How much more thread gets used?
#1
How much more thread gets used?
I feel like I should be able to figure this out for myself by doing a simple experiment...but perhaps someone else has already done the experiment!
When you shorten your stitch length you are going to use more thread because there will be more up-and-down-through-the-fabric length than with a longer stitch. How much more thread is used? Is it significant? Is it proportional to the change in stitch length? For example: if I shorten my stitch length from 8 to 12 stitches per inch will I use 50% more thread?
This is just idle curiosity on my part...
Alison
When you shorten your stitch length you are going to use more thread because there will be more up-and-down-through-the-fabric length than with a longer stitch. How much more thread is used? Is it significant? Is it proportional to the change in stitch length? For example: if I shorten my stitch length from 8 to 12 stitches per inch will I use 50% more thread?
This is just idle curiosity on my part...
Alison
#2
I haven't thought about it but I would think the thread amount would be more for the short stitch length but not a lot more. I guess you could sew a few inches using the different stitch length and then remove the thread and measure. That would be easier then using math.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Texas, USA
Posts: 5,896
I don't believe it'd be nearly that much more. The only difference will be the number of "hooks" (where the top and bottom hook together) used, as opposed to the thread remaining perfectly straight. Unless your fabric is really thick and/or the stitches really loose, that can't be much thread.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,148
I do not think it is very much. Much more thread is used when sewing something individually rather chaining peices together. I try to chain when ever possible since I know it uses less thread then sewing each peice individually.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin
Posts: 1,920
I don't know if there is any formula to figure out the difference in thread usage, but really don't think it would be that much different. i also try to use chain piecing as much as possible to save on thread.
#7
I haven't done the experiment yet, but I will. I mis-wrote my 50% - I was thinking 50% more of "up and down" thread - the horizontal distance would be the same.
Yeah, the biggest change would come with thick fabric or layers, which is not really an issue with piecing, but would be with quilting. What got me thinking about this was the HUGE stitches you see on mass-produced quilts and comforters. You know the manufacturers of things like that are aware of even the tiniest extra cost...so there must be some penalty to making small stitches on low-cost items...
Alison
Yeah, the biggest change would come with thick fabric or layers, which is not really an issue with piecing, but would be with quilting. What got me thinking about this was the HUGE stitches you see on mass-produced quilts and comforters. You know the manufacturers of things like that are aware of even the tiniest extra cost...so there must be some penalty to making small stitches on low-cost items...
Alison
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
asabrinao
Main
19
08-10-2014 01:29 PM
Christine27
Main
8
10-02-2011 06:38 AM
twinkie
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
63
03-12-2011 08:24 AM
sunnyhope
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
25
06-10-2010 06:30 AM