Embroidery Newsletter - StitchFun News

Thread Types and Uses (part 1)

Embroidery thread, Quilting thread, General sewing thread, Piecing thread: although threads are made with specific purposes in mind, there are some crossover uses of many threads. Below are the characteristics of each category of thread.

Embroidery thread. The most common embroidery threads are rayon, filament polyester, trilobal filament polyester, and metallics.

Rayon is the most widely used embroidery thread. It is inexpensive and has a nice sheen. However, rayon is a weaker fiber and most rayon is not colorfast. That is important to know and one must be careful when washing rayon embroidered designs. Filament polyester threads are stronger than rayon but do not have the high sheen. They are colorfast and the most durable of all threads. They give a matte finish.

Trilobal filament polyester threads have a beautiful high sheen equivalent to rayon or silk. They are stronger than rayon threads but weaker than regular filament polyester. They are colorfast. Trilobal poly is the best choice for those concerned with top quality and durability. The only downside is the cost. They are more expensive than rayon threads. If the price of trilobal polyester ever becomes equal to rayon, I think rayon would cease to exist. Our trilobal polyester threads are Rainbows, Highlights, Art Studio Colors, Nature Colors, and Living Colors. Bobbin thread for embroidery: A fine bobbin thread, such as 60 wt. Bottom Line, makes the best bobbin thread. If you use a spun poly thread or cotton thread in the bobbin when embroidering, the thread may stack on itself underneath the design, leaving it very stiff. The lighter weight thread in the bobbin makes a much softer and more pliable design.

Embroidery threads often do not have as tight a twist as other threads. A tighter twisted thread adds strength to the thread but increases production costs. Inexpensive threads usually have a looser twist than quality threads.

Next issue: thread types and uses (part 2)

from Bob Purcell of Superior Threads

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