Are polyester threads not as nice as cotton???

[Susan B.]

I just bought Sew-all thread from Gutermann at Joanne's. I don't know what size thread it is because it doesn't say. It looks like 50 weight. I was hoping it would be good for thread painting on quilts or for quilting. I haven't developed a preference as of yet. Any opinions???

Jan

[Hannelore N.]

Read up about threads on the Superior Thread site. Lots of information there.

Lorchen

[Hannelore N.]

Thanks, Lorchen I just read another post that talked about rot getting on threads. I am doing too much posting and reading today.LOL Jan

[Eileen K.]

Lorchen gave you great advice-go to Superior threads and you'll find out more about thread than you ever thought you could. Bob the Thread Guy makes both cotton and polyester. It's what you're going to use it for that determines what you'll use.
eileenkny

[Eileen K.]

And watch 201 if you're able. He pops a lot of myths in the cotton poly world.

[Hannelore N.]

And...... If any of your questions are unanswered, send the folks at Superior Threads an email and ask them.

Lorchen

[Hannelore N.]

Threads made from natural fibres can rot if they are exposed to very bright sunlight and damp over a long period of time.

Lorchen

[Betty J.]

I see this topic is also here. I posted an answer in the other one. I see you all probably won't agree with me, but this is from my own personal experiences. I have never had natural thread rot on any of my things. And after all, aren't we sewing on cotton? Anyway, here's what I put on the other site.

"Guterman's is a nice thread. I like it for garment making and straight seam machine piecing. I have occasionally used it for quilting in a pinch, but I would not want to use it for thread painting. If you put a lot of thread in a small space, you're in effect, building a fabric on top of a fabric and that hard a thread can make it too solid like a piece of cardboard, and it won't build well.

So you might want to consider a natural thread for your thread painting embellishments and quilting. I use YLI silk and Superior cotton or blends and sometimes rayon. I have also used Isacord polyester for embroidery and thread painting, and it's ok, but it's 40 weight and especially designed for embroidery, though it gets pretty stiff also. Guterman's is a little too strong and spun too tightly or something so it won't sink into the fabric well and can actually cut through cotton if it's at all stressed.

Superior has some of the best threads around and it glides through the needle like butter--even the metallics.

Does this help? I'll be interested to see if others agree with me."

Cheers, Betty Jo

[Betty J.]

Read up about threads on the Superior Thread site. Lots of information there.

Lorchen

I agree with Lorchen, if you want to learn about thread, the place to go is http://www.superiorthreads.com They provide an excellent education there.

JoAnne

[Betty J.]

Thanks Betty Jo. Maybe I'll try a sample to quilt with some other 50Weight Poly thread before I take my Gutermann thread back. So it seems that Superior thread is the best. I bought Mettler when I bought my Babylock. Jan

[Betty J.]

So would rayon thread be good too? For thread painting and quilting? How much thread do you need for a quilt?I bought three small 110 yards spools to do a good part of my smaller than full size quilt and one spool of monopoly to do the bulk of the center of the quilt. Jan

[Betty J.]

Different kinds of thread are good in different ways. After seeing Bob the Thread Guy's demo back in the 200 series I have taken the stance that as long as the thread is of good quality (not elcheapo Wally World or no name brand :wink: ) then I just use whatever I think will give me the look and or feel I want in the project. Poly and Rayon both are known for giving bright color and sheen that can really make thread painting and embroidery pop! Absolutly nothing wrong with using them, so don't you dare let those quilt police scare you away.

I did buy Gutermman poly thread when I was doing my daughter's First Communion gown because I wanted something matching fiber content just in case something went amiss. I had no problems with it and in fact have thought about using it for peicing because it was strong but somewhat more fine than my regular cotton I use. For most of my peicing I use Connecting Threads Essential 100% Egyptian cotton satin finish thread. It is relatively inexpensive when ordered through their website, can be bought in a wide range of colors, and it so far appears to be pretty good quality. Very low lint. I also use Coats and Clark from time to time, but have found on occation that it is linty, but I like their hand quilting thread. For machine quilting though - anything goes 8) I have used everything from cotton to Ricky Tims Razzle Dazzle. Have fun and no fear.

[Betty J.]

Thank you Mandysilk. Am afraid to try it. Because i feel a bit guilty buying more thread. jan