How to choose the correct size/type thread for a project?

Why isn’t it possible to use just any thread for a task orjust one thread for all tasks? Good Question. Yes, it is possible, but will require considerable adjustments, time and frustration on the part of the participant.

When a manufacturer orders thread for his specific requirements, those fibers and threads are engineered for specific purposes (read later about ways of manipulating fiber). If that thread isn’t used the way it was engineered, there will be performance problems.

Often, we blame ourselves, our sewing machine, the time of day, etc. for thread problems. Probably, it is the wrong thread used for that particular task. The following information may be of help to thread users, wishing to know more about the technical aspects of thread manipulation.

The Importance of the Weft Thread

The following exercise is suggested for selecting the correct size of sewing thread to be used for any construction tasks using any type fabric. Simply pull a weft thread (the crosswise woven thread) of the fabric.

Now select a size of sewing that matches (as closely as possible), the size of that pulled weft thread. The choice of the correct size sewing thread is particularly important when working with silks, soft, rayon, microfibers, sheer and silky like fabric, better quality cottons, lightweight linens and wools, knits, and silk/combinations that are woven with thinner threads.

Fortunately, filament silk threads can be engineered to be the thinnest thread or the thickest thread/yarn needed. Thinner threads means shorter machine stitches are possible and this shorter stitch length can prevent a good number of construction problems, such as seam puckering, fabric bunching and breaking or twisting threads.

The important feature of any sewing thread choice is--- size, not fiber content.

It is not necessary to select cotton thread for cotton fabric or silk thread for silk fabric. It is the size; quality of fiber and engineering of the thread that will make the difference in that threads performance, particually for construction projects utilizing a sewing machine.

Why we recommend the 100 Plus silk thread for matching the weft thread of a fabric

The TIRE Silk 100 Plus thread is smallest sized thread on the market today. It can match the smaller size of most of those weft thread that the fabrics are woven with. Other fibers (such as cotton or linen) cannot be engineeered for that small of a thread and synthetic threads (that can be made that small ) do not have the elasticity needed for a good sewing machine or hand sewing performance.

The 100 Plus is a perfect choice for delicate hand sewing, finishing and construction thread, machine embroidery and a myriad of tasks. The Silk 100 Plus is truly a multi purpose thread and Things Japanese provides this since thread in 200 meter spools, as well as 1,600 meter spools. Imagine, the time, money and effort saved by basically sewing with just one size, type of thread that can accomplished so many tasts in the best possible way.

The Silk 100 Plus is available in a limited amount of colors. Fortunately, the natural and black colors are satisfactory for most hand and machine tasks, since the 100 weight silk filamenet thread is barely visible.

How can the TIRE 100 Plus silk thread be a less expensive choice of thread ?

Silk threads are sold by weight not length. Therefore the price of TIRE 100 Plus thread (200 meters per spool @ $4.85) is in contrast to the TIRE Machine Twist 50 weight silk thread (100 meter spool @$4.50).This makes the 100 Plus is one of the most econonmical high quality theads on the market.

Maggie Backman © 2000-2008 Things Japanese
9805 NE 116 St, PMB 7160
Kirkland, WA 98034-4248
Phone 425-821-2287 - Fax 425-821-3554

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How to choose the correct size/type thread for a project?

The Importance of the Weft Thread

Silk threads are sold by weight not length. Therefore the price of TIRE 100 Plus thread (200 meters per spool @ $4.85) is in contrast to the TIRE Machine Twist 50 weight silk thread (100 meter spool @$4.50).This makes the 100 Plus is one of the most econonmical high quality theads on the market.

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