Replies

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 15, 2006 01:54am | #1

   I think it depends on what works best with your machine. You may want to ask your dealer. For my Pfaff, an older one, Gutterman seems to give me no grief. Other brands give me major headaches and I always regretted using them. Now I know better and watch for the Gutterman sales.

2. 
   SewNancy | Mar 16, 2006 03:31pm | #2

   I use either Gutterman or Mettler. Much better than Coats and Clark. Thinner too.
   Nancy

3. 
   SewTruTerry | Mar 16, 2006 04:40pm | #3

   The best thread to use is one that does not have alot of fuzzies as you look at a single strand of it.  It does not matter what brand as I have seen Coats and Clark have good thread and bad thread in regards to this. The less fuzz you see on the thread the less lint you will get in the machine and less cleaning that you need to do.  Also it means that the thread is wrapped tighter and therefore may be stronger.  Just remember to store it correctly ( away from direct sunlight, dust free, and low humidity) and to buy only what you will use in a relatively short time.  Don't try to use really old thread because you don't want to waste it, it usually has started to break down and will not hold the seam together as long.

4. 
   autumn | Mar 20, 2006 10:22pm | #4

   Not long ago I had to take my machine in to be repaired because of some problem, which I have forgotten now!  While I was there, I told the repair man that my thread kept breaking. He said it was because I was using Coats and Clarks, and that they had started twisting the thread in the opposite direction from they way they used to do it.  That is why the thread breaks and fuzzes.  Stupid! He said I should use Gutterman thread. It's more expensive, though.

   I also learned that Singer is not Singer any more (you probably all knew this before I did).  The original Singer went out of business, so another company took the name and they manufacture what the repair man called "throw away" machines.  GRRRR.

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 24, 2006 03:29pm | #5

   I can't keep up with the acquisitions and mergers in the sewing machine industry. It is dizzying. As far as the thread, Gutterman or Mettler are worth the extra money. You don't need the aggravation of thread breaking when you are intensely sewing. I had the same problem and as long as I use Gutterman I am fine. If you are near a Joanns, the often have 50% off Gutterman or a 40% coupon. Go stock up on these sales for your basic colors and use the coupon as you need for your garments. Thats what I do. Good luck, NAYY.

5. 
   alotofstitches | Mar 25, 2006 05:51am | #6

   There's a great article in THREADS, Aug/Sep 2004, by Carol L. Ahles, "Thread Essentials".  It explains a lot about threads.  I use Gutermann or Mettler always!

6. 
   suesew | Mar 28, 2006 04:26am | #7

   I do not use Gutermans any longer. I find it gives a tremendous amount of thread lint on my machine. My dealer told me Gutermans is now made in Mexico and no longer has the quality control it used to have. I use Mettler.

1. 
   Evie | Mar 29, 2006 08:16pm | #8

   Dear suesew--another thing I have observed in the racks of thread is an accumulation of dust on the spools. When I choose thread,no matter which brand, I reach way to the back for one without dust. I would rather not run all that dust through my machine. Best of luck, Evie

7. 
   Lisa54 | Mar 31, 2006 11:47pm | #9

   I've been using CTS Thread lately from CTSUSA.com. They are industrial threads in large spools, but they work fine with my home sewing applications. I like to use them because they are cheap & have a lot of color selection to choose from.

8. 
   Neen | Apr 07, 2006 06:47am | #10

   My problem with Coats and Clarks DualDuty thread is that it doesn't last.  I have things - favorite clothes, some early quilts that were washed many times and tho' the fabric was still holding up fine the thread became this thin little frayed strand of pure polyester - all the cotton was gone.

   I'd much rather pay more for a high quality thread that lasts forever.  And I really do mean for centuries.  Some of the quilts I've made I sincerely hope will become family heirlooms.  But I may never know.  I'm still on the search for the perfect thread.  (Kind of like the search for the perfect purse.)

   C&C is now making a 100% cotton thread that I'm using for cotton garment sewing that I'm happy with so far - but of course those things haven't been through the "100 washings test" yet. I'd appreciate whatever feedback people have on poly vs cotton and durability issues. I'm kind of a purist about sticking with natural fibers for clothing.  But I'd use a poly thread if I knew it would last.

9. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 07, 2006 08:00am | #11

   I like metrosene.  More importantly, it depends on what works best on your machines' tensions and appropriate for fabric.  Polyester may be stronger than some fabrics and cause tears, rayon is for decorative and embroidery, mercerized cotton for cotton fabrics.  Also colorfastness is important.  Hope this helps.

1. 
   Shulas | Apr 07, 2006 05:44pm | #12

   Hi there. Is metrosene the name of the thread. What thread do you use the most of and is there any info on them www maybe?

    

   Thanks

   Shulas

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 07, 2006 06:35pm | #13

   Sorry, Metrosene thread is made by Mettler.  The website is: http://www.amefird.com/mettler.htm.  YLI, Sulky,and most other companies have websites you can just do a search for by name.  I use many brands for embellishment, embroidery, etc but for basic sewing this is the one I use most.  The larger chain fabric stores carry a variety of these threads.  Good luck!

1. 
   Shulas | Apr 07, 2006 08:41pm | #14

   Thanks. I will  try this and see how I like it.

    

   Have a great day!

1. 
   user-112898 | Apr 10, 2006 02:29am | #15

   I found this a very interesting discussion!  Tell me something.  I just bought a "clear" thread.  It's Guiterman's, and the saleslady told me it was made of nylon.  My thought was to use it to machine hem things that I didn't have any thread to match (one teal jacket, for instance).  Has anyone else tried this?  Any thoughts?  I haven't actually tried it yet--I just bought it.

   Thanks in advance!

   Linda 03052

2. 
   SewTruTerry | Apr 11, 2006 11:57pm | #16

   The clear monofilament thread that you are talking about is great in the right applications.  For example  I use it to sew on all of those pesky Boy and Girl Scout patches just so that I do not have to change top thread so often.  But remember it is nylon and so you can not iron it for the most part or it will melt.  I say for the most part because it has a very low melting point and so if the fabric will ever be ironed and needs a higher heat it would be inconvenient and a horrible thing to do to the dry cleaners if it is something that has to be sent out.

3. 
   user-112898 | Apr 13, 2006 03:30am | #17

   Oh my gosh!  I'm so glad I asked!  That's something I never would have thought of!  Thanks so much for taking the time to reply!

   Linda 03052

4. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 19, 2006 08:54am | #18

   There are also monofilament polyester threads in clear and dark clear, from Robison Anton and in larger spools.  Also Sulky and YLI might make them, can't remember what ones I have used.  They are great for "couching" techniques too.  Hope this helps.  If you do madeira applique, it is fun to use monofilament on the top of the fabric and a color that contrasts underneath, it looks like shadowwork! Like on a batiste curtain hem, etc. Mary

5. 
   user-112898 | Apr 20, 2006 03:35am | #19

   So I could use polyester clear in the way that I had originally hoped to use the nylon one.  Thanks for that info!

   Linda

6. 
   solosmocker | Apr 28, 2006 12:00am | #20

   My opinion is that the clear nylon threads are really good for very specific embellishment situations. For hemming and regular stitching they show a shine. I would rather see a visible dull thread in a matching color than a visible little shine. To me it is more obvious. I have used these for embellishing on wools and tweeds where the fabric has enough texture to hide the thread totally. Same with couching. They are not easy to use, being rather wiry. Some brands are less wiry than others. I like the Sulky brand best. I used it often to couch heavy threads. JMHO