let's learn about thread

Who is ready to learn how to sew, by hand !?!?!
I am so excited about this week!
We are going to keep it simple and what better way to start than talking about THREAD...

{picture from here}

The history of thread began with the use of thin strips of animal hide to sew hide and fur together.  The first uses of thread were to create woven tapestries made of primarily wool yarn.  Seamstresses began to use the same material to create garments.  

Thread is a tightly twisted stands of 2 or more plys of yarn.  The difference between thread and yarn is that thread is used to sew together garments, where yarn is used to weave into a textile.  Most thread is wound around a spool to be used in a machine.  Thread should be smooth to prevent fraying or friction in the machine. 

I thought that I would go over the basic types of thread and list some qualities that are helpful in making decisions on what thread to use.

Cotton Thread...  

This thread is most popular among quilters.  Made from cotton fibers, it does not stretch and is low in luster.  This soft thread is great because it will change and move as the fabric shrinks.  It does however tend to fade and shrink.  The high quality cotton threads are made from the long cotton fibers, which are stronger and less likely to fray in your machine.

Polyester Thread...

This thread is a man made thread.  Most commonly used because it a strong thread that does not fade or shrink.  It has a medium luster and is easily found.  It is great for machine embroidery and in making clothes where seams will have more tension.

Silk Thread...

This thread is made from the silk worms cocoons.  Silk thread is more elastic and has a high luster.  It is thinner and tends to sink into garments, when sewn.  It is great to use for hand embroidery and needlework.

Rayon Thread...

This thread is another man made thread.  It has a high luster and is softer and more heat resistant than polyester.   It is less elastic than polyester, but not as colorfast or durable as polyester thread.  It is very cost efficient.

Nylon Thread...

This thread is also synthetic.  The negatives out way the positives of this thread, so use with caution.  It is a very strong thread, but is not color fast or heat resistant and will deteriorate over time with laundering.


There are differences in cheap thread and better quality thread.
You will get what you pay for in the thread department!!!
Thread should be easy to pass through the eye of a needle {without too much licking}.

Cheaper thread will look like this under a microscope... frayed and bumpy...

{picture from here}

A good thread will look like this under a microscope... smooth...

{picture from here}

Seamstresses will debate over which thread works best according to their experience.  There are lots of great threads out there.  I typically use Coats and Clark, Mettler, or Gutterman.  On cheap projects, I will purchase the bargain thread, but try to avoid those thread when sewing for others!!!

I hope this helps when you are looking through the sea of threads :)

P.S.  If you haven't checked out the awesome gingher giveway... do it and follow along to be entered into the drawing... I will announce it tonight :)