which is it better to use rayon or polyester thread? JoAnn

Joann dont know where you are from as to where to buy your threads. I am in Australia and have had great results with Theda threads rayon and polyester, guess each embroiderer has favourites.
Helen

Another comment I would like to make to you is to purchase just a cone or 2 of any thread you would like to try and see how it runs in your machine.

Then purchase more.

Also when testing different types of thread such as Polyester and Rayon or different Brands of thread you may have to adjust your top thread tension in order to get a great stich out.

Just because the threads are the same weight does not mean they will run in your machine with out adjusting the thread tensions on your machine.
Each brand and type of thread is different and may run differently on your machine.

EastWitch2

BFC-Stash sells both Rayon and Polyester thread.
It is great quality thread and there are many, many colors to choose from.

Here is the link to the website.
http://www.BFC-Stash.com

I recommend this thread.
EastWitch2

The difference between Polyester and Rayon embroidery thread is that Polyester thread can be bleached using Chlorine Bleach and it will not fade.
It can be washed in hot water.



Rayon should be washed in warm or cold water and can be bleached using the dry bleach such as Javex 2 for all colors which is not a Chlorine bleach.
It is safe for all white and colored items and Rayon thread.



Most embroiders use Polyester thread for items that will be washed and bleached often such as childrens clothing or kitchen items.



I use rayon most of the time and have not had any problems with it breaking or with it fading when washed. I do not use Chlorine bleach for most items so don't have that problem with thread fading.



If you purchase a good quality Rayon you will not have any problems with it. That does not mean you have to pay top dollar for it either.



Polyester thread has a stretch to it and when you wind a bobbin with it or when emboidering with it it is a good idea to slow your machine down abit.
This will help the stretching and the relaxing of the thread which can cause thread breaks or uneven stitching of the designs and looping problems.



Most thread breaks are caused by dull needles, stitching at too high a speed, tensions not set right for the thread being used and the machine not being threaded right or thread getting caught up on rough spots on the needle plate or along the thread path or on the spool that the thread is on.




BFC-Stash sells Admelody thread in both Rayon and Polyester and it is a very good, high quality thread, has a high sheen and is very reasonably priced. I use it now for most of my embroidery and highly recommend it.

East Witch

Well I prefer the poly thread, it doesn't fade with multiple washings, as rayon will. I stitched one towel with rayon and it faded with the first washing in cold water and mild detergent.My machine did not like the rayon thread. I bought Metro and I love it. I also have some Coats & Clark and it does quite well. But all in all I don't think you can beat the Metro for the sheen, variety of colors and also the price. It's a steal and a big winner for me. also I might add it depends on our machine which thread it works best with I have a Baby Lock ESE2. Just my opinion!!!

2 comments

by joann1 08 Jun 2010

where dpo you buy metro thread?

by quiltingqueen 08 Jun 2010

Yes - I'd like to know, too! Where can I buy this Metro thread that several of you are talking about? Is it a website??

Years ago I would answer if you want a beautiful shine go with rayon. Times have changed with sites like Metro their poly thread is as shiny as a rayon and the price is fantastic. When it is all cut and dried it usually comes down to 2 things for me price and quality Metro covers both. I like to get the most bang for my buck

1 comment

by joann1 08 Jun 2010

where to get it

I think it depends on the project and the look you are after. Rayon is shiny, poly is usually not. I expect rayon would be more fragile and prone to breakage.

Thi sis a really good topic! I never even considered using polyester thread for embroidering! I have always used rayon or viscose. I do like the sheen of these threads and the polyester thread is dull...but I never even considered it. Hmmmm...wonder why???

I know I've had my (rayon) thread tangle sometimes and it does break occasionally, but I would just put several drops of silicone sewer's aid on it to 'treat it' so to speak.

I am curious now...I think I will try using some poly thread next time I do a baby bib - as that's what I seem to be doing lots of lately. Stocking up for the Farmer's Marker Craft Fair opening soon!

I was told by a real experienced gal...that the rayon will fade so I only have used poly...

I'm pretty new to machine embroidering...so far I've only used polyester.

I too only use Poly. Seems not so much lint left in my machine to clean up!

I use nothing but poly (seems much stronger than rayon to me). I have Floriani and MetroEmb.com threads and I like the sheen on them just fine.

I like both depends on what I am doing

If I am making Ornaments or items that don't get a lot of wear I like the rayon for it's sheen. Mostly I use polyester.

Both have their pros and cons. I like poly better, but there are embroiderers who will use rayon under some circumstances and poly at other times. I'll be interested in seeing the answers others will be giving.