After having done quite a few articles on types of fabrics, I thought it was appropriate to talk about thread; because the choice of sewing thread is just as essential for the success of your sewing projects.

Indeed, the thread not only guarantees the strength of garment seams but also the quality of their finishes. What a disappointment to see a garment sewn with love break during the first fitting or the seams come undone at the first wash!

A good quality thread is smooth and regular. If the thread "fuzzes" or "breaks," it is of poor quality. The risk with using these threads is not only disappointment regarding the finish of your sewing projects but also the clogging of your machines because the "fuzz" and dust get into the machine mechanisms and eventually damage them...

That is why in our shop, you will find first-quality sewing thread spools from the German brand Gütermann. 

I suggest studying sewing threads through 3 criteria generally used to better choose your thread. 

Commençons par le critère le plus simple et le plus facile à aborder : la couleur.
Choosing the right thread color is quite simple. If your fabric is solid: choose the color closest to the color of your fabric. If you hesitate between two colors, I advise you to take the darker one. If your fabric contains several colors: choose to match your thread to the dominant or the darkest color.

Finally, you still have the option, if you wish, to use a contrasting thread to highlight the seams. This is what is done for seams on denim or to create decorative seams, for example with metallic threads, fluorescent threads... It should be noted that if you decide to make visible contrasting seams, precision is necessary because any inaccuracies will be very noticeable. 

Let's move on to the thickness of the thread which will provide the strength of your seams depending on your fabric. The thickness of the thread is called the thread count. It is indicated on the spool by a number generally between 30 and 120. This number is called the metric number and corresponds to the number of kilometers of thread contained in one kg of thread. For a metric number of no. 100, there are therefore 100 km of thread in 1 kg of this type of thread.

The higher the metric number, the finer the thread.

The standard so-called universal thread is polyester and has a metric number of 100. It will suit the majority of your projects: cotton, viscose, double gauze, fine velvet, jersey...

For sewing denim, a thicker thread is chosen, often around no. 50. For muslin or voile, one would rather go for no. 120. 

The thread composition will be chosen depending on the intended use.

Indeed, the material of the thread will give it more or less elasticity. Polyester thread is the most used and best-selling. It has many qualities and will suit the majority of sewing projects. It is strong. It resists abrasion, mold, and sunlight.

On the other hand, it is stable and does not shrink.

Finally, it is slightly elastic, which allows its use for knit fabrics.

Polyester thread no. 100 is called universal sewing thread and is suitable for 90% of sewing uses, so it is often the main purchase. There are ready-made assortments with several spools that are often good basics to start sewing. 

I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about sewing threads. 

Get your needles ready!