. It prevents weeping seams and is resistant to mildew. This measurement is determined by how much 1000 meters of thread weighs in grams. Polyester does have its own selling. 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. Check this out! Is it better to sew with cotton or polyester thread? These fibers, or staples, range in length from short (less than 1 1/8 inches), long (1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches), and extra-long (1 3/8 to 2 inches). This makes it ideal for visible seams in your projects. 100 thread. Upholstery Thread: This thread is used when upholstering furniture and comes in a variety of fibers and weights. Metallic Thread: Metallic thread is used to embroider and sew decorative topstitching. However, it is less absorbent than anunmercerizedthread. Tie a knot in the middle of a forearm-length piece of thread. This will look like this: Fabric Measured in Grams: g/m2 or gsm. Thank you. Wool: This animal-based thread is created from the fleece of sheep and can be spun into fine, medium, and thick weights. 50/2 or No. Jenna! Camping gear, luggage, and sports equipment are examples of projects that benefit from a heavy-duty thread. As you can imagine, a corded thread will be stronger and thicker. Loop Strength: This is tested by looping a thread strand through a loop of the same thread and breaking it. Nylon is commonly used because it has some give, meaning it wont break every time someone sits on your reupholstered sofa. . Thank you very very much for that lovely lovely write up ,Suzi on the interview with Cotton and Poly it gives me a bit of confidence that my work with Poly has been a good choice after all. It doesnt absorb moisture well and is able to withstand moderate heat. We hope this helps and that you can continue to use this article as a reference throughout your sewing journey. Standard polyester and nylon threads are combustible, but will burn slowly and may self-extinguish. To prevent bulk, serger threads are generally a bit finer than traditional sewing machine threads. Thank you!! P.S. C: Oh yes. As we learned in the Understanding Weaving article, cloth is created by the weaving of horizontal and vertical threads called the warp and weft. Great interview! Always work in a well ventilated areaespecially important if testing synthetics. The coolness of your feet should tell you if you have 100% cotton on or not. Being exposed to light will eventually cause the thread to weaken and fade. Also, polycotton or polyester do not absorb moisture as well as cotton will. There are a number of other advantages to polyester thread: As stated earlier, cotton thread has been used since the dawn of human existence. They are available in a wide range of colors, including white and black. The first thing is to stop wearing the item that bothers you. 100% cotton will not curl from the heat. 100% cotton is easy to tear and is super soft when held against your cheek. Silk is often used in fine tailoring, fine embroidery, sewing on buttons, and when finishing the edges of buttonholes. New brothread Embroidery Thread 7. Fiber: Try to match thread fiber to fabric fiber. People often describe this fabric as slightly shiny and quite smooth. Its essential to buy high-quality serger thread, as lint builds up much faster than on your home sewing machine. Variegated Thread: This term describes a type of dyeing. The point is medium-sharp (between a ballpoint and sharp . It smells like burning paper and leaves grayish ash without signs of melting. Its gentle on delicate fabric because its not abrasive, nor does it create visible holes. Its low maintenance, durable, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive. Cotton also holds up under heat better than polyester thread, so if you're a speed quilter who puts the petal to the metal, cotton will hold up under the heat of fast friction. In this Threads Essential Techniques video, we demonstrate how to burn swatches for two common fabric types: silk and polyester. Thats terrible! Even though it has been around a while, it does have its drawbacks. Many manufacturers use corespun thread comprised of a polyester core wrapped in cotton. Two great Threads doing their best to help you with all of your sewing needs. Love it! It should turn to dust when you touch it; 2) The remnants of melted synthetic fibers such as polyester are hard and lumpy ashes. Fun ~ but wish you would also add a small comparison chart so I wont have to make one myself for a future quick-choice read! It is suitable for use with a wide range of fabrics, including stretch. Choosing the correct thread for your project starts with knowing the basic properties of thread and the options available. Cotton is a natural fiber; poly is synthetic. Several brands of embroidery threads are available for use on standard, simple home sewing machines. you feel sweaty in bed, or2. Your email address will not be published. Long story short, some brands borrowed measurements from other brands, not realizing it was an entirely different measurement technique. Love! All-Purpose Thread: Your go-to, does-it-all thread. Manage Settings How Can You Tell The Difference Between Cotton And Polyester Thread? Use clear on light fabric and the smokey tinted monofilament thread on very dark fabric. Only you could make an interview between poly and cotton so fun to read . S: Poly, Im going to have to ask you to step down off the table and stop flexing your biceps. In June 2021, a free test version of the Textile Identifier app (in Finnish) was released in the Play Store for Android devices. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Sometimes I recommend products, and if you click on those links, I may earn a small commission. The thread size is measured based upon the individual size or strand. Embroidery thread is more decorative in appearance when compared with regular sewing thread. By logging into your account, you agree to our. Bleach will remove the color, but it does so at the risk of also damaging the threads. Embroidery Floss: Popular for hand embroidery and needlepoint, embroidery floss is either spun by hand or by machine into 6 strands. Simply take a lighter to a loose thread, cotton will burn away to ash while polyester melts down to a plasticky nub. S: [strokes Cotton Thread] You arent lying. I might have to give Poly a try, up to now Im a cotton only kind of girl . This number is saying that the weight of 9000 meters of x thread is equal to 225 grams. Sateen weave. Woollen fabrics are course to touch, with small protruding fiber hairs. However, its a bit more abrasive than cotton and silk (you wouldnt want to use it on expensive silk chiffon). Are there any parting words youd like to share? Want to know what type of threads your jeans are made of? Let me continue the strong bands are combined to make a narrow, even, high-quality fiber. Texture: Polyester thread is smooth and fine, with a consistent texture. We recently tested a 1,400 thread count cotton/polyester sheet set that uses one of these techniques and (not surprisingly) it wasn't a top performer. Available from Garnet Hill. Fire Retardant: This thread is able to withstand extreme heat. 1.) On this spool you can easily see where the thread end is as indicated by the arrow. Bonded Nylon is very strong and comes in a variety of weights. We have all been there but the most likely culprit to your dilemma is the wrong size needle that is paired with the thread you are using. Most all-purpose sewing machine thread is 40wt. Thx for contributing to my evolution as a human, SQ , Naaaaaw. Most rayon and polyester embroidery threads are 120/2. Embroidery threads are usually made from soft 2-ply threads which have a higher sheen. Art of burn. Fabrics with this weave: Many types of satin fabric like peau de soi, charmeuse. 2.Staple: Polyester staples resemble the staples used to make cotton yarn, and like cotton staples, polyester staples are usually spun into a yarn-like material. I bought Gutermann thread starter sets in both polyester and cotton, thinking for sure Id be a cotton boy through and through. This is one of the ways Im able to support myself and continue writing free content. All Right Reserved, The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Sewing Thread, BladeSaver Thread Cutter by Purple Hobbies, tips and tricks for sewing metallic thread. The most common thread size is 350D that is used for general stitching. This thread is usually made of polyester or cotton. Cheers . Poly cotton has a slippery feel to it the more polyester in it, the more slippery it will feel. Don't put your silk sheets in the dryer. Its not as strong as polyester and the manufacturing process is pretty bad for the environment, but its inexpensive and comes from a renewable resource (wood pulp). are used for embroidery. Today, most sewing machine thread has a polyester core that prevents thread breakage by making it slightly stretchy. Similarly, polyester also can be made into a really popular polyester thread for the same uses. Well touch base on the 5 common measurements. It works really well for me. Consider heavy-duty thread when sewing heavyweight fabric (like canvas or duck cloth) that will encounter a lot of wear and tear. Sew for us newbies and trying to buy it all & being budget minded, with poly definitely cheaper than cotton, do you suggest we give poly a try? That being said, cotton thread doesn't stretch as much as Polyester thread so it is more prone to breaking. Thank you for always being awesome!! Oops. The thread provides excellent coverage so that the entire raw edge is hidden. You may have also seen thread measured as No. What weight for cotton is good overall to have? Lol. Cotton Thread This type of thread is softer than polyester and is a good choice for sewing on light fabrics, such as cotton or linen. The thread should always be just as strong or stronger than the fabric. 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. This may be a rumor too. It is important to avoid using polyester thread with natural fabric. Before you buy or use thread for your next project, a look at the different aspects of thread quality will make your crafting experience better. Increasing the stitch length will also help. Im considered a synthetic fiber because I didnt have a cushy, natural upbringing like Cotton. I say, get over it! Silk burns slowly and does not melt, but shrinks near the flame. Lucky for you I'm a part-time P.I. Polyester thread is certainly stronger for its width compared to cotton thread, but my new cottons are no stronger or thinner than my old ones. They need me. Bonded: Bonded thread has a special resin applied to create a tough, but smooth, protective casing. How do I know if my thread is nylon or polyester? You may have also heard wax thread referred to as Awl Thread. In my process, Im stretched to the limit! Nyltex Waxed Thread. - something is defective with the machine. For natural fabric, cotton thread with a Polyester core works extremely well. However, I do like poly for decorative stitching and applique, it has a bit of a shine to it. In addition, many finishes make it easier to pass the thread through the fabric and can create visual effects, such as a silky shine or a soft sheen. Some sewing projects require a specific thread type, such as nylon or cotton thread, but most do not. It saves money and some people say it helps them quilt more smoothly . Embroidering thread is typically shinier, with more vibrant colors, and is available in more textures than sewing thread. Polyester Waxed Thread. It's a win/win for blends. HELP, can cotton, cotton batting and polyester plush for backing be combines? This creates a stronger, more durable thread. The trick to creating the most stretch is to hover your steam iron over the sewn elastic thread. Womp womp! We've also put together an easy-to-follow chart on how to burn and read the ashes for 10 common fiber types. Stretch: Polyester thread has some stretch to it, but not as much as nylon thread. A win- win! Youll use this thread about 95% of the time. We know its confusing, which is why weve created The Ultimate Thread Reference Guide. Everyone wants a beautiful, organized sewing space, right? It is estimated that more than a third of the micro plastics in the ocean are due to the leaching of polyester and other synthetic fibers when laundered. Place a piece of the fabric in your fireproof container and ignite one corner. However, if there is no label, carefully burning the thread end in a well ventilated area works for identification purposes because Polyester thread melts, it doesn't burn. I have one question that was not addressed. by: Kelsi Watts - Polyester thread is strong and resistant to shrinking, fading, and stretching, making it a popular choice for a wide range of sewing projects. Its worked so far! Run your thread through this hole to the first real thread guide. Cotton thread is stronger and softer than Polyester thread making it the better sewing option for most applications. Once I show you this secret, you'll always know where the manufacturer has hidden that thread end. I always love reading your posts. Do you remember what brand of cotton thread you used? Due to this, polyester will rise to the surface showing as little hard bobbles on the surface of the fabric, looking shabby and feeling uncomfortable. Once all of the dirt and excess plant materials were stripped away, my fibers went through roller after roller generating narrower and narrower bands of thread. Ta-da! Ugh. Polyester: Polyester thread is synthetic-based and is entirely man-made. Even though some would say that you should pair natural Cotton Thread with natural fabrics and me with only synthetic fabrics, thats just not always the case. Thread matching is the process of choosing the right thread to use with your sewing fabric. When used properly, metallic thread is beautiful and is always worth the extra effort. As a result the best all purpose thread has a polyester core or is entirely made of polyester. Before the invention of polyester thread it was common for natural sewing thread to break frequently and inconveniently. Never use fabric softener or bleach on genuine silk. Next time someone asks you what the difference between cotton and poly thread is you'll know the answer first hand. Simply take a lighter to a loose thread, cotton will burn away to ash while polyester melts down to a plasticky nub. They can handle everything from chiffon to stacks of leather. This measurement indicates the brittleness of the thread and overall stitch strength. Ive been doing a lot of reading about quilting books and the general concensus seems to be: use cotton thread if youre quilting with cotton fabricplease clarify: ok to use a cotton/poly blend while sewing quilty with cotton? An S twist thread isnt commonly used in home sewing machines. Yet, they still label the thread as 40wt. In speaking with other seamstress I find that 50 weight polyester cotton blend thread is the most commonly used thread, for most project types. Here are some of the terms you may come across: Cord: When multiple threads are twisted together, they create a corded thread. Cotton smells like burning paper and has an afterglow at the end of the burn. The second value describes the number of plies (strands of yarn) used to create the thread. Indeed, you are correct. Hold a strand of thread up to a light and inspect how many fibers fan out from the strand. Im strong. All the places that the thread travels have a purpose in maintaining the sewing machine's tension. Is it OK to use polyester thread on cotton fabric? Gassed: This type of finish uses high heat to reduce the amount of fuzz and lint created by the thread. In speaking with other seamstress I find that 50 weight polyester cotton blend thread is the most commonly used thread, for most project types. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Other tips: 1) Don't do the test when you have sinus problems or a cold and don't use matches or refillable lighters with . Thread goes bad for the same reason why many things go bad: exposure to the elements. As a cotton plant, I knew I would eventually get picked, but that doesnt mean it was easy. It is a good choice for most machine and hand sewing projects. Thread, Garland Quilt Sew Along: Week 2 Cut Fabric, The Best Way to Prepare Fat Quarters for Quilting, Garland Quilt Sew Along : Week 1 Pick Fabric. Its also highly absorbent and fade-resistant. Extra Long Staple Egyptian Cotton thread is considered the gold standard. Yikes!!! Linen Waxed Thread. The amount of lint displaced while sewing will also decrease when using a high-quality cotton. Thank you Since youre using cotton fabric you could go either way. That way, if too much stress is placed on the seams, it will cause the thread to break, rather than tearing the fabric. Totally unobtainable . The larger the number, the heavier/thicker the thread. A Cotton Count of 20 means that 20 strands of thread 840 yards long weigh 1 pound. Though rayon is very popular, polyester embroidery thread has made large strides and is now stronger and more colorfast than rayon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *. Anti-wick: This finish helps the thread repel water. If your fabric makes a sizzling sound when held in the flame, it is likely to be polyester or another synthetic fiber. Its not suitable for projects that will withstand constant, direct sunlight or very high heat. Its important to note that this measurement is really only used in the US and, again, isnt 100% accurate, because not all companies actually follow the above formula. Silk burns as long as it is in contact with the flame. :D, For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts, Offline Events, Announcements, Discussions, Cotton or Cotton/Poly telling the difference. Thread weight selection has been made simple, match the rating on it's label with that of the fabric's rating. C: Id like people to know that even though I am a more expensive option, I promise to work hard, not break under pressure, and bring softness to their heirloom projects. Take a few fibers and hold them against a flame. Funny and informative. Cotton Count is the number of strands that are 840 yards long that it takes to equal 1 pound. We dont recommend Rayon thread for seam construction because its not as strong as polyester and becomes even weaker when wet. Its commonly used in overlock machines for rolled hems. Thanks for this post. Because so much thread is used, serger thread is wound on large cones with about 2,000 to 3,000 yards of thread. Take a few fibers and hold them against a flame. A good quality thread will be tightly spun together so that few fibers deviate from the strand.