...so important! it's crucial to choose the correct type of thread...the right thread has to be compatible with the structure and fiber content of your fabric, as well as being suitable for the project you are working on...

...although there are many types of threads, for this tip, we're just going to deal with the ones you'll use in your sewing machine...

...threads are usually numbered, with each number denoting the thickness of the thread; just remember, the higher the number, the finer the thread, and for what it's worth, the *standard* size is 50...sometimes, thread thickness is graded by letters; A is fine and D is heavy...

...for general purpose sewing, we like these threads...

...cotton: a medium or size 50 cotton thread is usually available in a wide range of colors. use it for sewing light and medium weight cottons, rayons and linens. cotton thread is often mercerized, which is a process that makes it smooth, lustrous, and able to take dye better. don't use cotton thread for sewing knits or other stretchy fabrics; cotton thread is stable and therefore doesn't have any stretch, so if you use this to sew knits, the stitches will tend to pop...

...silk: this is a size A, and it's a fine, strong thread, perfect for sewing on silk and wool. it's fineness makes it great for basting, as it doesn't leave holes from stitching or imprints after pressing. silk thread has a natural elasticity, which means that it is also great for sewing any type of knit. silk thread is fabulous for tailoring because it can be molded, steamed and pressed along with your fabric...

...nylon: if you are sewing light to medium weight synthetics, especially nylon tricot choose this fine, strong size A thread for superior results...

...polyester: a standard weight or size 50 polyester thread is suitable for sewing on most fabrics, but especially suited to woven synthetics; it also works on knits and other stretch fabrics of any fiber. Most of the modern polyester threads have a wax or silicone finish to allow them to glide through the fabric with a minimum of friction...

...cotton-wrapped polyester: a standard weight or size 50 polyester designed for sewing on wovens or knits of natural or synthetic fibers or blends. you get a really good mix here, the thread has a polyester core which gives strength and elasticity, whilst the cotton wrapping gives it a hard wearing and heat resistant surface...

...for heavy duty sewing, we like these threads...

...cotton; polyester; cotton-wrapped polyester: we like to use these coarse threads about a size 40-where we need extra strength...for instance, sewing heavy vinyl, coating or upholstery fabrics.

...whatever you are working on, using a good quality thread is crucial. you know those "5 spools of thread for a dollar" deals? seems like a bargain, but they're *so* not a bargain-oh no! cheap thread will give you a cheap-looking result; with so-called "bargain" thread, the fibers usually split whilst you're sewing, the thread knots up and breaks, and you get a really nasty build-up of lint in yout machine's bobbin area and along the thread line from the spool to the needle...ick!

...and what about the color? because the *wrong* color thread looks *horrible*...

...well, when we are selecting a thread color, we either choose the *exact* match if that's available, or if not, we go just one shade darker than the fabric. if our fabric is a multi-color print, we just select that color that is most dominant, which could be the background or one of the print colors...