Polyester thread Its best advantage over cotton thread is that the thread produces little to no Lint. It also has more stretch and give than cotton threads so it is better than cotton for stretchy fabrics and knitted fabrics. It is also very strong.
Polyester is far stronger than cotton, and as a result, you can find this thread in significantly smaller sizes than cotton will be available in because the thread will still retain its strength, even at a super fine size like 100wt.
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.
Polyester makes a strong machine sewing thread with good abrasion resistance. It also has a slight stretch so it's good for dressmaking as it will 'give' with the garment while being worn. This should be used when sewing synthetic fabrics and stretch knits, but is also good for cotton projects.
Using high-cotton sewing thread will ensure your eyebrow hairs do not snap off between the thread. High-cotton thread tends to grip hair better than synthetic thread. Thread is the best thing to use for threading. Do not use floss or string as this will not be as effective as thread.
Polyester fibers have a much better resistance to UV rays than nylon, but are not as strong. While the difference in strength is nominal, it is still plenty strong for projects that require weight bearing or heavy-duty stitches. Automotive sewing, marine sewing, and saddles are often sewn with bonded polyester.
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.
Tension settings are another factor to think about when sewing polyester. Most new sewing machines will have an automatic polyester setting, which usually works just fine to accommodate any type of polyester. If your machine doesn't have automatic tension settings, the upper tension will usually sit around a 4.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric so it's tightly woven and very strong. Polyester thread has a bit of stretch which makes it less likely to break as often as its cotton counterpart. The strength of the thread is a factor that many quilters like.
Both nylon and polyester resist water, but polyester resists it better than nylon. Additionally, polyester's water-resistant properties increase as the thread count rises. However, neither material is fully waterproof unless it's coated with special materials.
Polyester Thread Size / Thickness - Polyester thread comes in eleven sizes or thicknesses that range from hair-thin with a 1.5 pound tensile strength to 1 millimeter thick with a 98 pound strength.
PDO Thread Pre-Care Instructions:
Avoid alcohol and smoking 24 hours before treatment. Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, St. John's Wort, oral Vitamin E, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in the 24 hours prior to your treatment as they may promote the risk of bruising and bleeding in the injection area.
“It's important to make sure that the thread that's being used is 100% cotton and it's strong enough to remove even the coarsest hair without breaking, but typically isn't strong enough to nip or cut the skin the way a cotton-blend thread could.”
Polyester thread won't fade or shrink in the wash. The luster, or sheen, of polyester thread falls between that of cotton and rayon. A medium luster thread, it is suitable for almost any sewing project. Polyester threads do have some give or stretch to them.
Spun Polyester thread has a smooth soft finish and excellent sewability that makes it suitable for both knit and woven fabrics. These 100% Polyester threads are lightweight, strong, and have low lint, making them an excellent choice for serging and overlock machines.
Genuine silk changes color when you tilt it, refracting the light as it passes through the prisms in the fiber. Move the cloth in front of a light source. If the shimmering is just a consistent white shine, it's 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.
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.
For example, natural fiber threads such as cotton, linen, silk, and rayon (a manufactured fiber made from natural cellulose) sew beautifully. But synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or acrylic are stronger.
Polyester Threads
Polyester is durable therefore less likely to break under tension than cotton thread plus has a bit of stretch to it making it suitable for sewing a wide variety of fabric types. It's a versatile thread which can be used for machine or hand stitching.
The combination of the needle size, thread size and fabric is incorrect. Be sure to use the correct size needle and thread for the type of fabric that you are sewing. If the problem persists, your machine may require service.
Piecing and quilting thread can last 50+ years.
Want to know what type of threads your jeans are made of? Simply take a lighter to a loose thread, cotton will burn away to ash while polyester melts down to a plasticky nub. Just try not to light the rest of your pants on fire in the process!
The silky feel of nylon is hard to beat, which is why nylon is the preferred choice for yoga and underwear brands. But whilst nylon is softer and stronger, polyester dries faster, dyes more easily and is less likely to pill.