1. Choose the thread that is the same fibre as the fabric you are sewing; cotton thread for cotton fabric, polyester for polyester fabric.
2. Your thread should be weaker than your fabric. If the thread is too strong, it can cut the fabric in the seam.
Remember – if a thread breaks in a seam it can be mended but if the fabric is cut by too strong of thread, it can’t be mended.
3. Your thread should be the same size as the threads weaving the fabric. If the thread is too thin,
it will break easily under stress. If the thread is too thick, it sits on top of the fabric instead
of becoming part of the fabric and can wear and break down prematurely.
Types of thread
1. Cotton thread: Mercerized 3-ply cotton threads are the best for general sewing.
Size 50/3 is suitable for all hand and machine sewing on light to medium weight fabrics.
Do not use glazed or waxed quilting threads on your machine.
The finish will wear off and cause serious tension problems.
2. Cotton/polyester thread: This thread has a polyester core wrapped in cotton.
This usually requires a slightly larger needle, size 90/14, to keep the thread
from stripping the cotton wrapping from the polyester core.
This thread is suitable for sewing on all polyester and synthetic blend fabrics.
3. Nylon thread: This thread needs to be very fine, but stretchy.
It should break easier than the 50/3 cotton thread.
We strongly recommend YLI invisible thread size is .004.
It comes in clear and smoke.
Use the clear on light coloured fabric and the smoke on darker
coloured fabric, you can cross over from one colour of fabric
to the next without changing threads. You may need to loosen
your top tension slightly when using nylon thread to
compensate for it’s stretchy nature.
4. Rayon and metallic thread:
These speciality threads can add sparkle to your projects
but are quite fragile. Consider them carefully in a project
that will receive rough or heavy use. A special needle helps
when using these threads, an embroidery needle has a
deep groove down the front of the needle and a larger
eye to protect the thread from the excessive friction
during the stitching process. This helps to prevent
breakage and weakening of the thread.
Remember thread is like anything else, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!