Thread (for sewing)

[Llama]

So I've purchased my yardage of R'lyeh sett tartan and The Art of Kiltmaking. I've found a local discount fabric warehouse that I'll be searching for a cheap tartan that I won't mind screwing up. I have a few thimbles and a can-do attitude!

I do not have any thread.

I've often read here that one should use high-quality thread for kiltmaking, and have seen pictures of the results of using bad thread, but I haven't done much sewing other than mending and costume-making - and almost zero hand sewing. (You might say that this is the wrong place to start, but I'm dedicated!)

So what kind of thread should I get? Polyester? Cotton-wrapped poly? Heavy-duty upholstery?

I've just realized that this info might be in TAoK, but my copy isn't at work with me, also it might be good info for others who are searching - though good luck searching a forum for the word "thread."

[sydnie7]

There's actually a "thread, thread" LOL It's a bit old but still useful.

I'll save you the 5 page read. . . Dual Duty XP (poly-wrapped poly) or Gutermann are the most commonly available and recommended. Don't buy the old-style Dual Duty, if you happen to find any still hanging around -- it's cotton-wrapped poly and very much NOT recommended.

For basting, I buy the cheapest white cotton thread as it just gets thrown away after removal. You may get some white fluff/shreds as you work with it, but those brush off pretty easily. You might be tempted to baste the R'lyeh in black thread to avoid that problem, but it is much easier if you can see your basting stitches in contrast to the fabric.

This is discussed in TAoK but I'm not sure if Barb had the opportunity to update re the Dual Duty/DD XP product change.

Have fun, ask plenty of questions, and good luck!

PS -- search the forum for Gutermann (and spelling variations e.g. guterman, gutterman) to find other discussions on topic.

[Celtic Mom]

I prefer the Gutermann to the Dual Duty. The Dual Duty tended to split when I would try to thread the needle. I usually try to keep an eye on JoAnn's, they carry both brands and quite often will have thread sales (not right now though).

[Chas]

I am in the UK and only use Gutermann. It is the best on the market here.

[Aspiringloser]

I use Gutermann and Coats and Clark carpet and button thread.

[HarveyH]

Gütermann thread allows a huge choice of colours for sewing. It is also of a consistent quality both in strength and dye which is useful.

I agree with the comments above that you can use cheap thread for basting but I have to accept the very sensible advice of my kiltmaker to use a colour that can never be confused with the threads of the kilt. He uses bright pink. which means I can easily see it and, as I don't have pink stripes on my kilt, if I cut a pink thread I know I'm not cutting the kilt!

[Truitt]

I like Mettler or Gutterman polyester thread, with a slight preference for Mettler.

Virtually any cheap thread can be used for basting, but I still prefer polyester. And I like the advice to use a color that can't be confused with the kilt.

[bluebonnet]

Gutterman is a good thread. For basting anything, I use beading thread. It's a little more robust and doesn't shred - I can buy it in large bobbins and it lasts forever.

One thing I learned while quilting is NEVER rewrap your thread back around the bobbin, it distorts the threads by stretching them. I use a product that is like a vinyl wrap that has no adhesive to make the thread sticky but it keeps my bobbins of threads nice and tidy and the thread in good shape.