Originally Posted by
mermaid
Nanna-up-north said " I try to stay away from 100% poly because the thread is so much stronger than the fabric and I've heard that it can cut the fabric over time. I've seen that happen on really old quilts that got used and washed a lot." This statement kinda puzzled me cause I didn't think poly thread had been around for a terribly long time? Maybe it was the fabric dyes that weakened the fabric? Or stitches were too tight or needle too large? Does anyone know what could make that happen? I've done applique w/poly thread because it is strong, but I'd hate to have my quilts someday start to deteriorate because of it.
I guess I should have said 'how old' the quilt is that I have with thread but fabric torn at the stitching lines. That quilt was made by my DH's aunt around 1940 and I'm not sure it is polyester thread.... not even sure that polyester thread was available to sewers at that time. And, I could cut out some of the thread and give it a flame test to see if it is man-made fiber but don't want to do any more damage to the quilt.
I did check the Clothide (I think that's correct) site about their thread information and found this quote:
Fiber: Try to match thread fiber to fabric fiber. Cotton fabric should be sewn with cotton thread; polyester or manmade fiber should be sewn with polyester thread. If possible, don't sew natural fibers with polyester thread. Polyester fiber is stronger than most natural thread, so over time, the stronger polyester thread can break the weaker cotton fiber of the fabric. For quilting, look for thread labeled "machine quilting" or "hand quilting."
So, polyester thread is available to all of us today.... I just don't buy any of it for quilting due to its strength. It is still okay for polyester fabric.... but I don't buy any of that....don't like the feel. There are still plenty of those iron-strong quilts made back in the 1960's from polyester knits..... really don't like those but I hear they are warm and wear like nothing else.
Nanna