Thread tangles and lint build up can be reduced dramatically just by changing to a better quality thread. This will prolong the life of your sewing machine and make for happy stitching. Readily available, inexpensive thread can shorten the life of a sewing machine. This is is especially true when doing a lot of sewing, such as making a quilt. In addition to high lint build up and thread tangles, lower quality thread also contributes to wear and tear on the tension mechanism.
Thread Size and Ply
Thread sizes range to 100, the higher the number, the finer the thread. Most commonly available thread sizes are 40 or 50. The thread size is followed by a slash and the ply number. A spool labeled 50/3 is made of 3 strands twisted together. The kind of strands and the twisting process both factor in thread quality.
Cotton Thread
Egyptian cotton has always had a reputation for quality. There is also long staple and extra long staple cotton. The longer the staple, the higher the quality. Mercerized cotton has undergone a process used to remove fuzz and add shine to the thread. Essential cotton thread, 50/3, is double mercerized Egyptian cotton with low fuzz and a smooth finish. It is inexpensive and comes in a luscious range of colors.
Cotton Wrapped Polyester & Polyester Thread
Coats & Clark 40 weight All Purpose thread is the most commonly available thread in a wide color range. It has a high fuzz content and somewhat uneven twist that causes breakage, tangles and substantial lint build up. It's fine for limited sewing, not recommended for projects requiring lots of sewing.Serger thread is usually 100% polyester and extremely fuzzy, thus not recommended in regular sewing machines. Polyester is sometimes preferred over cotton when sewing fabric with stretch.
Rayon & Trilobal Polyester Thread
Rayon thread offers good shine where a lustrous shine is desired, and smooth finish. Trilobal polyester is being touted as a replacement for rayon. It is made from triangular strands of polyester, but is neither as smooth or shiny as rayon.
Silk Thread
Silk thread is wonderfully smooth and fuzz free. Silk is strong and has a little stretch, where cotton has none. It can be found in very fine weights for the sheerest of sewing projects. Colors are somewhat limited and it's more expensive. But what a great thread for special projects.
Protect Your Sewing Machine While Enjoying Sewing
Some other manufacturers to look for when choosing high quality thread include Mettler, Guterman, and Sulky. Colors and prices can be compared on the internet, but the ultimate comparison is side by side. You may have trouble seeing or feeling the differences in individual threads. The amount of lint in your bobbin case can show the differences as well. High quality thread also means fewer tangles and less stopping for thread breaks. It's well worth a little extra time and money to learn the differences in threads. Bargain bin thread just isn't worth it.
Corinne Shibley is a trained artist specializing in quilts for the last 10 years. Untold miles of thread have passed through her machine. Look here for more of her articles.
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