Ann The Gran Community

could you please tell me what kind of thread do you use to do free standing lace ornaments someone told me to use serger thread i hope someone can tell me thank you dorothy from enn

Hello Dorothy,

Serger or quilting thread would never be my choice for any embroidery project.  Although, serger thread is 100% polyester, I think the Rayon threads are the best for embroiderying.

For FSL (free-standing lace) ornaments, I have used Maderia 40# Rayon, any of the irredescent Rayon decorative threads and will break the rule of the polyester thread when using the glow-in-dark threads. 

Whenever in doubt of any project, you can view the many Blogs and Forums here on the Ann the Gran site.  Also, do a search on line with your question through Google, etc. and you will find a slew of information. 

As you progress, you will start picking up little bits and pieces of useful information.  Most of all though, have fun.  That's what it's all about!

Joan

Nope, would not use anything but embroidery thread. However I use both Poly and Rayon with equel success.  I use more poly because I can be pretty much assured it will wash well even if it happens to end up with some hot water or bleach.

You might want to lower the speed on your machine when doing stand alone lace designs, and my favorite stabilizer to use is one of the wash away's that look like fabric.

Lynn

Here is a tutorial that may be of help.   

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=techniques

I personally would not use serger thread for anything but the serger.

Pattiann

i was afraid to use anything but embroidery thread i did not want to mess my machine up she said that she had to use so much thread that she used serger thread but i was afraid and i knew ya'll would tell me the truth thank you so much dorothy from tenn

Dorothy, you have gotten the best infomation on the Internet.  Serger thread is a lot different from embroidery thread for many reasons. 

Consider the fact that most craft projects have their own supplies, equipment and tools just for that craft, and embroidery is no exception.  Threads have many attributes such as sheen, elasticity and color saturation, among others.  Specifically, use the very best quality of thread that you can afford!  That is an absolute because, unless the quality threads are on sale, cheap threads are cheap threads.  A poor quality of thread will bring you so much frustration that you will wonder why we are so enthusiastic about machine embroidery (ME). 

Poor quality threads will break constantly, cause an excess of lint, create poor stitches and so many other ailments.  Don't buy them!  Some quality threads are:

Madeira - polyester and rayon, multiple thread weights and consistent coloration

Robison-Anton - ditto

Hemingworth - ditto

Sulky - ditto

Gutermann - ditto

and others that are mentioned in these forums.  I just cannot think of all the names.  They are regularly priced around $5.00 or $6.00 per spool but that depends on the size of the spool and the type of thread, metallics are a lot more.

Do yourself a favor and buy good quality thread and you will have fewer failed projects.

Pat,

I use Maderia for most of my embroidery and sewing unless of course I am working with fabrics or materials that demand I use another type. Good question!

Does anyone use Guttamen (sp)? I just wondering how it compared.

I use Gutermann thread.  A little on the pricey side and only purchase with a coupon from a particular chain store.

Gutermann thread is just fine.  Love their irradescent thread.  Flows smoothly.

Joan

I bought Madeira threads from Ann's shop  100 % rayon and the Polyester for anything I may bleach.

I thought Gutermann was suppose to be good, but I had a friend use it and said she didn't like it.

Happy to hear you are getting along good with it. I know which chain store you're talking about....

I have a coupon for 40% and I believe the store sells the large case of thread for $159.00.... I thought

I would buy a couple of spools and try that first.

Thank you Joan for your insight!

Marsha

Hello Marsha,

I did like the Gutermann thread especially the metallic one.  I, too, only purchased by the spool(s) since I own the Madeira Thread Chest.  So I just venture out for the individual spools.

I can't vouch for your friend's usage but Gutermann does manufacture Rayon thread for embroidering and also Cotton thread for other sewing purposes; mainly quilting.  I only use the Rayon for embroidering. 

Joan

I guess I am the only one here that uses Coats and Clark Trilobal Polyester Thread for machine embroidery and have not had any of the problems I have read that others have had with breakage. Most projects I do are done in multiples since they are for a group of seniors with mental retardation. The most recent were placemats and napkins rings for our Thanksgiving dinner and before that it was hats and candy holders for Halloween. In production are candy cane holders for Christmas.

As for the lace, I will begin soon on some lace ornaments using the same thread and will report back.

I also use Joanns coupons and have a very nice supply of thread for a good price.

Barbara

My favorite thread? Isacord! It's exceptional, also expensive.  So normally I use Marathon, I get it on line for a really good price. They sent me a thread chart that is real thread wond on little cards. But I only use the Isacord black, it's the only one I've found that is as thin as the other colors, and since I'm usually using it for detail stuff I think it's worth the price.

There has to be a zillion answers to this one.  I have enjoyed reading what you are all saying and I have my favorites too.

I am not a fan of Coats and Clark Rayons, but their metallics are really good.  I did a lot of metallic things for Christmas this year and was delighted with the results.  I had almost no breakage, which is a common complaint about metallics.  Be sure that you are using a metallic needle!  That is absolutely imperative!

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

Thanks Pat! I don't much care for Coats and Clark either, but I hadn't tried their metallic. I've used Superior metallic and liked that,

Hi,

I have switched to all Hemingworth thread which by the way is available on my web site! I am finding that the colors are spectacular and the thread, because of it's unique spool design, is just wonderful! It comes off the spools evenly and consistantly every time. Plus you have the durability of polyester thread that really looks like rayon. It is the best I have found so far and now would never go back to the other brand I was using. I have completely replaced all of my thread for Hemingworth.

Judy

Hi Judy,

I have been hearing and reading about Hemingworth thread lately.  The one word that comes to mind when describing the colors is "vibrant".

Will have to try some.  Thanks!!!

Joan

HI Joan,

Yes I couldn't have said it better, the colors are vibrant! It really does look like a rayon thread when sewn. I love the one called "snowflake", I used to sew some snowmen, and it really does look like snow. It had the gisten and sparkle that real snow would have. I got the winter thread kit, with the combination of the blues with the snowflake, it even makes it look wet like snow would. For the first time, my snowmen looked real! I was so amazed, I have never had them look this real before. It really makes it pop off the fabric.

Hello everyone - I like Hemingworth too, but so much has to do with the project, fabric, stabilizers - and, well so many things.

I did a lovely pashmina (super hit on Christmas) which was black and the owner wanted a pink hummingbird on her pashmina.  Well, I happened to have a new Hemingworth pink and I did remember that when you have such high contrast, you need to consider using a piece of fabric between the fabric and thread.  I did that on the front, but forgot about the back.  I used the same color in the bobbin.  Well, the front was lively and I was proud.  The back was a little less than the front.  The black did show through, and I was sorry I did not think about the back.  I just used a small piece of fabric, cut to the size (slightly smaller) of the hummingbird.  Since it was not a true 'applique,' so I had to know when and where to place it, so that test sew out was doubly necessary.

Consider your background, it can make the difference between good and spectacular.

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer 

BTW-Those pashminas will be a great spring wearable and a terrific cover up for those bikini days.  (Well, not me, but someone wears those bikinis).