5 Things to Know About Thread
When it comes to sewing, thread is an essential component that can (literally!) make or break your project. Here are 5 key things to know about thread:
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WHAT DOES THE FRACTION ON A SPOOL MEAN?
The top number tells you the weight and the bottom number tells you how many plies or strands are twisted together.
Ex) 50/2 means 50 weight & 2 plies
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THREAD WEIGHTS
The higher the thread weight, the thinner the thread. Don't we all wish our bathroom scales did the same?!
Ex) A 12-weight thread is HEAVIER than a 50-weight thread because it is denser. It would take 12 kilometers to equal 1 kilogram compared to 50.
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WEIGHT MATTERS IN YOUR STITCHING!
Medium Weight = 40 or 50 (most common)
Fine Weight = 60 to 100
Heavy Weight = 3 to 12
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MOST COMMON USES
Medium weight = serging, embroidery, piecing, quilting
Fine weight = micro quilting, small lettering on machine embroidery, english paper-piecing, stitch-in-the-ditch
Heavy weight = big-stitch hand quilting, decorative stitching, crocheting
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ROCKIN' BOBBINS!
Many times, it won't matter. In sewing, I find it's ideal to have the same weight on top as is in the bobbin. Test it out & see what works best for you! When it comes to machine embroidery, this differs just a bit. If lace, you want it to be the same on both sides. Other embroidery, you want the bobbin to pull to the back. If 40 is on top, it's ideal to have a 60 or 90 wt in the bobbin.
Who knew there'd be a science behind the thread itself! It's important that you use good quality thread and use it on the right projects!