SusieQOH

I've never worked with rayon thread but I'm wondering what exactly it's used for!

Dakota Rose

Thanks for all the input. I had a feeling it was not the right thing to do so will find someone who can use it since my embellishing skills are next to none! The ironing part would get me. I would forget and use a hot iron.

rryder

Hey SusieQOH- rayon thread is used for embellishments like decorative machine stitches and both hand and machine embroidery. Rayon takes dye beautifully and the thread has a lustrous sheen that rivals silk embroidery threads. It is really quite lovely in decorative pieces, but it doesn't hold up well to abrasion which is why it is not recommended for use in items that will receive a lot of wear and need frequent laundering.

I keep it on hand for use in my art quilts.

Rob

SusieQOH

Thanks, Rob!! Now I know why I didn't know what it was for - I haven't done those types of work!

cashs_mom

Years ago, I made one of my first quilts and quilted it with rayon variegated thread. It did look wonderful on the quilt, but I noticed after the last washing that it was breaking in places so now I guess I'll have to re-quilt it with cotton. I wouldn't recommended using rayon for quilting or piecing. It's definitely weaker.

just janet

Once upon a time (1985 - 2000) I had a small embroidery business. I embroidered logo's on golf shirts. These shirts have been laundered over and over again. The logo's are still just fine. When I started quilting I used the thread I had from my embroidery business if I needed a special color. So far those quilts are still being used as well. I don't use the rayon thread too much for quilting only because I was told it wasn't strong enough, though I never personally had problems with the thread breaking while I was using it and I always use a hot iron. Just some food for thought!

QuiltE

Some more food for thought ....... are there different types of rayon thread?
Meaning ..... perhaps some are more suitable for quilting than others?

I have used embroidery thread for quilting, with no hesitations, as it was recommended to me by my local dealer. I haven't had problems, but too, my quilts do not get heavily laundered. However, some have been washed many times already, with no problems.

Perhaps someone knows the answers about different rayon threads?

momsbusy

I use rayon for decorative stitching only. It isn't strong enough for piecing or quilting, but it is very pretty.

MargeD

I have used it for machine quilting and have had no complaints about it, although I would hesitate to use it for piecing,just my own personal preference.

Prism99

There are different qualities of rayon thread, just as with any other thread. Both raw materials and manufacturing methods affect the characteristics of thread.

One thing to be aware of is that rayon thread will often lose its color if exposed to bleach.

Some embroiderers prefer rayon because of the end product, some prefer polyester, some prefer one over the other depending on application.

I found a few websites with opinions and information, if anyone is interested:
http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...read__D89.html
https://www.superiorthreads.com/educ...l-about-rayon/