| Selecting the right type of threads for any embroidery | | | | 5. Metallic Thread: This type of thread has a core |
| work is important because the color and texture of | | | | wrapped with a metal foil which may be coated with |
| the design, and eventually the look of the final product | | | | silver alloy, and color is added to this foil with a |
| depend on the material and type of thread used. | | | | polyester film which may also be applied as an |
| There's a wide variety of embroidery thread to | | | | undercoating. Metallic thread is one of the most durable |
| choose from, so take your time to decide what type | | | | available on the market. |
| or combination should be best for the design you have | | | | 6. Mylar Thread: Plies of film are combined into a layer, |
| in mind. More importantly, thread selections should be | | | | cut into slices to create Mylar threads. They are |
| based on Sewability, Seam Performance and | | | | durable but may break under high-speed sewing. One |
| Appearance, Availability and Cost. | | | | unique color feature is holographic hue, which picks up |
| Types: | | | | and reflects light or color from other surrounding |
| 1. Rayon: This type of thread has a great sheen, and | | | | objects. This really enhances the color and design of |
| so the best looking embroidery designs are stitched | | | | the embroidery. |
| with it. Rayon threads can range from combinations of | | | | 7. Special-effect: Like the name suggests, this type of |
| two or more colors twisted together thereby forming | | | | thread can be used to create different design effects, |
| a single strand, to one solid color strand. They are | | | | such as crewel-like effect. Some of the special effect |
| widely available, mostly in standard 40 wt. and 30 wt. | | | | threads change colors under sunlight, or may glow in |
| Even though Rayon is the most popular type, it's not | | | | the dark. |
| very sturdy because of its thinness. | | | | Quality Evaluation: |
| 2. Polyester: Polyester thread is more durable than | | | | 1. Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of an |
| Rayon but it is not as attractive. However, this type of | | | | embroidery thread can be tested by sawing a |
| embroidery thread hardly shrinks or fades, and if | | | | suspended strand with another strand back and forth |
| combined with Rayon, the effect they provide is nearly | | | | until the first strand breaks. The faster it breaks, the |
| indistinguishable. It is also cheaper than Rayon thread. | | | | lower the strength and quality of that particular thread |
| 3. Cotton: Cotton thread allows for a wide range of | | | | type. |
| tension adjustments because of its texture. It has a | | | | 2. Elongation: A good thread must have the right |
| nice sheen, is quite sturdy (though finer threads above | | | | amount of stretch. Take a piece of the thread and |
| 50 wt. are not), and typically used for machine | | | | stretch it till it breaks. The strand should neither break |
| embroidery. | | | | too quickly nor stretch for too long. |
| 4. Silk: Silk embroidery thread hardly breaks and has its | | | | 3. Sheen: The luster and quality of the sheen can be |
| own unique, and probably the best sheen. Threads | | | | tested by studying the color and design of a finished |
| come in various sizes but their availability is low so | | | | embroidery product. |
| they are mostly used for luxury fabrics. | | | | |