The wonderful Sew, Mama, Sew Blog is asking peeps about their thread collections. Here are my responses:
How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
I was lucky enough to be gifted a huge collection of 100% cotton threads in a rainbow of colors from my mother. Ever since, I’ve added to my collection by purchasing threads on an as-needed basis.
Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?
If I have a color in my collection that is “close-enough” I’ll use it rather than go out and purchase a new spool. I aim to have threads that compliment my project.
Do you ever use contrasting thread?
Yes, especially when hand-sewing. If you want to try and draw attention to careful stitching, why not amp it up with some contrasting colors?
Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?
If my backing fabric is drastically different from my top, and I don’t want to draw attention to the quilting details, than I’ll use different threads. Most of the time I use the same exact thread for top and bottom. If you use different types of threads you’ll likely face a bunch of tension issues while sewing – true story.
What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?
This is a tuffy! If I was really concerned about clashing threads with fabrics, I might pick a quilting style that would skirt the issue – such as quilting in the ditch! This is similar to what I did with the WEDDING QUILT.
Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
When in doubt – go 100% cotton. Most likely your machine will work well with cottons and the thread is less likely to shrink in the wash, preventing puckering. Rayon can look nice for decorative stitching. I also have recently played with metallic threads. When sewing with metallics, buy size 90/14 metallic needles for your machine. Also – lightly coat the spool with Sewer’s Aid, and I even finger the first part of the thread with this lubricant before threading my machine.
Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
Nothing fancy here! Although I do have my “specialty thread” bobbins separated from the rest, and my embroidery floss in a semi-organized different container.
Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?
Can’t say that I have, although seeing the rainbow of threads arranged in the store has inspired a quilting color scheme before.
Do you “invest” in thread?
I haven’t yet, but noticing that my original cotton collection is rapidly depleting, I could consider begging for another bundle as a gift idea.
What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)
I have quilting threads, all-purpose threads, some weird rayons, and a couple of fun metallics. I would like to try elastic thread for some garment details, but I’m too wrapped up in the quilting world right now.
