Polyester or Cotton?

[tracey]

When I need more thread, I tend to head to Hobbycraft and buy Gutermaan polyester, which seems good to me.  Is either better, Poly or cotton?, or does it depend on the project? Thanks.

[koffipot]

The sewing thread needs to be matched to the fabric. Polyester is best for synthetics, silk for silk, whilst cotton is best for cotton and linen. For woollen fabric I prefer to use cotton, or better still, silk thread.

Then we get to needles, Finer needles for finer fabrics. If you are using a sewing machine, you also need to match your needle to your project. There are ballpoint needles for synthetics, Jersey needles for knits, standard for cotton, linen and wool.

Schmetz or Organ are the best quality and well worth the extra cost.

Sorry if this is more information than you wanted.

[elizabeth]

Thanks, Judith. What type of needle would you recommend for silk?

[tracey]

Dec 8, 2016 15:50:47 GMT koffipot said:

The sewing thread needs to be matched to the fabric. Polyester is best for synthetics, silk for silk, whilst cotton is best for cotton and linen. For woollen fabric I prefer to use cotton, or better still, silk thread.

Then we get to needles, Finer needles for finer fabrics. If you are using a sewing machine, you also need to match your needle to your project. There are ballpoint needles for synthetics, Jersey needles for knits, standard for cotton, linen and wool.

Schmetz or Organ are the best quality and well worth the extra cost.

Sorry if this is more information than you wanted.

I guess at the moment Judith I will either be sewing felted pieces or fabric as a lining (bags etc). I do have a variety of needles with my machine (it was given to me).  I am a late starter to machining,  so still feeling my way.  More advice the better, thanks very much.

[lyn]

When I stitch on felt I always use a good quality thread but I don't take any notice of whether it's cotton or poly or what thickness - I'll use anything so long as it looks right!

If I were sewing on regular fabric I would be more careful though.

[MTRuth]

I agree with Lyn, you can use just about any type of thread when stitching on felt. I like 30 weight Sulky threads. They are a little heavier and don't sink into the felt as much.

[koffipot]

Dec 8, 2016 16:09:59 GMT elizabeth said:

Thanks, Judith. What type of needle would you recommend for silk?

Standard point, size depends on weight of fabric, - the smaller the number the finer the needle.

[koffipot]

Yes, felt is very forgiving.

[Shepherdess]

I have no idea what threads I use. I have boxes of threads that I got in a giant bag second hand. I just look for the best colour match. I have been very tempted by the machine embroidery tread on display in a booth at fiberfest.

[zed]

Same as Ann, most of mine are hand me downs

It's good to know about the different needles though.

[tracey]

Thanks everyone. Good to see most just use whatever you have to hand that suits the project, that's fine.

[zed]

I keep meaning to get some better threads, the shiny ones Lyn and Ruth use always look so nice.