Threads
Threads are long, thin, smooth strands of fiber used in sewing or weaving. The threads cross under and over each other to form cloth which are then used in making garments. The thread used for stitching a garment should be durable, strong and stretchy. Heavy fabrics require strong threads and also the color of the thread is selected on the basis of the color of the cloth.
It is important to match the thread and needle sizes, if the needle eye is too small it will damage the thread and conversely if the needle eye is too large the thread will not fill the needle punctures. The higher the thread size number the finer is the thread. It is recommended to use a thread which is one shade darker than the fabric and with printed fabrics the dominant color is matched with the thread.
Cotton Threads
Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from soft boll (protective casing) of the cotton plant and is composed of pure cellulose. Cotton fibers are breathable, dye absorbent, washable and withheld high temperature all together it is very finest and comfortable for common use.
Soft Cotton Threads
Soft cotton threads are loosely twisted threads primarily used for tacking as the loose twist makes it easy to break and remove from the garment. It also forms a choice for needlepoint, tapestry, embroidery, braiding, weaving etc. It has no sheen and only available in black and white colors.
Mercerized Cotton Threads
Mercerization is a specially formulated glaze treatment process that gives cotton a smooth and lustrous finish and hence absorb the dye better. These threads are available in wide range of colors and sizes. and is used for hand and machine sewing.
Heavy-Duty Cotton Threads
Heavy-Duty cotton threads are cotton covered polyester threads, that is cotton is combined with synthetic thread for extra strength. This forms a strong and coarse thread for heavy duty and demanding tasks. The polyester core gives good resistance to Alkalies and UV light degradation while the cotton sheath or covering protects the core from needle heat.
Polyester Threads
Polyester is the generic fiber name for manufactured synthetic fibers derived from petroleum. polyester threads are all-purpose, versatile threads suitable for both machine and hand sewing. The filament form of these fibers is strong, durable, do not fade or shrink when washed and most of them are thermoplastic. Medium weight polyester threads are preferred choice for general sewing such as sewing garments, sewing bags etc. and these threads are also used for embroidery and quilting.
Nylon Threads
Nylon is a strong, single filament fiber composed of long chain of polyamides. It is a generic synthetic polymer derived from crude oil. nylon is manufactured in two transparent shades to blend with dark or light-colored fabrics. It was introduced by Du Pont in 1939 and later produced by other manufacturers.
Nylon is a thermoplastic silky material that can be melted and processed into fibers, films or shapes. Nylon fibers can be used for both hand and machine sewing of hems. Nylon thread has high elasticity and hence it is very difficult to tie the ends properly.
Metallised Synthetic Thread
The metallised thread looks like they are made of metal but are composed of synthetic material. These threads are thin and popular colors include shiny gold or silver colored thread which are used for decorative stitching by machine or hand.
Elasic Threads
Elastic threads are stretchy and thick and are used for shirring purpose on sewing machine. Elastic threads are wound to bobbin only (because they are too thick to be threaded to the machine) in combination with regular thread in the top stitch.
Elastic threads are ideal for waist bands, ruffles, in smoking, decorative stitching and shirring.
Sharps
Sewing needles also called sharps are general and multipurpose hand sewing needles with small, rounded threading eye just large enough to hold thread and a sharp pointed tip at the other end.
These versatile hand sewing needles are made from carbon steel wires and sizes range from 1 to 12. These needles are also available in tinted two colors golden head and silver tip which makes it easier to find when dropped.
In contrast to sharps embroidery needles have a long oval eye to accommodate multiple strands of thread or thicker yarns. They have sharp tip as they are primarily used for embroidery work, which helps to pierce tightly woven fabrics. Available sizes range from 1 to 12 and is very important to use the needles that suits the weight of the fabric.
Chenille Needles
Chenille needles are nickel plated steel needles that have a long oval eye and a sharp point. Sizes range from 14 to 26. These needles are used for heavier threads and for fabrics such as canvas, Lenin, denim etc. They are also widely used in crewel (using wool) embroidery and ribbon embroidery.
They are mainly used for needlepoint (stitching on canvas mesh) and tapestry work. As the blunt end does not split the yarn it is also used in knitting and crochet work.
Curved Needles
They are mainly used in slip stitching that is hand sewing upholstery fabrics, fabric box edges, lampshades etc.
Choose a needle size based on type and size of the bead and thread and also the number of passes made through the bead. Big eye needles have large eye and are very easy to thread. They are widely used for decorative beading and sequin work.
Self- Threading Needles
The Self-Threading needles are similar to sharps, but the thread is directly pulled into a slot (tiny opening) rather than passing it through an eye. This makes threading very easy to carry out fine manual sewing. The needle sizes range from 4-8
Darners
The Darners are long eyed hand-sewing needles primarily used for Darning (Darning is a method of reweaving the threads to repair the hole in a garment and is done either by hand or sewing machine).
Short darners (sizes 5/0-9) are used for darning with cotton or wool.
Long darners (sizes 4/0-9) are able to span larger holes and also ideal for basting and layering of fabrics especially during quilting.
Yarn darners are heavy and long hence are designed for darning with yarn.
No comments:
Post a Comment