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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MaryBobbins
Date: 03-21-2004, 01:47 PM (1 of 12)
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I just bought a kenmore sewing machine last week. Model 12312. It is a pretty basic machine, but I really love it! So far I made king size pillow cases. Now I am attempting to make a summer dress from an old pattern. The last time I used a sewing machine was in grade 5, so I am very inexperinced. I was doing great until I came to the facing of the collar. Are you suppose to use special material for this? Also is it bad to use thread from the dollar store? It seems to be working great but I heard it is bad for the machine. I'm glad I found this site. Thank you very much for your advice! 
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User: MaryBobbins
Member since: 03-21-2004 Total posts: 5 
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From: lovemyfabric
Date: 03-21-2004, 01:57 PM (2 of 12)
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I also have a Kenmore machine. Mine is the embroidery one and I love it. When I make a facing on a dress I just use the same material as the dress and interfacing. As for the thread, I use Guiterman thread (don't know if I spelled it right). I also heard it isn't good to use cheap thread so I never have. |
User: lovemyfabric
Member since: 06-06-2003 Total posts: 126 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-21-2004, 02:55 PM (3 of 12)
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Sometimes I use a different fabric for facings just for fun. Usually in jackets. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: New2Sew
Date: 03-21-2004, 02:58 PM (4 of 12)
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Yes i am also learning to sew and i have been using dollar store thread.... it has had not given me any problems yet... so i do not know if dollar store thread being bad is a myth... however it may give me problems later on
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User: New2Sew
Member since: 03-21-2004 Total posts: 2 
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From: dmoses
Date: 03-21-2004, 03:13 PM (5 of 12)
The problems with dollar-store thread may not be immediately evident, and you may never notice a problem...until you try out a good thread. Then, I think you would see the difference in quality of the thread, the quality and definition of the stitch, and the smoothness with which it runs through your sewing machine. Hard to believe, but it's true. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: stitchmd
Date: 03-21-2004, 03:36 PM (6 of 12)
| If that cheap thread manages to finish your project without breaking and shredding you will probably regret it later on when your seams fall apart and need re-stitching. Anything worth your time and talents deserves the best possible materials so it lasts. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: New2Sew
Date: 03-21-2004, 06:17 PM (7 of 12)
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wow thanks for all the information on the threads.... where can i buy a good thread? and for how much?
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User: New2Sew
Member since: 03-21-2004 Total posts: 2
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From: MaryBobbins
Date: 03-21-2004, 06:44 PM (8 of 12)
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Thank you truly for replying and giving me advice. I love this site. My dress is almost made and I am so happy with it, eventhough it looks like I need more practice. Thanks again. cool:
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User: MaryBobbins
Member since: 03-21-2004 Total posts: 5
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From: lovemyfabric
Date: 03-22-2004, 08:54 AM (9 of 12)
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Originally posted by New2Sew wow thanks for all the information on the threads.... where can i buy a good thread? and for how much? I buy my thread at Fabricville or Walmart, or any fabric store. It is usually about $2 for a small spool I think. Most times I stock up on it at Fabricville on the 50% off sale. |
User: lovemyfabric
Member since: 06-06-2003 Total posts: 126
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From: stitchmd
Date: 03-22-2004, 09:36 AM (10 of 12)
| Gutermann and Mettler are the best brands I've used. I don't know what Canadian stores carry them, you'd have to call around and ask. They are pricey, but worth it. I still use my Brand X and Coats&Clark for basting since they rip out so easily. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 03-22-2004, 11:27 AM (11 of 12)
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The cheaper brands of thread leave a lot of lint in your machine, especially in the bobbin area. I am slowly replacing all of my Coats & Clark with Gutterman or Mettler also. I think the cheaper threads are also hard on your tension discs as they tend to have rough edges when going through the tension disks versus the smoother wind of the gutterman and mettler threads. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-22-2004, 12:19 PM (12 of 12)
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If you can get your thread from a place that sells alot of thread. I have bought good thread that was worse that what I have picked up at dollar store or wal mart. I have a spool right now that I put on my machine and it started fussing and raveling really just a big mess when trying to sew. I picked it up at a fabric store, because it's an odd color. When I buy a piece of material if it's an odd color I try and pick up matching thread at that store, if you don't sometimes you'll end up looking forever for matching thread. If I get a bad spool I toss it in an ice cream bucket (because I love the little handles) and use for hand sewing projects. |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26
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