Thread-is it sewing, quilting or overlocker?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Posts: 175
Thread-is it sewing, quilting or overlocker?
I was given a big bag full of cones of thread. All of these are new, purchased recently from manufacturer. Labels state 100% cotton 50/2 or 40/3 for "sewing, quilting and serging".
As the threads are a bit fuzzy upon close inspection, I sampled a selection with a bit of FMQ; some threads snapped and shredded while others were fine. Some thread snaps easily just by pulling between fingers, others not so.
Is this really just overlocking/serging tread (I don't dress make or have a serger)? If so, I will pass the bag on to someone who does. Or do you think the thread is a bum lot only suitable for basting or bin it?
How do I tell the difference?
Thanks
Hettyb
As the threads are a bit fuzzy upon close inspection, I sampled a selection with a bit of FMQ; some threads snapped and shredded while others were fine. Some thread snaps easily just by pulling between fingers, others not so.
Is this really just overlocking/serging tread (I don't dress make or have a serger)? If so, I will pass the bag on to someone who does. Or do you think the thread is a bum lot only suitable for basting or bin it?
How do I tell the difference?
Thanks
Hettyb
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
The threads that pass the tug test go ahead and keep/ use, some cotton threads do tend to be a little more ( linty)
if they are too weak for the tug test they may still work fine for embroidery or serger use, pass them on if you have no desire to use them.
if they are too weak for the tug test they may still work fine for embroidery or serger use, pass them on if you have no desire to use them.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
I agree. An individual gave me a bag of thread like that. Said she just didn't like the brand. It was divvied to different friends but informing them why I didn't want some of it. One let's her grands use it to practice hand stitching and mending.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Lexington, MA
Posts: 1,170
I have both a serger and an embroidery machine. Serger threads are usually 100% polyester, and embroidery threads are usually rayon or polyester. If the thread is prone to breakage, I wouldn't want to use it in either machine. Not worth the headache.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
Serger threads are not mostly 100% polyester. Most often they are cotton. However, they are generally not long staple cotton. Either of the sizes you mention are fine for serging because of the multiple threads. If they do not pass the 'tug' test I would not quilt with them. I do not piece with serger thread; however, there are people who do. Serger thread loses tensile strength because of its low twist. I do not have an embroidery machine so I cannot comment on that aspect of their use.
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