Knowing which thread to choose for your sewing work is a key point for a good result. A thread that is too thin and weak can easily ruin the success of the work, a thread that is too thick or stiff can stretch or tear the fabric. Here are some pointers on how to choose the right sewing thread for your project.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the type of work you are about to do
Some types of work have more complicated needs to meet because they require decorative as well as practical skills. Others are very symmetrical, such as plain stitching, which is best done with ordinary cotton or rayon thread. Generally, sewing works include:
- Mending to repair cuts, tears and holes in clothing and fabric items.
- Stitching to make clothes, aprons, etc.
- Embroideries. This category covers a wide range of possible sewing techniques, including needlepoint, cross stitch, hardanger, blackwork, relief stitch, white on white, shadow stitch, wool embroidery, ribbon embroidery, etc. Embroidery threads can be many and varied, even within a single project.
Step 2. Learn the different types of sewing thread
I am:
- Cotton thread;
- Nylon / rayon thread (including invisible thread);
- Silk thread (and silk ribbons);
- Wool thread;
- Metallized wire;
- Bobbin thread (for machine sewing);
- Mixed thread (thread made by combining different types of fibers, for example cotton with rayon and silk, etc.).
Step 3. Consider the qualities of the sewing thread
Knowing the properties of the threads will help you decide on the usefulness and advantage of using them for a particular project. The following list of explanations will help you choose the right thread for your job.
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Cotton thread. The typical cotton found in rolls in most haberdashery and craft shops is ideal for simple sewing. Most cotton threads are mercerized, have a coating that makes it easier to color and have a shiny appearance. This cotton has its limitations, however, because it has no "stretch" and can crack when used on flowing fabrics such as stretch fabrics. On the other hand, cotton is ideal for work with delicate fabrics, such as lingerie and veils.
- Generic cotton. A medium thick cotton (size 50) is suitable for sewing a wide range of projects involving light to medium cotton, linen and rayon fabrics.
- Woven cotton. It is made of six fibers that have been softly woven together. It is usually used for embroidery and it is often advisable to loosen the weave before use to prevent the result from being too compact, although with very loosely woven fabrics, using all six fibers can be effective.
- Perlé cotton. This cotton cannot be frayed and is used in embroidery to achieve a nice shiny effect.
- Cotton à broder. A cotton for embroidery in various weights. It has a smooth quality.
- Thread of lace. It is not a distinct thread in itself, but the lace thread is very special. It should be highly mercerized and very tightly woven to make it very firm and smooth.
- Flower thread. It has a matte look and is soft. This thread is ideal for embroidery projects that require a rustic and old-fashioned look, especially fine linen lapels. It is only suitable for fine-woven fabrics.
- Quilted thread. It is an all-cotton thread that is covered to make it easier to pass through quilted fabric and padding. Obviously, it is ideal for quilts.
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Polyester thread. It is a strong thread that has excellent tension in sewing work. Threads of this type tend to have a generic weight (size 50); they often have a wax or silicone finish that allows them to pass through the fabric with little friction. It is suitable for most machine or hand projects. The look will be waxed and shiny, not matte like regular cotton.
- Generic thread. It is polyester thread wrapped with cotton and is highly usable for sewing. It is suitable for use with most fabrics, is inexpensive and easy to find. It is not, however, a good cotton for embroidery.
- Invisible thread. It is similar to the fishing line. It is strong and invisible, which makes it ideal for projects where the seams need to be firmly in place and hidden at the same time.
- Heavy thread. Heavy thread is ideal for heavy fabrics, such as those used in upholstery and window decorations, vinyl and upholstery fabrics. It is usually a size 40 and can be made of polyester, polyester plus cotton or cotton.
- Rayon thread: Rayon embroidery thread is suitable for creating flat embroideries where the embroidery cotton would be too thick.
- Nylon thread. It is a strong thread suitable for light or medium-weight fabrics. It is a thin thread, usually of size A.
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Silk thread. Silk is a fine thread, ideal for a variety of fabrics, although it is usually reserved for embroidery, and the same goes for silk ribbon. This sturdy thread is ideal for sewing on silk and wool. The advantage of silk thread is that it leaves no holes and is very flexible. Excellent for tailoring.
- Silk fiber. It has a high luster. It is also called Japanese silk. It can be frayed and can be used as it is, or split into finer fibers. It is suitable for embroidery and silk fabric work. As strong as it is, it is a delicate thread to work with, so it's important to do it with short nails to avoid pricking and tearing.
- Silk cake. It consists of several silk fibers woven together; again it is ideal for embroidery and can be used as it is or divided into finer fibers.
- Woven silk. This thread has a shiny appearance and can be separated into fibers for sewing in embroidery.
- Silk ribbon. Silk ribbon is used for silk ribbon embroidery, both as a project in itself and as a decoration on bags, tops, skirts, etc., but also for hair accessories.
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Wool thread. Wool threads tend to be used for embroidery work, such as blankets (using blanket stitch). Wool thread works best with heavy fabrics, such as wool or burlap.
- Persian wool. Persian wool has three fibers. You can use them together or separate them to use them individually. Whether or not to separate them will depend on the work and the thickness of the fabric being sewn.
- Upholstery wool. This wool is not as thick as Persian and is not divisible.
- Embroidery wool. It is the thinnest type of wool thread. It is ideal for wool embroidery projects. Although it is thin, it can be woven into a thicker thread, joining more threads.
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Machine thread: is the thread that goes into the sewing machine.
- Coil wire. It is an inexpensive line that goes on the spool; it is in common use for sewing machines and is used for a variety of machine jobs.
- Variegated thread. It is a yarn dyed in different shades of color, with variations that are repeated on its length on a regular basis. Usually suitable for embroidery or colorful sewing projects, such as quilted quilted jackets, etc.
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Metallic thread. It is suitable for gold embroidery or decorations on items such as handbags. The colors are golden, silver and bronze.
- Drawstring thread. It is a hollow wire. Also called twisted thread and pearl scallop.
- Japanese thread. It is a very fine metallic thread which usually requires two threads used at the same time.
Choose Sewing Thread Step 4 Step 4. Choose the thread according to the right color
Once you have decided which type of thread is right for your job, considering the strength as well, you will need to decide on the color. At this point it is a good idea to take a large amount of thread of the color you need for all the work, especially in the case of embroidery. If you can't find a perfectly matching color, select a color that is one or two shades darker than the fabric at most to make it blend in. The clear thread is more noticeable.
Choose Sewing Thread Step 5 Step 5. See the sewing instructions
It is important to read the instructions of any embroidery design or project before starting a job. The pattern or instructions should tell you which thread is recommended. It is a good idea to try to match the thread to the required type or to get it as close as possible to ensure the best result. As you get more experience, you will be able to make wire replacements with full understanding of the results.
Choose Sewing Thread Step 6 Step 6. Buy quality thread
The economic thread is such because it will not last. Quality thread costs more but is definitely worth the price because it ensures the quality and durability of your work in the long run, as well as making sewing or embroidery easier and more enjoyable, especially in the case of embroidery.
Advice
- Mercerizing means treating the yarn with a caustic alkaline product, imparting a high brilliance that makes it similar to silk. Mercerized thread is easy to work with, glides easily through fabric, needles and lace holders.
- Always remember that the stitch width will determine the number of threads you need when thinking about separating or adding fibers. If in doubt, consult the instructions. Also, the number of fabric wefts you cross will have an impact on the type and thickness of the thread used; for example, in cross stitch, the more threads of fabric are crossed, the more fabric is exposed, while tighter stitches do not show as much fabric underneath. It all depends on the desired look for the result.
- Common brands of embroidery thread are DMC and Anchor. It is important to know the brand because many modern embroidery charts include fibers or thread from a particular brand. You don't have to follow the suggestions, but adopting them makes it easier to achieve a result similar to the pattern. If you want to use different brands, you can search the internet for conversion tables.
- Shops for quality crafts, haberdashery and online sewing shops will all offer an excellent selection of threads. Online auctions can be a wonderful resource in this regard.
- The higher the thread number, the thinner it will be.
- Always remember to check that the thread you feed into the sewing machine is suitable for machine use.
