Does Poly thread cut Cotton Fabric?

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03-11-2013, 12:32 PM

#11

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: The middle of an IL cornfield

Posts: 7,014

This is another board topic that will never reach a consensus. Poly thread? Wash? Starch? Everyone has to weigh the information out there and make their own decisions. My opinion on all fabric, thread, rulers, etc. is use the best thing you are comfortable affording.

03-11-2013, 12:56 PM

#12

amh

Junior Member

Join Date: Sep 2012

Location: Saskatoon SK Canada

Posts: 280

I too fell into the belief that cotton thread was best, but I'm back to poly and loving it. It is cleaner, it is easy to get, often less expensive, and just easier to work with. So I'm back to whatever thread is available.

I actually have no problems using polycotton fabric as well. It is not as nice for applique, and doesn't always press the way I'd like it, but I think it works just great.

03-11-2013, 01:13 PM

#13

ube quilting

Power Poster

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: PA

Posts: 10,704

Go to this site and watch all the lessons on thread. It made a big difference in my quilting.

This is from an earlier post on the QB> Thank you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzD-o...01QRL-QPUNrCbg

All the lessons go over needles, thread, tension. A lot of cool info.

Last edited by ube quilting; 03-11-2013 at 01:16 PM.

03-11-2013, 01:25 PM

#14

ube quilting

Power Poster

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: PA

Posts: 10,704

Quote:

Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn

The cotton fabrics become weaker over time by use and washing. The truth of the matter is this: the stronger fiber will always win! Its not that the poly thread "cuts" the fabrics; the cotton fabric becomes weak and deteriorates.

http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...dition-or-myth

This is really funny. If anyone goes to this site look at the bottom for Bobs Superior jokes. What a riot!

03-12-2013, 04:58 AM

#15

leatheflea

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: martinsville Indiana

Posts: 4,461

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellaBoo

The quilters that believe this I just let them talk about how bad poly is. They sound foolish enough without me having to disagree with them.

LOL!...Cant get anymore blunt than that!

03-12-2013, 05:59 AM

#16

rebeljane

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Brisbane, Aust

Posts: 1,498

I never believed that myth!

03-12-2013, 10:04 AM

#17

tjradj

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: London, Ontario, Canada

Posts: 1,326

Here's my take on the poly vs cotton debate. Back in the day (think polyester double knit of the 70's) the first polyester threads were so tough you couldn't break them with your hands without cutting yourself. I believe this is when the 'debate' started.
Nowadays polyester thread has come a long way. It is constructed to the finest detail and can be made to feel and behave the same as cotton.
This is why I believe there is no more need for the poly vs cotton debate.

03-12-2013, 10:18 AM

#18

mom-6

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 6,395

I've never had an issue with any type of thread ( with the possible exception of invisible ) cutting fabric.
I have however had issues from time to time of thread breaking before the fabric wore out. This has mainly been an issue in clothing which gets much rougher usage than most quilts.
I do pay attention to the quality of the thread I purchase whether it be cotton, poly/cotton or all poly. There can be a visible difference in some threads - lots of loose fibers, which to my mind equals lots of lint in my machine.