Cotton polyester threads are made from twisting the fine staples or fibers from a cotton bowl to creating a thread. There are many levels of cotton quality. Egyptian-grown extra-long-staple cotton fibers are used to make superior cotton.
Cotton thread is a little bit stronger than polyester thread and a lot softer. This makes it ideal for visible seams in your projects.
The fact that there is no stretch in a cotton thread makes it a better choice for quilting projects because they won’t lose their shape.
Polyester thread has very little to stretch it in, so anything to be sown should be with cotton polyester or nylon thread.
Furthermore, cotton polyester thread does not stretch a great deal and will break if pulled too tightly. The cotton polyester thread will fade with the sun and shrink in the wash, so treat it as you would to cotton fabrics. Nevertheless, 100% Cotton Thread is the common choice for sewing and quilting.
Cotton threads have various finishes, each providing specific results:
- Most cotton threads available are mercerized. This is an interaction with the chemical and heat process that increases the lustre of the thread. During the mercerizing process, rough threads are burnt off, creating a smoother surface. This smooth surface reflects light, increasing the surface of the thread. It also has the effect of increasing water absorbence, making the thread easier to dye.
- Cotton-wrapped poly: Most cotton-wrapped poly threads are partly cotton and partly polyester. It tends to resemble the characteristics of poly more than cotton.
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Types of General Sewing Threads:
General-purpose thread is usually medium-weight thread made from cotton, polyester, or a combination of cotton and polyester thread.
- Cotton is usually mercerized. This is a finishing process that makes the thread smooth and shiny and adds strength. Cotton mercerized thread is ideal for woven fabrics that require little or no stretch in the seams. Cotton is also heat-resistant, making it a better choice for quilting because of the need for pressed, consistent seams.
- Polyester thread is suitable for most fabrics because it has some stretch. It is a better choice for knitting and quilting fabrics but may break cotton thread if the knits are designed with cotton fibre.
- Blended threads seen as cotton polyester thread are suitable for knits, woven, man-made or natural fabrics. Cotton polyester threads are typically designed with a cotton filament wrapped around a polyester core thread, giving the thread both durability and stretch. At that point, the cotton fibre makes the thread heat-resistant.
- Basting thread: A lightly twisted thread used to hand- or machine-baste garments together. Easily broken, it’s typically made of cotton fibre and available in white. It’s always good to use it for patterns not finished projects.
- Invisible thread: Great for invisible hemming or when it is difficult to match colours. It’s typically made of a single strand of polyester and has no colour. Because of the lack of colour, it is difficult to see its disadvantage which is stiffness and distorts the fabric.
Advantages of cotton polyester threads
Cotton polyester thread has strength, medium sheen, and natural fibers help.
Disadvantages of cotton polyester threads
Difficulty in spotting low-quality from high-quality cotton threads can be more expensive.
Most times, people are always confused about the best thread for their sewing projects or when to use cotton polyester thread. You must consider the following:
- Think about fabric properties; is your fabric woven or knitted, lightweight or heavyweight?
- The weight of the thread should match the weight of the fabric.
- Cotton polyester thread for cotton fabric.
- Most of the time any cotton polyester thread will do the work.
Again, cotton polyester thread has been used and existed for a long time now but still has its challenges. Cotton polyester thread has a low stretch and tends to break easily. Although, it’s a perfect choice when sewing delicate fabrics and garments.
In general, whether you choose cotton or polyester thread, it is important to keep in mind the fabric and match it with the right thread, so your end product looks good and not for the thread to tear off after a while.