Master Sewing Threads: 5 expert tips for success

Threads play a major role is sewing project success. While they look simple from a first glance, sewing threads have different characteristics and understanding those features will allow you to pick right thread for your project. In this video I share 5 sewing thread tips from industry experts - these tips will change how you look at threads!

This video is created in partnership with Mettler - manufacturer of high quality threads.

Let's connect!

00:00 Intro
00:29 TIP 1: understanding thread construction
03:32 TIP 2: thread elongation
05:07 TIP 3: cotton or polyester thread
07:40 TIP 4: thread test
08:56 TIP 5: old threads

[bmlwvsm]

Great information! I’m just recently learning about thread but have been sewing for years. Old dogs can learn new tricks😉

[daxxydog]

I inherited a very large industrial cone of black thread from my MIL. She’s been gone 20 years, and I’m pretty sure she got it when she was a clothing sample maker in the 70s. It’s the best thread I own. So smooth and strong still, despite being 50 years old!

[abirhussein]

I just started sewing stretch fabric for the first time and had issues right away despite using the correct needle. Thanks to your explanation of thread types, I now know the problem and understand the sultion 😊 Much thanks

[georgebutlers]

This is a very informative and interesting video. I must commend you on your wonderful and proficient English language skills and the great quality of your videos. Sewing and teaching sewing goes back several generations in my family and recently when I retired I took up sewing. I have inherited threads that are very old of cotton that were manufactured in England or Latvia prior to WW2. They are still very strong and useful. I have more recently manufactured threads that are either cotton or polyester or polyester core cotton from the 1960s and 70s manufactured either in Europe or USA that disintegrate easily though polyester from that era is seemingly stronger than cotton threads of the same era. I can remember that my mother would be looking for new cotton thread in the 60s and 70s and remarking how poor even the high quality cotton or silk threads were of that era. And it definitely makes a difference who manufactures the thread. I have some older but post WW2 Mettler threads which are still quite usable. I look forward to all your videos.

[seamstrahnancy]

Thank you Julija. I look forward to your videos. I have been sewing for many years. I always try to learn new tips. Yours are wonderful. You are a great teacher. Thank so much!

[elsafischer]

Thank you all this wonderful information

[suewilbur]

Another great video!! Thank you, Julia.

[snehadunakhe]

Thank you very much. Really very knowledge giving Video also very well expressed.

[maribelr]

Thank you for another Fantastic video!

[manhurter]

Very informative. Thanks for the video

[melenelewis]

Very informative thank you. I would like to know what thread is the best to use inmy serger as i am yaving a lot of difficulty in maintaining the correct tension settings even ghough imhave had the machine serviced. I make a tension swatch before proceeding to sew but the tension seems to vary throughout the project. I thought it might be due to the type or make of thread. I love watching your videos !

[mizuki]

My mom taught me that to test for older threads, pull it and make sure it is taut. If it snaps easily, then to throw it out as it will not last.

[blablabla]

Thanks! For me, this is one of your most informative videos. I always try to use Mettler or Guterman. So irritating when I have to redo part of the work because the thread breaks during sewing. Happy you teamed with Mettler for this video.

[agcons]

Wow, a lot has changed in the 42 years since I started sewing. For example, thread elongation was not a concept then because the threads to which it applies did not exist. In 1982 where I lived, cotton-wrapped polyester (which seems to have mostly disappeared now) was the most common along with cotton. Many, but not all, shops also carried one still famous brand of polyester. Silk, when it could be found, was not stocked in an extensive colour range. Sometime in the mid 1980s a few shops started to carry Metrosene, which quickly became, and remains, my favourite sewing thread.

What a difference now; there's a whole new world for me to explore.

[aliceannjo]

I love the thread made from recycled bottles. I only see Gutermans though and get it when it is on sale. Now will that last as long as the polyester thread? I assume it will because plastic doesn't degrade.