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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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-28-2005, 09:32 AM (1 of 8)
I've been reading information about using rayon vs polyester thread for machine embroidery. But, before I go out and buy a lot of thread, I would like to know what kind you use and why.

Thanks!
:bg:
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005
Total posts: 30
From: paroper
Date: 07-28-2005, 05:15 PM (2 of 8)
I use Isacord Poly. It is a wonderful professional grade thread with a high degree of sheen, almost as good as Rayon. Most of the things I do are on cotton and cotton/poly blend. It makes sense to me to use similar threads. It is not effected by bleach and is not weakened by heat. However, if you get the iron too hot (cotton or linen) the poly will melt, the rayon will be affected and start to deteriorate at a lower temp. The rayon is known for its lovely sheen and texture.
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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-28-2005, 11:45 PM (3 of 8)
Thanks Pam!

:up:
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005
Total posts: 30
From: paroper
Date: 07-29-2005, 12:06 AM (4 of 8)
There are a lot of people who feel just as strongly about Madiera and Marathon threads. At least one of those companies makes both rayon and poly...Mardiera I think.

The best metalic I have found is Yenmet.

Whatever you decide, I am a stong advocate of staying with a brand. It is easier for conversion of colors and helps prevent duplication. I (personally) think that is also gives a more even product unless you are trying for special effects...when I want special effects, I do add varigated poly or Yenmet. If you go to add colors and you do not intend to buy a huge selection, I would tell you to pick a project or two and buy the colors for those projects. That way you are more likely to have colors with the same tones that will blend well and you'll also be guaranteed to have enough tones to complete a project or two. When I first purchased thread, I started with one color from each of the primary colors, plus a brown, black, white, cream and grey. None of my colors worked well together and I didn't have enough blending colors to even begin to do a project beyond a name or something. Over the last two years I have collected the entire color selection of Isacord, about half of the Yenment colors, a few varigated and tweedy colors, and a handful of rayon threads that I use for odd projects (usually monograms or names). 99.9 Percent of the time I use the poly.

Your thread will maintain it's stregnth, color and stay dust free if you keep it in covered and sealed containers. It is sure pretty on the wall on pegs. I used to keep spools of threads on spinners when I was sewing for people. Those threads got filthy and brittle and many lost their color from being stored poorly. Some threads fade worse than others (just like clothing) but it all stores better in dark, sealed containers. My thread is stored in thread boxes that have a catch on them and then I keep them in a cabinet with glass doors but away from natural light.
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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-29-2005, 10:26 AM (5 of 8)
Yeah, the store where I bought my sewing machine was very much into Robison-Anton and Sulky threads. I'm finding lots of thread collections on ebay, although some aren't name brands. JoAnn's is having a sale this weekend, so I'm going to check out storage bins too, we don't have a place for a rack.

Thank you so much for your help! :bg:
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005
Total posts: 30
From: kittendodie
Date: 07-29-2005, 10:59 PM (6 of 8)
I read an article about storing your embroidery thread. To keep it "like new" put it in freezer bags and..........put it in your freezer........
I keep all the embroidery thread that I am not using in plastic boxes.......like the matchbox ones that are clear.........and just put them in the freezer.......
My thread works like a charm and has a longer shelf life.
Just my 2 cents.

dodie
Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 ; Husq. 936 Serger ; and lots and lots of fabric.
User: kittendodie
Member since: 01-22-2004
Total posts: 19
From: StitchInTime
Date: 07-30-2005, 11:58 PM (7 of 8)
Thanks Dodi!

We have no extra room in our freezer, but do plan on using a storage bin or box and keeping it in my sewing closet.

:up:
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005
Total posts: 30
From: mamadus
Date: 08-09-2005, 03:31 AM (8 of 8)
Here's a link to a thread storage unit I made using materials from Walmart and Home Depot... It was very easy to make... hope this helps...

MO

http://www.threadstop.com/gallery2/mamadus/DSCF0023
life is too short, not to explore
User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004
Total posts: 492
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