The first number follows the Gunze Count standard and indicates the thread size. The larger the number, the finer the thread (a 50/2 will be thinner than a 30/2). The second number indicates the number of strands, or plies, twisted together.
The first number is the diameter. The bigger the number the bigger the screw. The second number is the number of threads per inch. Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions.
When discussing weight of thread, the smaller the number, the thicker the thread. The weight is determined by how many meters of thread it takes for a skein to weigh one kilogram. In this case, the 40 wt thread is slightly thicker (heavier) than the 50 wt thread.
A 40/2 is a 40 weight thread… 20/2 is 20 weight etc. A 20/3 is not the same size …. It is 20/3 = 6.67 which would make it about a 13 weight thread (2 x 6.67) in 2 ply terms. Fixed length systems……as the number gets bigger the thread is bigger.
Heavy Weight Threads
Use 12wt for bold machine quilting, big stitch hand quilting, thread painting, decorative stitching, hand embroidery, sashiko, big stitch hand quilting, crafts, and even hemming jeans.
Example: Tex 40 – A length of 1,000 metres gives 40 Grams of weight. Tex 100 – A length of 1,000 metres gives 100 Grams of weight.
40wt is a thread that is significantly heavier than 60wt, and noticeably heavier than the 50wt. While it is always good to have different size threads on hand, just in case, I don't usually sew on heavy fabrics, but I do consider the 40wt thread essential for my sewing stash.
Example: If a thread is labeled 40 wt. then 40 kilometers of that thread weigh 1 kilogram. A 30 wt. thread is heavier because it takes only 30 kilometers of thread to weigh one kilogram.
A super all round machine thread, ideal for machine quilting through to dressmaking and light furnishings.
– The higher the thread number, the finer the gauge. A 30 weight thread is heavier than a 50 weight because it is denser and takes only 30 kilometers to equal one kilogram compared to 50.
Thread should be as fine as possible depending on the required strength of seam. Generally, thicker threads have greater strength, given the same fibre content and yarn structure. Finer threads tend to blend into the fabric surface and are less subject to abrasion than seams with heavier threads.
If you have a choice of two different threads which are very close to the fabric colour, always go for the darker thread. A lighter thread will be more visible whereas darker threads will tend to blend in to the seam. With patterned materials the best advice is to go with the background colour.
These ultra-fine threads are totally game changers when it comes to piecing, appliqué, quilting, and even as a bobbin thread.
Fine Weight Threads
Fine weight threads run from 60wt to 100wt. These smaller threads are ideal for intricate work such as micro quilting and fine detailed machine embroidery like freestanding designs or monograming. They can be made from cotton on the larger end to polyester on the finer end.
If you want lighter sheets, Joanna says, a 400 thread count sheet can be soft and light, while an 800 percale would be soft and dense. The higher the thread count, the more likely multiple-ply thread is used or picks are added, making the fabric denser and heavier.
Gopinath said a 250 to 300 thread count was optimal (there's wiggle room, though, as Maher said 200 was also good). Gopinath told us a 400 to 500 thread count for percale could reflect a denser sheet made of fine, good-quality yarns. Over 500 was “not necessary or likely,” she said.
Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well — or even soften — over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.
The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.
It is true that a sheet set with a thread count of 400 will usually feel better than a comparable set with a thread count of 200. However, that's assuming that the quality of yarns used, the craftsmanship, and the weave are all the same for both sheet sets.
A sheet should be at least 200 thread count to be considered good quality - a count typical of cotton sheets. Higher thread count sheets range from 300 to 800 and up, but 300 to 500 are common ranges for sheets made from Egyptian cotton, sateen, and bamboo.
Machine screws are often found in sizes of: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14—the larger the number, the larger the screw.
In the screw above, the first bit of that, M8-1.25, breaks down the screw outside thread diameter and Thread Pitch, or M8 (screw size) and 1.25 (thread pitch or for Metric screws, the distance in mm between threads).
Taking a closer look at this description, let's explore its meaning: M = This designates the fastener is a metric size. 10 = The nominal diameter in millimeters. 1.0 = The thread pitch, or distance between threads, in millimeters. 20 = The fastener's length, in millimeters.
While stitching thick fabric, such as denim or leather, a tension of 3.5 to 4.5 is recommended. This is to sew through the fabric and maintain neatness throughout easily.