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Posted by Betsy Ross on July 19, 2005, 1:27 pm
That's my question. When should/could
silk thread be used?
Posted by Doreen on July 19, 2005, 2:06 pm
Betsy Ross wrote:
> That's my question. When should/could silk thread be used?
My favorite use for silk thread is in applique. The stitches just
disappear, even if the color match isn't exact. This 4-inch-tall kitty,
on a quilt I'm quilting now, was appliqued with silk:
http://pair.com/threets/leftcat.jpg Also this: http://pair.com/threets/cricket.jpg
It's also good for any basting you need to do on delicate fabrics and
for sewing pearls onto lace, as in bridal gowns. It's easy to thread
tiny size 12 sharps, because it is so fine.
Doreen in Alabama
Posted by BEI Design on July 19, 2005, 5:23 pm
Doreen wrote:
>
> My favorite use for silk thread is in applique. The stitches
> just disappear, even if the color match isn't exact. This
> 4-inch-tall kitty, on a quilt I'm quilting now, was appliqued
> with silk: http://pair.com/threets/leftcat.jpg
> Also this: http://pair.com/threets/cricket.jpg
Very cute!
Posted by Betsy Ross on July 19, 2005, 7:22 pm
Love the appliques!
I had heard that silk thread should not
be used on some fabrics because it is
stronger than the fabric which could
lead to tears, as opposed to split seam.
Posted by Kate Dicey on July 20, 2005, 4:20 am
Betsy Ross wrote:
> Love the appliques!
>
> I had heard that silk thread should not be used on some fabrics because
> it is stronger than the fabric which could lead to tears, as opposed to
> split seam.
The same is even more the case with poly thread. Both are monofilament
threads rather than made of multiple short filaments, like cotton or
wool. This is why you should match threads as far as is practical with
the fibre content of the fabric to be sewn:
Silk to silk
Poly to poly
Poly/cotton to poly thread
Poly to rayon/viscose (another monofilament fabric)
Wool to cotton thread
Poly/wool blends to poly or cotton depending on the amount of poly in
the blend
Polycore thread is a good compromise for wool/poly blends and viscose
fabrics: it has a polyester core (makes it strong) with a cotton wrap
(makes it more forgiving).
Silk thread is good for hand sewing because it tangles less, and careful
hand stitching will not rip through the fabric the way machine stitching
can on some more delicate fabrics. This is why so many cotoure garments
are still largely hand stitched with silk thread.
When sewing silk garments for customers, I only use poly thread in the
serger for neatening seams: all actual seams and hand stitches are done
in silk thread. In an emergency, I'll use silk thread rather than poly
on wool and cotton because it has a softer finish and is less likely to
cut through the other fibres than the poly. This habit is born of
experience over 40+ years of sewing.
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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