All threads are not created equal
08-28-2009, 11:24 AM
#61
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,199
Originally Posted by dimplesinjuly
Oops, here ya go.
"Poor quality or the wrong type of thread can cause poor stitches on any
machine. Thread passes through the eye of the needle approximately
37 times in a “seesaw” action before it forms a single stitch. Poor quality
thread results in crooked and looped stitches, puckered seams, frayed
thread, and/or needle breakage. To achieve quality stitches, a sewing
machine needs three things: correct thread, correct size needle, and
properly adjusted thread tensions.
Several factors such as the fiber, twist, ply, finish, and size of thread
must be considered for use with today’s fabrics for fine stitches.
Staple – refers to the length of fibers used to twist together to form a
single ply. Domestic thread fiber lengths are usually 1˝” to 2˝” long
while European threads use 5˝” to 6˝” lengths.
Ply – number of strands twisted together to make a single thread.
Roll – the tendency of thread to roll to the right or left during stitching,
causing the stitch to appear slightly crooked. Poor quality threads are
more likely to roll.
Twist – the crimping of fibers which causes them to interlock firmly into
a single ply. Thread should not untwist during stitching. This will cause
skipped stitches, thread breakage, crooked stitches, and weak spots in
seams."
"Poor quality or the wrong type of thread can cause poor stitches on any
machine. Thread passes through the eye of the needle approximately
37 times in a “seesaw” action before it forms a single stitch. Poor quality
thread results in crooked and looped stitches, puckered seams, frayed
thread, and/or needle breakage. To achieve quality stitches, a sewing
machine needs three things: correct thread, correct size needle, and
properly adjusted thread tensions.
Several factors such as the fiber, twist, ply, finish, and size of thread
must be considered for use with today’s fabrics for fine stitches.
Staple – refers to the length of fibers used to twist together to form a
single ply. Domestic thread fiber lengths are usually 1˝” to 2˝” long
while European threads use 5˝” to 6˝” lengths.
Ply – number of strands twisted together to make a single thread.
Roll – the tendency of thread to roll to the right or left during stitching,
causing the stitch to appear slightly crooked. Poor quality threads are
more likely to roll.
Twist – the crimping of fibers which causes them to interlock firmly into
a single ply. Thread should not untwist during stitching. This will cause
skipped stitches, thread breakage, crooked stitches, and weak spots in
seams."
I have to say that I have learned a lot from the ladies on this forum so far and I have only been a member since August 21. Thanks for all the info.
Joey
08-28-2009, 11:26 AM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Western NYS
Posts: 3,278
Thank you all for your input! I have been meaning to start up the same conversation, but hadn't found the time.
I was so irked every time I opened a quilting magazine and saw a C&C advertisement, because I have seen the local store inventories change from cotton covered polyester (more than 50% cotton) to 100% polyester, and had read that one should use cotton thread on cotton fabric. I didn't understand why they would change to 100% polyester, and continue to advertise in quilting magazines.
Then I finally found that the stores carry some of the C&C 100% cotton thread, but not nearly as many colors.
I simply cannot afford to buy the expensive threads in the range of colors I would need for piecing, so I continue to use C&C because of the availability/convenience.
Some of you ladies run your machines thousands of hours per year more than I, and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with those super nice machines and their idiosincracies (sp?).
I have also read somewhere that fabric quality is better nowadays, and it isn't so likely to be "cut into" by polyester thread. If we could step into the future and see how today's quilts hold up with the various threads, that would be something!
Thanks again for the sharing!
ps. I am slowly acquiring CT threads, too...love those prices!
I was so irked every time I opened a quilting magazine and saw a C&C advertisement, because I have seen the local store inventories change from cotton covered polyester (more than 50% cotton) to 100% polyester, and had read that one should use cotton thread on cotton fabric. I didn't understand why they would change to 100% polyester, and continue to advertise in quilting magazines.
Then I finally found that the stores carry some of the C&C 100% cotton thread, but not nearly as many colors.
I simply cannot afford to buy the expensive threads in the range of colors I would need for piecing, so I continue to use C&C because of the availability/convenience.
Some of you ladies run your machines thousands of hours per year more than I, and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with those super nice machines and their idiosincracies (sp?).
I have also read somewhere that fabric quality is better nowadays, and it isn't so likely to be "cut into" by polyester thread. If we could step into the future and see how today's quilts hold up with the various threads, that would be something!
Thanks again for the sharing!
ps. I am slowly acquiring CT threads, too...love those prices!
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