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From: Cant-sew-a-lick
Date: 11-26-2005, 11:34 AM (1 of 20)
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Here I am again with another totally newbie question. Which threads and needles are the best? I have read that you shouldn't run cheap thread in a serger but what about a sewing machine? Most of my sewing notions are purchased at Walmart simply because the nearest sewing specific stores are 30 to 40 miles away. I can get to a specialty store once a month or so, but I don't want to waste my time and money buying substandard notions and thread if I can avoid it. I always see Coats and Clark threads everywhere, is this a good thread?
My dogs need clothes!
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User: Cant-sew-a-lick
Member since: 11-07-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: debsews
Date: 11-26-2005, 12:25 PM (2 of 20)
| I only use Mettler thread in my Viking because C&C balls up and breaks all the time. I talked to the dealer and she advised against using it because of the problems with the electronics in the machine. Depends on what kind you have. Some people do fine with it. I use Maxi Lock on my serger because I think that's better than the stuff at WalMart. I buy my thread from the sewing center but have found it online for about the same price. I would talk to the dealer about what thread is best. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: paroper
Date: 11-26-2005, 04:23 PM (3 of 20)
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I have always used Maxi Lock on my serger. Many dealers sell it and it is available at most major fabric shops as well as online. I've used it sinch 1992 when I used to pay $6.00 for a large spool. Now I can find it pretty easy for 2$2.99 and often it is on sale in different places for half price. Over the years they've added a pretty good selection of colors although most people tell you it doesn't matter what color the serger thread. (I personally prefer that it match the garment so I have TONS of Maxi Lock sorted by tone and color.) Don't faint but I've used it almost exclusively in all my machines, sewing and serger for over 13 years, made hundreds of garments and never had a problem. There is some debate because some say that there are grades of Maxi Lock but I've never had a problem and I don't know about that. I also like Mettler and Gutterman threads and I think it is called Metrose (pardon the spellings). I often buy them when I don't have a good match with the Maxi Lock. When I first purchased my serger I was told that Maxi lock had a long fiber, strong thread. Coats doesn't have the reputation for good thread that it used to have. I haven't used it for years. Our grandmothers used it all the time along with Start thread but it is one that people often suggest you not buy. There are sites which show the different brands under microscope so you can see the twist. Unfortunately, I haven't bookmarked them. 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: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-26-2005, 05:30 PM (4 of 20)
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For the serger-- Maxi-Lock is the best.. for my Janome sewing machine-- for garments I usually use Mettler.. For normal every day sewing , I use the inexpensive polyester thread because it does not break or shred fibers.. Coats and Clark thread does awful things to my machine.. Note about serger thread-- this thread is only 1 ply --and therefore not recommended for machine sewing.. But with four cones used at all times it is fine for sergers.. American Efird Mills , home offices in Mt Holly , NC. is mfr for Maxi-Lock and they are the distributors in USA for Mettler Thread.. They only handle top quality .. and I'm not saying that because they are only 10 miles away.. They are the best.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: debsews
Date: 11-26-2005, 05:59 PM (5 of 20)
| Just thought I'd pass along a little remark make by the Viking instructor at a class. One of the women was having trouble with her thread and the instructor asked her if she was using Coats and Crap! I've looked at those sites with the thread under the microscope also and was shocked at the difference in thread. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 11-26-2005, 07:31 PM (6 of 20)
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I use Gutermann or Mettler on the sewing machine and Maxi Lock on the serger. But I wouldn't swear by the Maxi Lock. I've had a couple cones where the thread was broken in several spots on the spool and it was a pain in the rear. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 11-26-2005, 08:31 PM (7 of 20)
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I've never had one that came broken but I've had a few that I've discovered that I broke (cut) getting the plastic off the spool. It is a pain when that happens because there are a lot of yards before the spool gets back around to where the next broken area is...unless you are serging. I've used those on the sewing machine so that I didn't unthread the serger when I've done that. Since that has happened a couple of times, I don't use anything sharp to pull up the plastic. They've also added a perforation that makes that less likely to happen.
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: wghmch
Date: 11-27-2005, 01:38 PM (8 of 20)
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"Note about serger thread-- this thread is only 1 ply --and therefore not recommended for machine sewing.." Serger thread is two ply and regular thread for household machines is three ply. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 11-28-2005, 07:44 AM (9 of 20)
Well as others here I use Maxi Lock in my serger, Guterman my sewing machine. Like you though to get the better threads it is a drive, so I have to plan ahead, and/or buy allot of thread at one time!  Threads are one of my larger stash collections! Now needles! I personally stick with Schmetz, I know some also use Organ. Schmetz though is around here at the better shops, I've never seen Organ around my parts. I stay away from Singer needles simply because my machines HATE them! Also I keep a variety of types of needles for different fabrics & projects around, my other stash! Here Threads magazine (http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00185.asp) has an online article regarding needle information for you, and here the Sewing Organization (http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/22_115_sewing_machine_needle_charts.pdf) has a PDF document on needles for types of fabrics.
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 11-28-2005, 09:56 AM (10 of 20)
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This is all very interersting to me. I'm one of the "old school" sewers who has always used C&C for all my regular sewing. I still buy it today. When I started back to sewing last year, I did buy some Guterman thread to use for sewing and serging. My old machine HATED the Guterman as it was breaking and bunching every few stitches! I took it out and rethreaded my old baby with the C&C and didn't have a single problem. I haven't tried it in my new machine since getting it last Christmas because of the past problems I had (both of my machines are Singers). However the Guterman worked great with the old Singer Serger I have. Now, I do know that when I use the C&C, I have to change the needle after 2-3 sewing projects to keep it from fraying and breaking. I also use the Organ needles in my sewing machine, and my Singer dealer recommended them over the Singer needles. However, they also noted that using Singer needles for my serger would work better, and they seem to be correct on that one. I keep 2 types of needles on hand all the time, one size made for cottons and one made for knits and heavier fabrics. So far, all is good!
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: LauraM62
Date: 11-29-2005, 08:01 AM (11 of 20)
I had used C&C for years without a problem. But a while ago I started getting spools with threads broken in the middle & other issues, hence why I'm doing the switch over. I still have some C&C that I'm using up replacing with the Guterman, although I will say C&C has a better color selection at all the stores around me  I seem to need more needle sizes - 11 & 14 mostly then woven or knit depending who & what I'm sewing. Then there is the occasionally need for the 16 or 9/10. Of course though then I have to keep a selection of twin needles too  Then we could talk about my liking of elastics, as in trims & fold over types! I've acquired a bin full  But makes doing a pull-over knit shirt quick for my youngest dd! And I can't get those types of elastics any where around here so I order to maintain a supply
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: paroper
Date: 11-29-2005, 10:08 AM (12 of 20)
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My dealer's mother who used to teach home ec and later owned the dealership says that from the time the thread leaves the bobbin until it makes a stitch it will have been shuffled back and fourth in the machine (in a back an forth motion) at 67 time. She says that is the reason that you need a strong thread. After that, we squeeze ourselves into pants, we stretch and pull garments during wearing, reach to pull things off of shelves, bend over to pick things up, may play tennis or swim in the garment, ride a horse, play football or just run after children putting lots of pressure on the thread. It has to be strong. She says that not only the type of needle but the size of the needle is critical to the suscess of your sewing. In some cases, you also need to change the type and size of needle to not only match the fabric, but to match the thread. 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: Pudge99
Date: 11-29-2005, 11:29 AM (13 of 20)
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Call me wierd but I also use Maxi Lock for both my serger and my regular machine. I have been doing so for about 7 yrs. Most of the clothing I make is for kids and I have had no problems with thread breakage. Normally if they split a seam it is because the fabric gave not the thread. As for Coats and Clark. The new stuff is garbage but I have some that was my grandmother's that is still strong. I also picked some up at a yardsale that is pretty old but still strong. As for needles Schmetz are the only ones I will buy now. I use the same needles for both machines. For everyday sewing I use a universal needle 80/12. I use this for everything except heavy things like denim and fine fabrics. For those I use the appropriate needles. Funny thing about needles is that until I joined this site I had the same needle in my machine for about five years. I knew nothing about needle types and only replaced the needle if I broke it. When I inherited the machine from my Grandma it had some needles in the drawer. I sewed for a very long time with those needles. Then I read a post on here about needles and was very shocked that I never knew about the different types. I am converted somewhat but not to the point of some on this site. I do not think it is necessary to change needles after every project but I do not use the same needle for five years now either. I tell you that was one lucky needle.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: wghmch
Date: 11-29-2005, 03:36 PM (14 of 20)
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"...from the time the thread leaves the bobbin until it makes a stitch it will have been shuffled back and fourth in the machine (in a back an forth motion) at 67 time." The number of times depends on the length of the stitch, but it is the top thread that does this, not the bobbin. I recall that the "old statistic" was that a single spot on the thread passes thru the eye of the needle 30+ times at 12 stitches per inch. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: paroper
Date: 11-29-2005, 03:42 PM (15 of 20)
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I'm sorry, Bill, old age is taking its tole. You are absolutely right. I meant to say from the time it leaves the spool.
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: diayag
Date: 11-30-2005, 03:03 PM (16 of 20)
| Needles: When I bought my (used) Babylock Esante after owning a Kenmore for years (using C&C exclusively, changed any-brand needles when they broke), I was told to use only Organ or Schmetz as best. I also found Klasse are excellent but hard to find, can get on the net, or in Canada- also good and cheaper. You can find Organ on the net as cheap as $2.00 per pack of 10. Schmetz costs more but I see no difference. Fancier package, easier to find, color coding/more specialty needles but all have a short life and must be replaced often, as we know now. C&C was taboo, according to both Babylock and later the Bernina dealer (bought used one of them, too). They said C&C and cheap threads can cause lint build-up in the machine -a big problem. Joann often has 50% off all thread;for regular sewing I use Gutermann, which even small Joann's carry. For serging I use woolly nylon almost 100% of the time. Sometimes I use a cone thread in the needle(s), rarely a decorative thread in the loopers, but nothing gives the coverage and soft edge of woolly nylon. I buy it cheap from Althea's Threads on-line (twice the size of US woolly nylon for half the cost and shipping is cheap), Joann's 50% off thread sales, and some large cones on Ebay or Lace Heaven on-line. Large cones were a mistake - too much to use, really for factories. For needles/thread I have no qualms about on-line. I have to "feel" fabric, not thread. Even if shipping is $5-6, how much is gas and time worth, especially if your sewing store is far away (My favorite fabric stores are 1 hours' drive in all directions, would never bother for thread). |
User: diayag
Member since: 01-10-2003 Total posts: 10 |
From: strut526
Date: 11-30-2005, 08:57 PM (17 of 20)
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I just started using maxi lock thread.. Someone told me that it was a heck of alot cheaper than buying the coats and clark, which i think is garbage also. it breaks on me all the time, so i quit using it.. My machine has a long arm thread holder on the back of the machine, so i can use the maxi lock too. when i took a quilt class a year ago, the teacher said to change your needle after every finished quilt..so i am not sure. Also, most thread have a needle size to use with that type thread(thickness etc.), it's usually on the top of the thread, or in the case os the maxi lock, it's written on the inside.. oh, and hi! i am a newbie here to this site, been quilting for a year,still a rookie! i am from the detroit area, hunkering down for a long winter with my machine and material..trying out paper piecing..my newest project...Kim http://photos.yahoo.com/strut526
Courage doesn't always roar, Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow" |
User: strut526
Member since: 11-21-2005 Total posts: 3 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 12-01-2005, 02:50 PM (18 of 20)
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Hi Kim, Welcome to Sew Whats News. Glad to have you join us. Hope to hear from you again. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: strut526
Date: 12-01-2005, 06:34 PM (19 of 20)
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Hope to be able to share back and forth, info on sewing,quilting..etc...I am new, and have learned alot just from reading/lurking on this site! Kim
http://photos.yahoo.com/strut526
Courage doesn't always roar, Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow" |
User: strut526
Member since: 11-21-2005 Total posts: 3
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-02-2005, 10:06 AM (20 of 20)
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Welcome Kim! I've sewn for years, and I have learned so much from these terrific people, they are so encouraging - I've had the confidence to try all sorts of things I would have never thought of trying. After saying I'll never quilt I can feel the quilting bug starting - I keep lurking over there now, one of these days I will take the plunge!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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