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 after the first wash!
A good quality thread is smooth and consistent.
That’s why in our shop, you will find premium sewing thread spools from the German brand Gütermann, which offers a wide range of colors.
What type of thread should I use for machine sewing?
Most sewing projects will work perfectly with a standard polyester thread.
Why?
Polyester thread is strong and slightly elastic. It is stronger than cotton thread and can be used to sew woven fabrics (warp and weft...) or knit fabrics (like jersey, french terry, sweatshirt fabric...). That’s why polyester thread is often called the universal thread.
Polyester offers elasticity/flexibility that cotton does not. Cotton thread can only be used for woven fabrics; so, 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 palette; it’s therefore easy to match with your fabric.
Finally, it resists abrasion, mold, and sunlight. And last but not least, it is stable and does not shrink.
What thread thickness should I choose for my project?
For most sewing projects, standard thread No. 100 will be perfect. However, depending on your project, you may 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 one kilogram of thread. For a metric number of No. 100, there are therefore 100 km of thread in 1 kg of this type of thread.
Note that there is a super-strong version of polyester thread that is particularly useful for projects requiring very strong stitches (thick fabrics).
It is used for:
- hand-sewn buttonholes,
- decorative seams,
- topstitching...
I followed the advice but my thread breaks when I sew?
If you still face thread breaking while sewing, there could be several reasons.
Let’s look at the most common ones:
1. Poor thread quality. If your thread is fuzzy, uneven, thin, or fluffy when purchased... move on. It’s better to invest in a higher quality than to get frustrated with your sewing machine! Besides giving you trouble, this thread quality may damage 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 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 cannot be repeated enough: you must match 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 make sure to use the same thread quality on top and bottom.
6. Tension adjustment
7. If after checking all these points the problem persists, your machine may need a good cleaning or maintenance.
There you go, I hope this article has given you new insights about sewing threads and their uses. I can’t resist showing you the unboxing of my thread cabinet, every seamstress’s dream... I’m really happy to now offer you even more color choices! So don’t hesitate to ask me to match your threads to your fabric choices. I’ll be happy to do it!
Get your needles ready!
