Rayon vs. Polyester Embroidery Thread
 

I'm not sure if this is the proper place to ask this question, but here goes! I'm the happy owner of a new Janome 350e embroidery machine and am wondering what type of thread works best for all of you......rayon or polyester? And also what is a good brand to use? I'm seeing some good prices for Radiant Thread sets on Amazon but would like to get to some input from all of you experienced embroiderers!!!

If your instruction book recommends a certain brand of thread you should probably go with it. Having said that I havae used everything and every brand. I am more interested in the color than the brand. I have discovered that I prefer varigated thread for over all designs like lace, flowers etc. I have discovered that the thing I like least about using the embroidery machine is having to change thread constantly to achieve certain looks. I have two stand alone embroidery machines and I love to load them up with an item to embroider using the varigated thread and let them run to the end. It sure beats changing thread every couple of minutes. That way I can be sewing along on my sewing machine at the same time. I have had my first embroidery machine at least 20 years and only purchased the second because I have almost worn out the first one. The second uses the same PES format and can also accept designs on a USB stick.

I cast my vote for polyester. Years ago rayon provided the bright colors, but now, I think poly is the better option.

Rayon doesn't hold up over time so it's not a good choice for an item that will get a lot of washing and wear. Rayon is not as stiff as poly. I would choose the thread that suits the project. I'm sure there are many posters here that have more information.

My dealer highly recommended Madeira polyneon (she did not recommend rayon). That's all I use in my 350e, and I've never had a problem. I buy my thread from The Sewphisticated Stitcher--their prices seem to be the best and the service is wonderful.

Thanks for all the great advise.......you ladies are awesome!! I'm leaning towards making a polyester thread set purchase to get started. My birthday is Tuesday, so maybe, just maybe I'll get some new thread or gift cards!!!

I don't have an embroidery machine........I do my longarm quilting with www.MetroEmb.com thread. Economical, STRONG, and absolutely beautiful colors!

I only use polyester for the washability. I have used Madeira, Mettler (Isacord), and Gunold. I got the Gunold from Altlanta Thread supply after they sent me a $10 off coupon. Gunold also makes the Sulky Rayon but their poly is real nice and only $1.95 for 1,100 yard spool.

Not all colors are available in either poly or in rayon, so I buy for the color; but, I like the rayon sheen better.I frequently change colors more often than the design itself calls for. To me it is like painting. Sublte color changes make a big difference in the finished product IMHO - so I change thread 20-30 times per design.

I prefer that the polyester thread is more colorfast. My brand is usually Maderia.