As for polyester thread, the color may fade over the years with exposure to sunlight, but there is no evidence that the thread deteriorates like cotton threads, so it's safe to say that synthetic fibers will last longer.
Plus it does not rot and resists decay. The ePTFE fibers perform well when subjected to abrasion and tensile stress. Even long-term sunlight and mechanical stress—for instance the tensile stress awnings are put under (when the fabric is mechanically opened and closed) or maritime applications (
Sewing thread does not come with an expiration date, however most quality threads can last between 20 and 50 years. Depending on the component make up of the thread, polyester thread does have a more prolonged shelf life compared to cotton thread.
Polyester embroidery thread boasts that their embroidery thread runs smoothly without thread breaks at high embroidery speeds, will not fade when laundered, and is very economical in price.
The short answer is no, polyester thread is safe to quilt with and won't damage your fabric. However, this question is raised because polyester from many decades ago used to do this, which is why some quilters prefer to use cotton.
Polyester makes a strong durable thread suitable for all types of sewing. Polyester thread doesn't shrink or fade when washed. And polyester thread doesn't produce a lot of lint, which helps keep you machine clean. Most of the “all purpose” thread at fabric and craft stores is 100% polyester.
Thread breaks can happen if the tension is too tight on either the top or the bottom. We always recommend sewing a test strip on a scrap fabric to check the quality of your tension before starting your project.
Here's a quick test you can perform on a spool to see if it's in good shape for your next quilt! Cut a 12"-piece of thread from the spool. Tie a knot in the center of the thread. Then gently pull the thread from both ends – if the thread breaks or tears in any way, it's too old to use.
The majority of polyesters are not biodegradable, meaning that the polyester fabric shirt you bought last season will not decompose for 20 years at best and 200 years at worst.
It is such a popular choice for apparel because polyester fibres are thermoplastic, or heat-sensitive. This means that fabrics, which are 100% polyester, can be given permanent pleats and decorative shapes and patterns can be laser-cut into them. They are also highly stain-resistant, so great for cleaning.
Because cotton is a natural fiber, it will degrade over time. A good test to check whether or not the cotton threads you have been given are OK to use in your machine is to hold about a one foot section between both hands and pull apart. If the thread snaps (you should feel a nice, crisp break), then it is OK to use.
Thread can last for years if it's stored properly, but exposure to direct or sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures can compromise its integrity.
PDO threads will stay in the tissue for around 6 months, PLA threads around 12 months, and PCA threads will stay in the tissue for 12-15 months. The longer the thread lasts the more collagen is stimulated and therefore the result is much better and longer lasting.
A high-quality polyester sofa could last 10 years or more if it's cared for properly. However, you should be aware that cheaper items may have shorter life expectancies, and excessive wear and tear can lead to a decrease in quality over the years, meaning you have to replace it before the 10-year mark.
Due to the spinning process of the polyester, the thread has a much higher strength and greater elasticity than it's natural counterparts. This makes polyester thread a better use for stretch knit fabrics. The thread also is more resistant to abrasion, mildew, and sunlight than cotton.
Polyester is known for its strength, durability, and low shrinkage and stretch. It's the most common thread for outdoor applications. Compared to nylon thread, polyester thread has superior resistance to UV rays and moisture, but much of its strength is lost after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Depending on manufacture quality, fabric thickness and material compositions, a polyester shirt is thought to take anywhere from 20-200 years to decompose (Cobbing and Vicare 2016; Fletcher 2014; Chen and Burns 2006).
Polyester production is energy intensive and emits harmful pollutants into the air. It can take up to 200 years for polyester to biodegrade, so it not only pollutes during its manufacturing process but also sits in landfill, leaching chemicals into the earth for a long time.
Factories producing polyester without wastewater treatment systems can release potentially dangerous substances including antimony, cobalt, manganese salts, sodium bromide and titanium dioxide into the environment. As an oil-based plastic, polyester does not biodegrade like natural fibres.
Hold a strand of thread up to a light and inspect how many fibers fan out from the strand. A good quality thread will be tightly spun together so that few fibers deviate from the strand. It's not like a string of steel; you'll always see SOME loose fibers (kind of like rope).
Damaged threads on a screw or bolt can often be fixed by running a die over it, and if a thread's damage is minimal, it may be possible to reform the threads by running a nut up and down them, though that runs the risk of the nut fusing to the thread (galling).
Gütermann 100% polyester thread is an all-purpose thread that comes in a vast choice of colours and is widely available. You can use it for machine sewing as well as hand stitching, and it will work with most fabrics.
Nylon sewing thread has a higher strength to linear density ratio (Tenacity) than Polyester. Tenacity is commonly expressed as grams per denier (gpd) with High Tenacity (HT) polyester typically running 9.0 gpd and Nylon 6,6 at 10.0 gpd. So if strength is the only consideration, nylon would appear to be the best choice.
What is the best thread to use for sewing? Polyester thread is the best option for sewing because it's strong and durable, doesn't shrink or fade when washed, and doesn't produce a lot of lint.