Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: ripoutartist
Date: 03-16-2005, 07:26 PM (1 of 10)
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Hi Everyone, I just discovered this great forum and Iv'e already learned some things. I am just getting back into sewing after a long, long time away from it. I got a new sewing machine for Christmas and I am really having fun with it. That is, except when "it" messes up. I think I am using the wrong thread but when I asked for sizes 40, 50 and 60 , as my instruction book specifies, the Walmart expert tells me they don't carry thread sized like that. Their's are sizes like T3 or T5. I asked how to convert the sizes but she didn't know. Can anyone help me or do I need to go to a fabric store to get the right thread? 
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User: ripoutartist
Member since: 03-16-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-16-2005, 07:43 PM (2 of 10)
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Sorry, I don't know the answer to that question-I usually buy my thread at Joann's and haven't run into that before. Just wanted to say Welcome! You'll find a wealth of information here, someone will come along with the answer I'm sure.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 03-16-2005, 07:55 PM (3 of 10)
| All I can answer is that the T numbers are there for you to look on the list that goes with that brand of thread to know what the price per spool is. If I remember right that might be coats & clark thread. I don't buy my thread at Wal-Mart either but do look over what they have sometimes. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: dmoses
Date: 03-16-2005, 09:35 PM (4 of 10)
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The thread weight(40, 50, 60, etc.) is usually printed on the end of the spool. The higher the number, the finer the thread. As beachgirl mentioned, the T numbers refer to the price guide, and really have nothing to do with size/weight of thread, as far as I know. http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/textiles/nf37.htm has some info on different types of thread that you may find useful. http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/education.php3?ID=18 talks about thread weight specifically. Hope this helps. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-16-2005, 10:53 PM (5 of 10)
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If I am remembering right from my days of ordering thread when I worked at Jo Anns (28 yrs.ago) 40,50, & 60 weight were all cotton threads. If you didn't buy those it was all pupose thread either cotton covered poly or 100% polyester. I hope this helps. I haven't seen much in 100% cotton lately. I don't think I would use that unless my fabric was all cotton.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: paroper
Date: 03-17-2005, 12:07 AM (6 of 10)
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The way that I remember the thread is that the higher the needle number the larger the needle but the higher the thread number the smaller the thread. It is just the opposite.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mamadus
Date: 03-17-2005, 01:10 AM (7 of 10)
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not all threads of 40, 50, and 60 weight are cotton.... My machine embroidery threads, which are primarily polyester as opposed to rayon, are mostly 40 and 50 weight.... I agree with some other folks here... check either Joanne's or your local sewing store.... they might be able to be more helpful than Walmart. Actually, I think 40 and 50 weight thread is a little light weight for general sewing. I know my embroidery threads are not recommended for general sewing because they aren't really strong enough to hold up in seams.... just my 2 cents.. MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-17-2005, 07:21 AM (8 of 10)
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I don't think I would take my questions to the Wal-Mart "expert." You are lucky if they even know what you do with thread. My local Hancocks is the same way and so is one nearby JoAnne's although there are a few sewers at the other JoAnne's (and they actually have some fabric there). Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: ripoutartist
Date: 03-17-2005, 06:59 PM (9 of 10)
Gosh, I've got more to learn (or relearn) than I thought. I don't think I ever learned what I should the first time around but I want to do it right this time so I thank each of you for taking the time to tell me what you know. 
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User: ripoutartist
Member since: 03-16-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 03-17-2005, 07:09 PM (10 of 10)
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Here is a website that explains how threads are measured http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/education.php3?ID=18. Hope this helps understand the thread sizing. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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