Less desirable thread
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pratt Kansas
Posts: 1,222
Less desirable thread
I read in someone's post that they had gone thru their mom's thread & tossed a bunch of iffy ones.
I know there are many different ways of preparing fabric ends when prewashing fabric. I havent done the pinking one, but I have tried the snip the corner off one, it was moderately successful.
I save the junk thread in a specific ziplock bag in my thread bin. I use it on the serger or sewing machine and run a line of stitching down the raw edge prior to prewashing. On the serger, use the best one for the needle. Also, make it a bright or off color to the other two threads, then you just pull it out. I don't like to leave the stitching in as it does distort the fabric a bit. On the sewing machine, use the best in the bobbin if that one pulls out easier for your machine.
I know there are many different ways of preparing fabric ends when prewashing fabric. I havent done the pinking one, but I have tried the snip the corner off one, it was moderately successful.
I save the junk thread in a specific ziplock bag in my thread bin. I use it on the serger or sewing machine and run a line of stitching down the raw edge prior to prewashing. On the serger, use the best one for the needle. Also, make it a bright or off color to the other two threads, then you just pull it out. I don't like to leave the stitching in as it does distort the fabric a bit. On the sewing machine, use the best in the bobbin if that one pulls out easier for your machine.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
Interesting concept. I just disliked doing all the prep work and then the washing and ironing. Just got into the habit of not washing. But I am happy you found a way to use up that old thread. I still have my Grandmothers thread and she was born in the last 1800s. It is still on the original wooden spools.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,659
In my opinion, serving or overcasting the raw edges before washing the fabric is the most effective.
Especially when you are using up iffy thread.
I try to use thread that is lighter colored than the fabric - just in case!
Especially when you are using up iffy thread.
I try to use thread that is lighter colored than the fabric - just in case!
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,421
My washer has a hand cycle so the fabric does not ravel at all. Best feature ever put on a washing machine. Your next new washer look for that feature. I don't save old thread or thread that is almost gone off the spool because I don't want to. I have a box of wooden spools that my grands play with.
#6
This is a great idea if you like to sew those raw edges. I never thought about doing this and first heard about it on the QB. I have always just used pinking shears on the raw edges and have never had a fraying problem when washing fabric.
peace
peace
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 138
I don't use old thread. I used to and thought nothing of it. I however used to have an embroidery franchise. The training for having a franchise was about 6 weeks. 2 in their training center and about a month in the store. The one thing you heard over and over, if you have trouble stitching, check your thread. Do not use old thread. Old thread is the cause of a 1000 different issues. Humidity, heat and all kinds of things cause thread to go bad. Thread can dry rot too. It looks ok on the spool but when you sew, the thread is breaking and stitches are skipping. It isn't the needle, it isn't the machine, it is the thread. Re-threading won't fix it, you have to sometimes bite the bullet and throw away the thread or sit it on a shelf and let it be just pretty but don't sew with it.
I quilt only with embroidery thread, it is way cheaper than Aurifil. I sew usually with new cotton thread unless I'm making a garment and then I will polyester blend. I sew a lot and I don't use a 1000 different colors, I stick to basic neutral colors so it isn't a big expense to me. I will buy all the fabric I can find at a thrift store or garage sale but not the thread.
I quilt only with embroidery thread, it is way cheaper than Aurifil. I sew usually with new cotton thread unless I'm making a garment and then I will polyester blend. I sew a lot and I don't use a 1000 different colors, I stick to basic neutral colors so it isn't a big expense to me. I will buy all the fabric I can find at a thrift store or garage sale but not the thread.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
My washer has a hand cycle so the fabric does not ravel at all. Best feature ever put on a washing machine. Your next new washer look for that feature. I don't save old thread or thread that is almost gone off the spool because I don't want to. I have a box of wooden spools that my grands play with.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,256
This must mean that the thread we've used in quilts and garments is also going bad?! That's not a very encouraging thought. How old would you say is old?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dougstermd
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
11-27-2019 02:56 PM
mike'sgirl
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
30
09-12-2014 07:48 AM
Sunflowerzz
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
16
11-03-2013 05:37 AM