THOUGHTS
ON THREADS
For the last 15 years, Anita Goodesign
has dealt with all things embroidery and
experimented with tons of tips and tricks to
help you get the most out of your hobby.
Often, our educators will be out teaching at
events and are asked about the materials
and brands we use for our embroidery and
quilting. One of the most frequently asked
questions regards a staple in any sewing
room: the thread.
With so many brands and types of
threads to choose from, knowing some
basic information about the thread is an
embroiderer’s first trick. Most embroidery is
done using 40 wt. thread, but depending
Thoughts on Threads | All Access | 222
on your preference and project, the type of
thread used can differ. For projects that will
see the washing machine quite a few times
and perhaps even bleach (think baby or
children’s items and embroidered clothing or
linens), then the polyester thread would be
the best choice as it won’t easily break down
with standard laundering chemicals. For a
thread that works well in lightly laundered
items, display pieces like art or even home
decor, rayon is a close tie to polyester as an
embroiderer’s favorite for its softer texture
and high sheen, while still proving to have
great elasticity.
Do you ever wonder whether you
should use polyester or rayon
thread? Need a secret to making
metallics run better? We’ve
complied some insider tips to get
you stitching smoothly.