The wonderful world of threads
There are many different types of thread all for different sewing projects. It is important to get the right type and weight of thread depending on the fabric and the project.
It is also very important to get a good quality of thread as poor quality will lead to the thread breaking when sewing and will not give a high quality look to the end product. Gutermann threads are a good thread to pick when sewing as they are of a high quality will not break under pressure when sewing. If you can not find Gutermann thread there are some tests you can do to ensure the thread is of a high enough quality for sewing.
These are:
- Place a strand of the thread between your hands and give it a gentle pull if the thread breaks easily then do not use it.
-When looking at a strand of thread, if it has lots of loss strands (looks like little hairs coming from the thread) do not use it. As when the thread is going through your sewing machine these strands will come of the thread and will get stuck in your machine, leading to the sewing machine needing a service.
These are some types of threads and what they can be used on. There are many more which are not on this list:
Sew-all thread otherwise known as polyester thread
(Figure 1: polyester thread)
To tell if this thread is sew-all thread it will say around the bottom 100% polyester, as seen in the photo.
Polyester thread is the most commonly used thread as it can be used on most projects because of its strength.
Cotton Thread
(Figure 2: cotton thread)
Cotton thread is very similar to polyester thread in the sense that it could be used on most projects. Cotton thread can handle more heat form the iron so is popular to be used in quilting when parchworking as the sewer can iron the fabric to get a very neat seam. Cotton thread isn’t normally used when making clothing as its not as strong as polyester thread and will snap over time.
Extra fine Thread
(figure 3: extra fine thread)
Extra fine thread is more of a specialist thread as it would not be used on a daily basis for any old project. It doesn't have the strength that polyester thread has and it can not withstand the high heats that the cotton thread can. This thread is designed to be used on light weight fabric such as organza as the thread will not add bulk to the seam.
Silk thread
(Figure 4: silk thread)
Silk threads are used on silk fabrics as it has a finer textile to it and generally if you are making a garment out of silk you will want to keep the whole garment natural and completely made out of silk which includes the threads. Because the washing, ironing and so on will all be the same throughout the garment. Silk thread is a great alternative to extra fine thread as it has the same properties.
Linen thread
(Figure 5;linen thread)
Linen thread is used on linen fabrics as it has a waxy coating to it allowing it to be easier to sew with when working with linen. Because of this waxy coating linen threads can not be used on the sewing machine as the wax will be striped off of the thread when going through the machine.
Jean thread
(Figure 6: jean thread)
jean thread is designed to blend seamlessly into jeans as it has a two tones to the thread which are denim colour. Jean thread is slightly thicker than the standard polyester thread but isn’t as thick as top stitching thread which is also very commonly used on jeans. The thickness helps to add strength to the thread allowing it to go under a lot of pressure.
Top stitch thread
(Figure 7: Top stitch thread)
Top stitch thread is a thicker thread and is used as a decorative element on sewing products as the thread will be seen on any fabrics. It is advised not to use this thread on light weight fabrics as it will create holes as well as puckering the fabric. This thread is commonly used on the jeans as a decorative element down the side seams.
Upholstery thread or extra strong threads
(Figure 8: upholstery thread)
Upholstery thread can also be know as button hole thread.
This thread is not as thick as top stitching thread but is a lot stronger as it is designed for sewing furniture, curtains (upholstery work) and hand sewed button holes. Due to the thickness of this thread like top stitching thread it can not be used on light weight fabrics.
Rayon Thread
(Figure 9: Rayon thread)
Rayon thread also known as embroidery threads.
Rayon thread comes in different weight these are 30, 40, 50, 60 depending on the types of embroidery and the fabric used will determine the weight needed.
This thread also comes in a variation of variegated threads creating a interesting look to the embroidery when sewed out.
Rayon as a shiny surface to it which creates a sheen to the embroidery. this thread is not strong as it need to lay flat on the surface of the fabric and therefore should not be used to sew up seams.
Bobbin fill
(Figure 10: bobbin fill)
Bobbin fill only comes in white and black as it is used when doing machine embroidery and will not be seen on the end result. Bobbin fill goes in the bobbin, because this thread is very thin 80% of the rayon thread is pulled to the back of the fabric creating a cleaner look to the embroidery.
Bobbin fill comes in different weights just like rayon thread. When picking which weight to go for all depends on the type of sewing machine you have which will have a certain weight which we create the best outcome for the embroidery.
Quilting Thread and Hand quilting thread
(Figure 11: Quilting threads)
Quilting thread also comes in different weights.
This thread also comes in a variation of variegated threads creating a interesting look to the quilt.
Quilting thread can be used on the sewing machine when hand quilting threads can not as this thread has a waxy layer over the top of the thread. This wax is there so that when hand quilting the thread doesn't knot and is easier to get through all the layers of fabrics.
Metallic thread and Metallic affect threads
(Figure 12: metallic threads)
Metallic thread is a decorative thread and should not be used to sew up seams as this thread doesn't have the strength needed that polyester thread has.
Metallic thread is created by having a core thread which then the metallic is wrapped around this core thread.
Holoshimmer thread
(Figure 13: Holoshimmer threads)
Like metallic thread holoshimmer thread is a decorative thread and should not be used to sew seams.
Unlike metallic thread holoshimmer doesn't have a core thread. This thread is a very fine, flat on one side and looks all most like plastic.
Basting thread
(Figure 14: basting thread)
Basting thread is very thin and easy to break and is used in tailoring for basting more then one layer of fabric together.
Due to this thread being easy to snap it should not be used to sew seams as the seams will come apart very easily
These threads can be found in most haberdashery shops but the more specialised threads can only be found in a selected few. One of these specialised haberdashery shops can be found in the centre of York.
Gillies Fabrics York
2 Peter Lane York YO1 8SW
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01904 626244
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillies.fabrics/
Website: http://www.gilliesfabrics.co.uk
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday - 9.00 to 5.30
Sunday -10.30 to 4.30
Figure listing
Figure 1: ‘polyester thread’ http://www.calicolaine.co.uk/gutermann-sew-all-thread-575.html
Figure 2:’cotton thread’ https://www.fabric.com/buy/0289254/gutermann-natural-cotton-thread-800m-875yds-indigo-blue
Figure 3:’extra fine thread’ http://www.embroideries.com.au/gutermann-extra-fine-col-195-pale-blue-200m-spool
Figure 4: ‘silk thread’ http://www.jofirthlacemaking.co.uk/viewProduct.php?id=539
Figure 5: ‘linen thread’https://www.thesewingdepot.co.nz/product/1181830
Figure 6: ‘jean thread’ http://www.higgsandhiggs.com/guterrmann-thread-jeans-5154.html
Figure 7: ‘top stitch thread’ https://www.sewcurvy.com/corsetmakingsupplies/prod_2841427-Top-stitch-thread.html
Figure 8: ‘upholstery thread’ https://jaycotts.co.uk/products/uphoster-thread_gutermann#.WMcebTvyjIU (15/03/2017)
Figure 9; ‘ Rayon thread’ https://www.sewessential.co.uk/haberdashery/threads/machine-embroidery-thread/gutermann-rayon-machine-embroidery-thread (15/03/2017)
Figure 10: ‘bobbin fill’ https://www.sewessential.co.uk/haberdashery/threads/machine-embroidery-thread/machine-embroidery-bobbin-thread (15/03/2017)
Figure 11: ‘quilting threads’ http://redrockthreads.com/gutermann-thread/gutermann-hand-quilting.asp (15/03/2017)
Figure 12: ‘ metallic threads’ http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gutermann-Metallic-Effect-Thread-50m-Reel-25-Discount-on-2-or-more-Reels-/201290824134 (15/03/2017)
Figure 13: ‘ Holoshimmer threads) http://www.vansciverbobbinlace.com/2Threads.html (15/03/2017)
Figure 14: ‘basting thread’ http://www.tailormouse.co.uk/store/Gutermann-basting-thread-200m__p-439.aspx (15/03/2017)