Embroidery Newsletter - StitchFun News

Random Thread Questions

Question. Is black thread weaker than other colors?
Answer. Only if it has been over-dyed because the first color was mis-dyed. Some companies put all the mis-dyed colors in a reject bin and over-dye them black. The excess amount of dye in these over-dyed threads can cause the fibers to weaken. (note: Superior Threads are never over-dyed.)

Question. Does it really matter if a piecing thread is 2-ply or 3-ply?
Answer. If the strength is sufficient and a very fine thread is desired, a 2-ply thread will make a nicer seam. A 3-ply thread will be stronger but also heavier. When piecing, we usually use a short stitch length. This short stitch makes a strong seam and therefore a quality 2-ply thread is perfectly fine to use. Of course, a 3-ply thread would also be OK, but it will add more bulk to the seam. Choose piecing thread wisely. Processing is as important as the raw material. The thread should be extremely smooth with no slubs and very little fuzz or lint. Avoid glazed, coated or waxed threads in your machine.

Question. What is the Tex measurement?
Answer. Tex is one of five standards used for thread measurement and, like the other measurement standards, can be confusing. We expect all 40 wt. (or Tex 25) threads to all be identical but there are too many other factors involved. A 40 wt. cotton will not equal a 40 wt. poly. A fuzzy 40 wt. cotton thread will be much bulkier and appear heavier than a quality processed and nicely twisted 40 wt. cotton. Some companies label a #50/2-ply thread as a 50 wt. Others label a #50/3-ply thread as a 50 wt. Both are incorrect because the number (#) system is not the same as the wt. system. So what do we do? Don't pay too much attention to the numbers, whether they be wt. or tex. Realize that the numbers may not be accurate and use them as ballpark guidelines only. Use your eyes and your hands to choose the right thread for each work. Fine thread to blend, and heavier thread to show.

Next issue: more random thread questions

from Bob Purcell of Superior Threads

Missed an issue of the StitchFun News? Check out the Archives Page.

StitchFun News
the daily embroidery newsletter published by
Perfect Little Stitches.

To subscribe to the StitchFun News,
enter your email address below:

The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted. StitchFun is not a mall and does not sell designs. Please contact the individual designer if you have questions about her designs or special offers.

Visit the StitchFun home page.


	These are so fun and easy to do. Complete directions included. They are found at the top of Page 7.


Frostings MasterPiece prewound bobbins in three assortment sets, 1 each of 12 colors. Extra-long staple Egyptian-grown cotton on cardboard-sided L-style bobbins. 85 yds. each.


	Northwood Native Listen to the song of Kokopelli and you can almost smell the Northwood's pine.


Another elegant letter has been added to the collection. When the next letter is added, the FRAMED Z will increase in price.


	A little birdie told me Cute, trendy appliqué Birdie designs. The designs have a decorative stitch around them instead of the traditional satin stitch.


Elemental Fairies Four wonderful fairies, one each for Air, Earth, Fire and Water. For the 5x7 hoop.


Heirloom Quilt Ten quilt block designs, available to fit 4x4, 5x7 and 6x10 hoops.