60 weight 3 ply thread

[Judy M.]

MY LQS is taughting using a new 60 weight 3 ply thread for piecing instead of the standard 50 weight 2 ply. They claime the 3 ply makes the thread stronger than the 2ply thread. They sell it in neutral colors of large spools 3000 yards for $30.00.

They say that you do not have to set your machine for scant 1/4 inch seams because due to the thinness of the thread there is little or no take up when you turn and press your seams. They claim with the scant 1/4inch adustment that you actually distort the seams when sewing them.... ( I personally think you need a microscope to tell the difference)

They said they read this in Harriet Hargraves newest book and feel after trialing this it is true. I am wondering it anyone else has heard this and tried the newer thread and what they think.


Anna

[Judy M.]

So what is the brand of this thread?

[Eileen K.]

I've never bothered with the "scant" quarter inch. I've never understood what's the big deal-as long as you're consistent.
eileenkny

[Hannelore N.]

Eileen, I go a step further: I don't even check what ply or weight the thread is. I run it through my fingers and if it feels right I use it. Of course I have my favourites, but I have no idea what exactly they are. I just know that my machine likes them and I like them.

I have to admit though that it sounds right that a 3-ply thread is stronger than a 2-ply.

I found a lot of sewing threads when my mother died a couple of years ago, most of them were brands that I had never heard of. I simply wind them around my fingers and pull to break them. That gives me a pretty good idea if they are ok for quilting.

Also, if in doubt, and if it would be very important to use a suitable thread I'd check all the information on the Superior website or even send a message to Bob, asking him for advice.

Lorchen

[Anne B.]

I very much doubt that a scant quarter-inch seam allowance will distort your seams. What can distort them is the way you press them.

And even if the thread is very fine, the turn of the fabric itself (especially if it's a hefty fabric) will take up some space.

I'm skeptical about these claims, and would like to know what brand you're talking about.

And I'd love to hear what Dr. Bob says about it, if you happen to ask him.

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

[Eileen K.]

I very much doubt that a scant quarter-inch seam allowance will distort your seams. What can distort them is the way you press them.

And even if the thread is very fine, the turn of the fabric itself (especially if it's a hefty fabric) will take up some space.

I'm skeptical about these claims, and would like to know what brand you're talking about.

And I'd love to hear what Dr. Bob says about it, if you happen to ask him.

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

Anne,
I think you've hit the nail on the head! If the LQS is now going to carry a certain thread, of course they're going to slant their sales pitch to make it sound like the best thing since sliced bread :lol:
eileenkny

[Paula D.]

Presencia thread. Anyone use?

[Keith D.]

I've used a few 600 meter spools of Presencia's 3 ply 60 weight cotton thread and liked it. It comes in 26 colors. I've used this thread mostly for piecing and in the bobbin when doing machine applique.

I've used more of the 100 meter spools of Presencia's 3 ply 50 weight thread and liked it also. Especially because it comes in 182 colors and I like alot of them! (Color is often the deciding factor for me when choosing between different higher-end, quality threads.) I've used this thread mostly for domestic machine quilting - top and bobbin.

[Anne B.]

Presencia thread. Anyone use?

Now, that's interesting. In the past year or so, the Canadian distributor of Aurifil has dropped it in favour of Presencia, and the LQS that sells it claims Presencia is way better. The LQS cannot, however, articulate (at least to me) what makes it better.

It's a long-staple Egyptian cotton. Now I'm curious, and must get a spool for a test drive.

Anne, happy Aurifil user in Vancouver, Canada

[Anne B.]

I GOT this explination from my LQS ... apperently the explination comes from Harriet Hargraves newest book (Quilt Academy 101) which I can not find my copy of to read myself....


The distoration in SCANT 1/4 inch seam allowance supposedly comes from it being adjust as a zig zag by moving the needle over... the bobbin underneath is still in the straight stitching setting....

NOW IS THAT NOT CLEAR AS MUD?

[Paula D.]

Currently on sale at Sewthankful.com, with cheap shipping right now.

[Anne B.]

The distoration in SCANT 1/4 inch seam allowance supposedly comes from it being adjust as a zig zag by moving the needle over... the bobbin underneath is still in the straight stitching setting....

Oh! I see! It wouldn't occur to me to move my needle over . . . mostly because on my machine (an old Bernina 730 from 1968) the increment is too large. I like to use an adjustable fence to set up my seam allowances, and all I need to do is move the fence slightly until I have a seam as scant as I like.

If Harriet really did say this, I'd take it more seriously than if just an LQS said it.

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

[Anne B.]

I like the idea of a fence / guide that could be adjusted for (scant) 1/4 inch, that might help my crooked sewing problem ( vision and inattention to be honest.)

I know I have that book I just do not know where I put it.... I might have lent it to a friend... I plan to look the information up when I get a chance.

Anna

[Anne B.]

I've never bothered with the "scant" quarter inch. I've never understood what's the big deal-as long as you're consistent.
eileenkny

No big deal as long as you are sewing for yourself. If you are in a block exchange or making a group quilt then IT BECOMES A BIG DEAL. ( A very big deal)

I use Sharyn Craig's , Margret Miller's and / or Joan Hanson's ( they are all similar) methods for dealing with divergent size blocks from exchanges. That leads to very ineresting and beautiful quilt settings. I see it as an oppurtunity to design my own quilt ..... BUT OTHERS in the block exchanges get kinda of upset with way off size blocks.