Why does the cotton thread myth continue?
#21
I'm not sure what Harriet's daughter's work says about this topic, but I do know that there are many people here on the boards who work with poly thread without any problems, which lends credence to the Superior Threads people's opinion. And what is said in the Superior Threads video makes sense - good quality fabrics are less likely to be damaged by any thread and cotton thread can be stronger than poly thread. That all taken together I think using just cotton might be overcautious.
#22
I have a couple of thoughts on this one (for what they're worth). First, i don't get why the opinions of the folks at Superior Threads are so often cited as authoritative (or superior). Second, Harriet's daughter is doing a master's thesis on the physical qualities of thread, which should be at least as scholarly, or perhaps even more credible, since her main business isn't selling thread. It will be interesting to see the outcome of her work, i think.
It will be generations from now, however, before there is actual proof, one way or the other, whether poly sewing thread cuts through cotton fabric threads. It simply hasn't been in use long enough at this time, making all opinions merely speculation at this point.
I don't use poly thread for the same reason I don't use poly batting...I have no desire to use petroleum products in my quilts.
Last edited by ghostrider; 01-25-2014 at 02:28 PM.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 777
i just cited Carrie Hargrave as an example because there were comments about her mother's having strong opinions and someone made mention of the Quilters' Academy series,of which she is a co-author. But it would seems logical that studying the physical properties of thread might have to do with this topic.
hugs,
Charlotte
hugs,
Charlotte
#24
The polyester quilt we couldn't kill if we tried, still has the fudgesicle stain from 2002, some random smear I can't identify.
My quilt instructor (she used to be a textiles teacher back in England about 40 years ago) explained once that polyester thread will cut the natural fabrics over time. I believe it as I have the quilt to prove it.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
I have two quilts my mom made when I was a kid. One is so soft with cotton fabrics, the other is rough with polyester blends. She used polyester thread in her piecing and quilting, unfortunately the cotton fabric quilt is falling apart along the seam lines and quilting lines. This is a well loved quilt that I have now washed a final time and put it up so it doesn't get more wear and tear.
The polyester quilt we couldn't kill if we tried, still has the fudgesicle stain from 2002, some random smear I can't identify.
My quilt instructor (she used to be a textiles teacher back in England about 40 years ago) explained once that polyester thread will cut the natural fabrics over time. I believe it as I have the quilt to prove it.
The polyester quilt we couldn't kill if we tried, still has the fudgesicle stain from 2002, some random smear I can't identify.
My quilt instructor (she used to be a textiles teacher back in England about 40 years ago) explained once that polyester thread will cut the natural fabrics over time. I believe it as I have the quilt to prove it.
#26
I have two quilts my mom made when I was a kid. One is so soft with cotton fabrics, the other is rough with polyester blends. She used polyester thread in her piecing and quilting, unfortunately the cotton fabric quilt is falling apart along the seam lines and quilting lines. This is a well loved quilt that I have now washed a final time and put it up so it doesn't get more wear and tear.
The polyester quilt we couldn't kill if we tried, still has the fudgesicle stain from 2002, some random smear I can't identify.
My quilt instructor (she used to be a textiles teacher back in England about 40 years ago) explained once that polyester thread will cut the natural fabrics over time. I believe it as I have the quilt to prove it.
The polyester quilt we couldn't kill if we tried, still has the fudgesicle stain from 2002, some random smear I can't identify.
My quilt instructor (she used to be a textiles teacher back in England about 40 years ago) explained once that polyester thread will cut the natural fabrics over time. I believe it as I have the quilt to prove it.
#28
We all have our own biases by how we were raised so this is one of those very gray area. I was told that polyester thread being strong would eventually literally cut thru with being against cotton fabric. You see antique quilts and they were most likely made with cotton thread. I was taught over 20 years ago to use cotton thread and I prefer to use Mettler Silk wrapped cotton thread. I also try to avoid using any invisible thread. I am from the old school that hand stitching the binding to the back of my quilt. I just think it has a more professional look to my quilts. But my best friend quilts a lot of charity quilts doing the machine binding stitching and I don't judge her for doing it a different way. Some quilters prefer W&N and other prefer Hobbs. Some quilters prefer a Bernina sewing machine while others prefer Janome. So if you ask a gray question, expect a wide diverse opinions on the subject. We ALL have something in common and that is the Love and Joy we put into the quilts we make.
#29
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Between the dashes of a tombstone
Posts: 12,716
Since I've started my hexagon phase piecing by hand, I like the way cotton thread knots when I am at a starting or stopping point. Polyester threads like to slip a bit, and my knots aren't as secure. Other wise I'm pretty casual about the thread I use.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Montana
Posts: 565
I have had so many people tell me that the poly thread would work but my mother in law made my daughter a beautiful time consuming quilt and sewed it with poly and the pole gradually cut through the cotton fabric and the pieces began to fall out at the seams. I won't take that chance after I have put that much work into a quilt.
Lynda
Lynda
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post