All About Aurifil, Part 4

Welcome to the final installment of our All About Aurifil series. Today we are going to learn about our Polyester and Monofilament threads. But first,  a continuation of our threaducation! We’ll learn a little about what it means to be “Oeko-Tex Certified”.  Let’s get started!

A question that we are frequently asked is: “Is Aurifil thread organic?” The short answer is that while Aurifil threads are not organic, we are proud to be Oeko-Tex certified. Oeko-Tex certification relates to how a product is processed, including things like dyes and finishes used. It means that our threads are certified free of harmful chemicals and are completely safe for human use. Or… in quilter’s terms, you and your loved ones can wrap yourselves in those lovingly stitched quilts without worry!” (You can also see this on our brand new FAQ page on our website!)

But… what is the long answer?

Oeko-Tex is a certification given only when a textile product like yarn, thread, fabric, dyes etc, are free from harmful chemicals or components (even if they aren’t yet legally regulated). The process also takes things like legally regulated substances — European Chemicals Regulation Standards and US Product Safety Regulations — into account, in addition to the many rules and guidelines that fall under those two categories, and many, many environmentally relevant substance classes. If a product can pass all the numerous requirements, rules, and regulations, it is deemed “Oeko-Tex Certified”. An Oeko-Tex certified company must pass regular audits and product checks in order to remain certified.

So, back to the short answer. While Aurifil might not be considered “organic”, many of the tests and regulations fall under that category. You can rest assured that Aurfil thread is safe for quilts made for the tiniest baby because we are free from harsh, harmful chemicals and dyes.

Polyester
Aurifil offers 10 variegated colors of 40wt, high-sheen, premium, trilobal polyester thread. This thread gives absolutely no lint and no issue with thread breaking. Its perfect for Long-arm Quilters, bag makers and garment sewers. For our polyester thread, we recommend using  80/12 Microtex/Sharp, Universal, or Denim Needle (use 40wt or 50wt in the bobbin) 3.5 or 4.0 Longarm Quilting Needle (use 50wt in the bobbin). We love using it for Machine Embroidery, Quilting, Thread Painting, Decorative Stitching, Satin Stitching and Decorative Applique. Our Polyester comes in one size, a large cone, with 3280 yards (or 3000 meters.)

Monofilament
Aurifil’s Monofilament Invisible Thread is produced in Italy. It is 100% nylon, available in two colors: smoke (for dark fabrics) and clear (for light fabrics), and in two sizes: a large spool with 1,094 yards (1000 meters) and a cone with 16,400 yards (15,000 meters).

It is the perfect choice for use whenever the thread or the stitching needs to camouflage or to be absolutely invisible. Monofilament can be used as a top thread for many quilting techniques such as stitch-in-the-ditch, invisible machine applique, outlining, shaping and echoing applique, couching, and of course free motion quilting. The smoothness of the thread also makes it perfect for needle turn applique or when joining the parts of open seams, that need to be hand stitched to close.

While on many occasions you may want to stay “invisible” with your top thread, the back of your project may not need the same invisibility. Choose a matching color from one of our Aurifil 100% Cotton threads — we’d recommend using our 50wt as a bobbin thread. Top tension should be lowered to at least 2.0 on a home sewing machine and as necessary on a long arm. A slightly larger stitch will also guarantee an excellent result.

Although we don’t typically recommend using monofilament thread in the bobbin, it can be done with some minor adjustments. The bobbin should be filled at the slowest speed possible and shouldn’t be filled all the way. In case the winding speed cannot be reduced on the machine, the tension of the thread path should be reduced as much as possible when winding, as the invisible thread tends to stretch a bit and will be wound too tight otherwise. You might consider using a second bobbin case, as the bobbin tension will need to be adapted as well.  We recommend using an 80/12 or 70/10 topstitching or Microtex Sharp Needle, and a 3.0 or 4.0 Longarm Needle (use 40wt, 50wt, or hand-wound monofilament in the bobbin).

Smoke Monofilament in action thanks to Kitty Wilkin of Night Quilter

Monofilament being used in a project by Aurifil Designer Karen Miller — Find her Collection The Subtle Sampler

Putting Aurifil Monofilament to the Test, by Aurifil Artisan Mel Beach

Other Monofilament uses include: Hand Needle Turn Applique, Attach Binding, Ladder Stitch, Machine Stitch in the Ditch, Invisible Seaming, Free Motion Quilting, Couching, Machine Applique, Outline Applique, Shape Applique, & Echo Applique.

We have shared a lot of information over the past month that we hope you have found valuable. Please know that no question is ever too big or too small. Should you ever need clarification, technical help, advice, or anything else sewing/thread related, send us an email! We are always happy to help: info@aurifilusa.com

Thank you so much for following along!
-Kristi

The brochures are printed and are now available both in our HQ in Italy and in our Chicago office. They will also be arriving at shops and quilty events worldwide. Check in with your local quilt shop to grab your own, or send a pre-addressed large envelope (to fit roughly 5.5″ x 8.5″) with 2 standard stamps applied to: