Polyester Thread
08-02-2023, 02:21 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,785
Polyester Thread
Last week or so I asked a question about different threads and was amazed at the prices. Many wrote back saying they had switched to polyester thread because it gave off less lint and was cheaper. So at Walmart yesterday on my way to the garden department I passed the clearance aisle and there was a box of "Mainstays Overlocking Thread" 100% polyester thread with 3000 yds to a spool for .25 cents each. I grabbed two light grays and figured they would be good for piecing if nothing else. I'll try them on a practice muslin piece for quilting. Not sure if all Walmarts have these on clearance, but figured it could hurt to try them out.
08-02-2023, 03:09 AM
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Southeast Georgia, USA
Posts: 9,097
"overlock" thread is intended for sergers - I think.
some of it is a bit fuzzy and stretchy.
i have used some as top thread in straight-line quilting.
the stuff i had was too thick for piecing.
that said ... i'll be very interested to read your test results.
at a quarter a spool/cone, that's quite a score. :-)
some of it is a bit fuzzy and stretchy.
i have used some as top thread in straight-line quilting.
the stuff i had was too thick for piecing.
that said ... i'll be very interested to read your test results.
at a quarter a spool/cone, that's quite a score. :-)
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08-02-2023, 08:23 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,355
Quality of serger thread varies. Some is fine to piece with, some is not as it is not strong enough and you risk your piecing falling apart. Best bet is to find some reviews on the specific brand and do a search for the manufacturer and see what they intend your specific thread to be used for. I personally would not use that thread for piecing and maybe even for serging until I checked it out. I have in the past bought some very bad serger thread.
08-02-2023, 03:38 PM
#6
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 4,851
Polyester thread has a lot of stretch to it, so it's good for serging, synthetic fabrics, upholstery work...things like that. It is strong and durable and will possibly outlast your cotton quilt pieces.
08-02-2023, 09:08 PM
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 153
I have used a lot of serger thread to quilt with over the years. Problem I have found is that it is inconsistent and you will have thick and thin spots. Thick spots get caught in the needle eye and thin spots cause breakage. It has become more frequent in recent purchases so I have been going with connecting threads polyester cones. I have not had any issues with quilts coming apart but the I am a dense quilter so that probably helps. I say use it. Chances are it will last longer than the quilt. Fabric has become thinner and thinner.
08-02-2023, 09:09 PM
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 153
I have used a lot of serger thread to quilt with over the years. Problem I have found is that it is inconsistent and you will have thick and thin spots. Thick spots get caught in the needle eye and thin spots cause breakage. It has become more frequent in recent purchases so I have been going with connecting threads polyester cones. I have not had any issues with quilts coming apart but the I am a dense quilter so that probably helps. I say use it. Chances are it will last longer than the quilt. Fabric has become thinner and thinner.
08-02-2023, 10:29 PM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,203
I have used serger thread for free motion quilting on a number of quilts. I had no trouble with it and it seems to be lasting just fine but I don't expect my quilts to either win a prize or be around for eternity. My machine doesn't seem to have a problem with it.
