On the occasion of expanding the range of sewing thread colors, I wanted to focus on machine threads. Indeed, the thread not only guarantees the strength of garment seams but also the quality of its finishes. What a disappointment to see a lovingly sewn garment tear during the first fitting or the seams come undone at the first wash!
A good quality thread is smooth and consistent.
That is why in our shop, you will find high-quality sewing thread spools from the German brand Gütermann which offers a wide choice of colors.
What type of thread to use for machine sewing?
Most sewing projects will be perfectly done with a standard polyester thread.
Why?
Polyester thread is a strong and slightly elastic thread. It is stronger than cotton thread and can be used to sew woven fabrics (warp and weft...) or knit fabrics (such as jersey, french terry, sweatshirts...). That is why polyester thread is often called: the universal thread.
Polyester offers elasticity/flexibility that cotton does not have. Cotton thread can only be used for woven fabrics; therefore, not on knits, as it risks breaking at the slightest tension on the garment.
Another advantage is that standard polyester thread is available in a wide color range; it is therefore easy to match with your fabric.
Finally, it resists abrasion, mold, and sunlight. And lastly, it is stable and does not shrink.
What thread thickness should I choose for my project?
For most sewing projects, the No. 100 thread called "standard" will be perfect. However, depending on your project, you will need a finer thread (for example for muslin) or a thicker thread (for example for denim, wool flannel...).
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 1 kg of thread. For a metric number of No. 100, there are therefore 100 km of thread contained in 1 kg of this type of thread.
Note that there is a super strong version of polyester thread which is particularly useful for projects that require very strong stitches (thick fabrics).
It is used to make:
- hand-sewn buttonholes,
- decorative seams,
- topstitching...
I followed the advice well but my thread breaks when I sew?
If you are still faced with a thread that breaks while sewing, there may be several explanations.
Let's look together at the most common ones:
1. Poor thread quality. If when buying, your thread is fuzzy, irregular, thin, fluffy... move on. It is better to invest in a higher quality rather than getting frustrated in front of your sewing machine! Besides giving you a hard time, this thread quality risks damaging your machine by clogging it.
2. The thread is not suitable for the fabric, it may be too thin or not strong enough. If you chose a cotton thread to sew a jersey t-shirt, it will break.
3. The needle is not suitable for the type of fabric and thread. It can't be said enough, you must adapt your needle to the fabric: a jersey needle for knits, a denim needle for jeans...
4. Incorrect threading of the spool or bobbin thread. Remember to redo it if necessary.
5. Different thread quality on the spool and in the bobbin. Always be careful to use the same thread quality on top and bottom.
6. Tension adjustment
7. If after checking all these points, the problem remains; your machine may need a good cleaning or maintenance.
There you go, I hope this article has been able to bring you new knowledge about sewing threads and their uses. I can't resist showing you the unboxing of my thread cabinet, every seamstress's dream... I am really happy to now be able to offer you even more colors! So don't hesitate to ask me to match your threads to your fabric choices. I will gladly do it!
To your needles!
