Hello fellow thread lovers! Karen Miller of Redbird Quilt Co with you today to share a little thread strength myth-busting.
Working with the team at Aurifil has given me the opportunity to learn how their threads are used across a wide variety of projects. It has also shown me how many questions quilters and makers have about the thread they use every day. One I hear often is whether cotton thread is really strong enough. Today I’d like to share why snapping a single strand between your fingers doesn’t tell you how your thread will perform in your stitching.
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Happy stitching!
Have you ever pulled on cotton thread, had it snap, and thought, “Well, I guess that thread isn’t very strong!”?
Let’s chat about that a bit.
FIBER CONSIDERATIONS:
Cotton is a natural fiber, and like all natural fibers, it has a breaking point. If you pull hard enough, eventually that strand of thread is going to break. But a simple hand pressure test doesn’t tell us how the thread will perform when it is actually being used for stitching.
When we sew, rather than asking one strand of thread to hold everything together, we create multiple small stitches, one placed next to the other. Those stitches distribute stress AND add strength across the seam, appliqué, or quilted area.
The durability of the finished stitching comes from the combined strength of the individual stitches.
Cotton thread offers a compatible balance of strength and durability when paired with cotton fabric. The two share similar fiber characteristics, including how they respond to heat, moisture, and everyday wear. Both cotton fabric and thread will naturally age and wear over time, making cotton thread an excellent choice for quilts and other projects where preserving the integrity of the cotton fabric is important.
QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS:
Thread construction matters, too. The weight, ply, twist, and quality of the cotton fibers all contribute to how a thread performs. Choosing to harvest the highest quality, extra-long staple cotton from the Mako region of Egypt, Aurifil follows a 15-step production process that ensures you’re purchasing the best performing cotton thread on the market.
Aurifil Egyptian cotton thread has a delightful natural sheen, is applauded for minimal lint, has 270 fabulous color choices, and is well known to “glide through the needle with ease”.
CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS:
Additionally, the needle type and size we choose, the fabric and batting we’re stitching through, and the tension we place on cotton thread matters. It’s important to note: more tension doesn’t necessarily mean a stronger stitch. Pulling cotton thread too tightly can place unnecessary stress on the fibers and cause breakage.
When working with Aurifil 2ply Egyptian Cotton thread by hand, use a light tug to secure your stitches.
FINALLY:
The next time you break a cotton thread between your fingers, don’t fear it’s not worthy of your use.
Cotton thread is strong, dependable, and wonderfully suited to both hand and machine stitching. Give it the right needle, a balanced tension, and lots of little stitches— and let those stitches work together.
After all, it’s not the strength of one stitch that makes a quilt strong. It’s all those little stitches working together that keep your beautifully creative piece being admired for years to come.
Uncertain how to match thread weight and ply to a needle type and size? Download Aurifil’s informational Thread Reference Card to guide your choices.
ABOUT KAREN
Karen L. Miller, owner of Redbird Quilt Co. is Master Educator for Aurifil, USA, an Aurifilosopher, national educator, author, and cheerleader of all things free motion quilting. She launched Redbird Quilt Co. to share her love of appliqué and show others how free motion quilting on home sewing machines can bring their projects to life. Karen plays with all weights of Aurifil thread and openly contributes her knowledge and experience to the greater quilting community. When she’s not home enjoying her family and the multitude of songbirds that grace the Finger Lakes Region of NY, you’ll catch her traveling the countryside sharing her passion for quilting with Guilds and Shops alike.
If you’re interested in learning more about free motion quilting on home sewing machines be sure to check out Karen’s website, programs, tutorials, upcoming events and social media feeds. Subscribe to Karen’s Newsletter here.
