A Guide to Thread
4.18.2011

A Guide to Thread

by Teri Stillwell

Which thread do I use? This is a common question that springs to mind when shopping for thread and you are confronted with a mass of spools containing different fibers and weights in rainbows of colors. Cotton, polyester, rayon, silk, oh my! Here is some information on the most common threads used for quilting by machine to help you navigate through the thread mine field.

Cotton Thread: Also known as spun thread. It’s called this because you spin lengths of fiber called staples into plies then the plies are twisted together. Spun threads have a fuzzy surface which is what makes it soft to the touch and gives it a more matte finish.

Cotton threads are measured by thread count number and plies. The thread count is the thickness of each strand. The ply denotes how many strands of thread are wound together to make the thread. General cotton sewing thread used in sewing machines and is usually 50/3, such as our Essential Cotton Thread, where the thread thickness is 50 and there are 3 strands of thread woven together make the plies; or 40/2 which is similar in thickness with fewer plies. Hand Quilting thread is generally 40/3 which is thicker than machine sewing thread although this can also be used for machine quilting. You can also buy extra thin specialty thread that is for your bobbin which is 60/2. The higher the first number, the thinner the thread.

Cotton thread generally has a matte finish and comes in a wide variety of colors. The best cotton thread uses long staple fibers and is mercerized. This reduces the “hairiness” of the thread, gives it strength, and helps the dye absorb properly. If you are creating an heirloom piece and are concerned about your thread and fabric aging at the same rate, then using cotton thread with cotton fabric is a good idea. Cotton will wear more than synthetic threads and isn’t as colorfast. It can also be linty so you need to be sure to clean out your machines.

Polyester Thread: Polyester thread can be spun or continuous filament. Spun polyester thread is made the same way as cotton. Spun thread isn’t as strong as monofilament thread which is one continuous filament. Our Essential Polyester Thread is continuous filament.

You can get polyester in a variety of weights (generally 40 weight for embroidery or quilting and 60 weight for applique and bobbin), colors, and finishes (such as matte or high sheen) that are good for general sewing, quilting, embroidery, serging, and other decorative stitching.

Polyester is generally strong, durable, and colorfast. Since it’s one continuous filament it isn’t “linty” like cotton. Because it is stronger, it will sink down into the fabric a little more and give your quilting a little more definition.

Nylon: Nylon thread is another continuous filament created from one single filament of nylon. You would use a very fine thread such as .004 or .005 for quilting. It’s also referred to as invisible thread because it’s so fine. Nylon thread comes in clear and dark and works well for applique as well as machine quilting where you don’t want your thread to show. You have to be careful when ironing projects using this thread as it has low heat resistance and can become brittle and yellow.

Rayon: Threads that are made with rayon tend to be filament but there are a few exceptions where the thread is core-spun (rayon thread wrapped around polyester). Rayon threads come in many sizes, although 40 weight is most commonly used, are usually high sheen, and are used for decorative stitching and embroidery. You can also use them for serging and couching, but they are not as strong as polyester.

Silk: Good silk thread is filament. This makes it strong and a good natural fiber alternative to polyester. 100 weight silk thread works well for applique making your stitches almost invisible. You can also get this in thicker weights if you want your stitches to show.

Remember like anything else, thread can age, so if you have thread that is really old, test it before you start your project because it can break more easily with each passing year.

I always use a little sticker and put the color name on it and the date I purchased the thread. I use that to keep my strand in place when I am not using the thread so it doesn’t get tangled. Another good idea I’ve seen is using a golf tee to keep your thread and matching bobbins together.


9 comments

  1. Anne Grinley - April 18, 2011

    Thank you for excepting my response. I use only CT thread on my Janome Sewing Machine for everything that I sew on it. Hand Embroidery, I use many different threads, and Silk ribbons. Ane

    Reply
  2. Stephanie - April 18, 2011

    I have a storage box filled with Essential Threads in all colors. I use it so much that I never need to mark the “born on” date! This is such great information. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Deborah Ocasio - April 18, 2011

    I am new to the CT thread . I purchased some recently with fabric to match. I am looking forward to using it. The colors are soo beautiful.

    Reply
  4. Linda Fielding - April 27, 2011

    What a straightforward, simple thread guide! Thanks for clarifying several questions I had. I have used your Essentials thread exclusively, but may now experiment with the poly ones as well.

    Reply
  5. Cindy Feddes - April 27, 2011

    Recently I bought some of your thread designed for long arm quilters by long arm quilters, I’m really liking it a lot. It doesn’t break and it gives such good definition. The only thing I’m worried about is this: Should I tell my customers I’m using polyester thread as it might possibly cut the cotton fabric after many many years?
    Thank you for your response.

    Reply
  6. Melissa - April 28, 2011

    Hi Cindy,
    I am not a long arm quilter, but from what I’ve heard, the vast majority of them use polyester thread (So Fine being one that comes to mind along with EssentialPRO). I will forward your question to some of our long arm quilters we contract with to see what they do. Now I’m curious!
    -Melissa

    Reply
  7. Melissa - April 29, 2011

    We asked the long arm quilters that we use for our sample quilts, and they all use polyester. They do not feel the need to inform their customers of this, but they are happy to use another kind of thread if a customer requests it. It seems to be common knowledge that long arm quilters use polyester, so it looks like long arm quilters rely on their customers to specify if they want cotton thread used on a quilt. Hope that helps, Cindy!

    Reply
  8. Deb Bliss - May 4, 2011

    I am doing some applique blocks (some flowers and some in the sunbonnet sue pattern)and need to do some decorative stitching around the pieces now. Someone told me I should use rayon for the decorative top stitching. Should I go out and buy different colors in rayon or is it ok to use some of the Essential Threads from CT which seem to be cotton? Thank you for your answer….Sincerely Deb

    Reply
  9. Lori - May 5, 2011

    Thanks Teri, this is a great overview of thread and how it’s made. I normally use rayon in my embroidery machine, have used cotton, and it looks nice as well, but requires more cleaning under the needle plate. I tend to use silk for hand applique. Great article.

    Reply

Comment