As a beginner in sewing, it's easy to get lost in the countless tools needed to achieve a professional finish. What comes after choosing your fabric? Do you just select your thread by color or whatever is available?
Just like picking the right fabric, needle, and sewing machine, choosing the right thread for your sewing project is important. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about sewing thread by answering the most commonly asked questions by beginner sewers.
Did you know that there is a sewing machine that can operate without any thread using ultrasonic bonding? Through this process, patterns can be defined and will not become worn at the edge as long as the fabric is 60 percent synthetic.
Sewing without a thread seems utterly useless, but not with an ultrasonic sewing machine. However, not every sewer can have a "high-tech" sewing machine like this. Most sewers still rely on sewing threads, mainly because of its function.
In fact, sewing thread is one of the most crucial elements of sewing. A garment is made by aligning two or more pieces of fabric using a sewing thread. The primary purpose of a sewing thread is to create effective stitches throughout the lifespan of the product it is used on without breaking or deforming.
A sewing thread also delivers aesthetics and performance in stitches and seams. It serves its performance function when we use it to sew seams, and it serves an aesthetic function when we use it for embellishment like embroidery.
Now that you know why a thread is an essential tool in sewing, let's move on to how some factors can affect its aesthetic and performance functions.
Color, thickness, and luster are some factors looked at when choosing an embroidery thread and thread for topstitching. However, on a deeper level, factors such as shade matching, selection of stitches, and uniformity of stitch formation affect how a stitch will look.
A sewing thread's performance is measured by its ability to resist abrasion and needle heat, which occur during sewing, stretching, and finishing the garment. Thread performance in garments can be assessed through the strength of the seam, resistance to abrasion and chemicals, elasticity, and color fastness.
The ability of a sewing thread to perform on a sewing machine is referred to as “sewability.” The sewability of a sewing thread is important because it will directly affect the quality of the seam, which in turn also affects the overall quality of a garment.
Meanwhile, here are some parameters that define a thread's good sewability:
In case you didn't know yet, an all-purpose polyester thread works well on most materials. However, if you're using a slightly different fabric, you should use a thread similar to that material for better results.
For instance, if you're using 100% cotton material for your fabric, you should pair it with 100% cotton thread for sewing machine. Usually, a sewing pattern gives instructions and advice on which type of thread you should use for your sewing project so don’t forget to check it, too.
Ever wonder how many different kinds of sewing thread there are? There are lots!
Here are some of the most commonly used types of thread and their different uses:
Here are some of the specialized machine thread to choose from:
Just like using the right fabric and correct needle, choosing the right thread is also important for your sewing project.
Here are some factors to consider:
When choosing the right type of thread, always consider its advantages and disadvantages. Choose a quality thread that resists friction during sewing and is durable in the wash.
Consider how the thread is wound on the spool. Choosing your thread based on the spool holder in your machine will help you solve thread feed issues.
Quality sewing machine threads always make a huge difference for fabrics like silk, wool, or denim. Look for brands whose threads won't easily break and would not have uneven stitches.
The key to choosing the best thread for your sewing machine is to identify and look for the thread that would work best for your sewing project. We hope that we have shed light on sewing machine threads and can help you overcome the challenge of choosing the best one. If you want to increase your knowledge and sharpen your skills in sewing, don’t hesitate to read our blogs. Happy sewing!
