Choosing the right threads for your machine embroidery project - Part two

In the first part, we examined choosing machine embroidery threads. Moreover, we conditionally divided them into two parts: traditional and non-traditional. I think it makes no sense to waste time and your attention to repeat the same thing. To know about it read Part 1.

Although in the second part we will also talk about to a greater extent related issues, it is still the same theme: “Threads for the machine embroidery projects”

In this part, I would like to touch on two important in my opinion questions:

1 – Twist the embroidery thread: what are the kinds? What the difference is?
2 – Storing threads: are there any strict rules?

In all manuals to embroider machines of different manufacturers, it is indicated that all threads for machine embroidery should be left twist. “But how to know about right choosing machine embroidery threads with such twist?” – You have asked. It is very simple. Follow the instructions below.

1 – Take the thread in two hands.
2 – Begin to twist the thread towards yourself. Always do it with the RIGHT hand, the LEFT hand at this time should not move.
3 – Observe what happens to the threads. If it becomes weaker when twisting, then this is the right-hand twist of the thread. If it is twisted even tighter – it is left-hand twist of the thread.

Many will now be surprised. Nevertheless, this really affects the quality of the embroidery. Conditionally the letter Z, which is marked in manuals, is left-hand twist. The letter S is the right-hand twist. As a rule, all known and tested brands and manufacturers of threads for machine embroidery projects offer their customers the left-hand twist. In addition, if you buy just such threads, then you should not worry. You only need to check the threads from non-popular, little-known manufacturers.

The fact is that the right-hand twist threads are not designed for machine embroidery. They are suitable for hand embroidery and hand knitting. Moreover, it can in no way be applied to embroidery machines. Why? The answer is very simple. With machine embroidery, the shuttle rotates counterclockwise. Accordingly, it tightens the thread even more. As a result, the friction between the thread and the needle eye is minimal, the embroidery is normal, the stitch is correct. If the thread is right-hand twist, then the thread, on the contrary, will be even more untwisted, and the friction between the needle and the thread will be even greater. Thus, the thread may shift and lead to the appearance of missing stitches.

Now you know this important information. I hope it has answered on some of your questions.

The second issue is the storage of threads. Very often, my customers ask me about proper storage of threads. After all, many people think that it is sufficient to put the thread for the machine embroidery projects in a dark place and everything is fine.

No matter how strange and unusual it is for you now, especially if you are a beginner, but the thread for machine embroidery projects also needs to be stored, following some rules:

~ Store the thread in a cool and warm place, at a temperature lower than 20 degrees, and with a humidity coefficient somewhere between 50-60%.
~ For convenience, you can create a special rack with pins. So you will store threads for the embroidery machine even more conveniently.
~ We recommend storing machine embroidery threads in the same boxes in which they are sold. This will protect the threads from direct sunlight.
~ Store the thread in an upright position.

For our customers who store thread reels on posts with pins we also have an original idea. You can put on each pin the bottom of a plastic bottle. Thus, you will get something like a plastic cap. Therefore, threads for the embroidery machine will not get dusty and will remain clean.

You now know not only about choosing machine embroidery threads (part 1), but also about its twisting and storing. This is all advice. Follow them, and your embroidery will turn out to be original, incredibly gorgeous and just successful. Good luck to all!

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Choosing the Right Threads for Your Machine Embroidery Projects – Part 1

Author: Ludmila Konovalova

My name is Lyudmila Konovalova, and I lead Royal Present Embroidery. Embroidery for me is more than a profession; it is a legacy of my Ukrainian and Bulgarian heritage, where every woman in my family was a virtuoso in cross-stitch and smooth stitching. This art, passed down through generations, is part of my soul and a symbol of national pride.

Date: 09.04.2018