I use Rayon because it is left over from when I first started embroidering and that was all that was available then.

Rayon does have more sheen and that's why a lot of people use it for things that won't be washed that much.

I've used rayon since I bought my first embroidery machine in 1992 as it was the only embroidery thread my dealer sold. I used cotton embroidery thread which I had been using for free hand embroidery on my normal sewing machine. I never had any problems.

Not until 3 years ago did I use polyester - I got a complete set of colours with my EP-4. I prefer the rayon colours and their sheen.

When I use rayon threads after the design is done I set the stitches with an iron. I put the design face down on a towel and iron from the back and don't disturb until cooled down. I mostly use rayon thread on items that don't need washing often.

It's girls and SHINEY things! Rayon isn't bleachable, but does wash fine. I do the same thing as capoodle ~ set the stitches with an iron. I just LOVE SULKY and don't have any trouble with shrinking. When I first started embroidering I thought I was having shrinking, then I realized that I wasn't stabilizing properly.;)

I have some sulky rayon left and use it when I need those specific colors but now use mostly polyester. Once my sulky is used up will use only poly.

I use Rayon for most embroidery but really like it for Free Standing Lace embroidery as it gives a softer result.

I find that embroidering with Rayon thread I never get looping of the thread on my designs as I think this is because it has very little stretch in comparison to Polyester embroidery thread.

Also there are more color choices in Rayon thread than Polyester thread

Items that have designs that are embroidered with Rayon thread should be washed in Warm or Cold water.
It does withstand numerous wahings just fine.

Rayon thread should not be bleached with Chlorine Bleach.

I use polyester thread, but I have a question about designs--whenever I use a dense design, I have shredding of thread, even stabilizing with extra layers. Does rayon sew dense designs better? I've never used any rayon.

Rayon has a beautiful patina but I only use it for special things that don't need washing often and also for 3d flowers, fsl and whatever I feel needs something special like heirloom.

Good question,and I see you got some great answers. I use poly because it came with my machine but lately I have used some rayon. As others have said,there are lovely colours!
Hugs, Nadyne

Since my machine gags on Rayon, I have no choice but I think a lot of people like it for it's shine. I use Isacord and Florini poly and it shines just as well and does not fade or shrink like Rayon.

MJDG

it really does have more sheen to it sew it shows off more!as

Interesting!!! 'They' say we learn something new every day.... I learn a lot every day.
I'm going to try capoodle's idea of not disturbing the ironed embroidery until it's cooled down next time I get to my machine.
I've had some shrinking with my embroidery for some time now and thought it was tension, stabiliser, needles - all the usual reasons. I think maybe I've attacked the finished product with the iron with too much gusto and maybe the thread has reacted adversely and paid me back by shrinking.
AlmaG.

I use Robison-Anton rayon thread it is a more expensive thread but I have had no trouble with it shrinking it is the one recomended for my machine but I do use a good quality polyester and it sews well but I have bought cheap poly and when you give it the stretch test it almost doubles in length and my machine doesnt like it one bit. Hugs Joyce

I too use Robison Anton rayon and have never had a problem with shrinking or fading. I like it for the shine and color selections. I have been using the Metro poly also. Hugs..Carol

I have used rayon threads ever since I bought my first embroidery machine and that was a lot of years ago. I have used lots of different brands and none has ever shrunk.I have also used poly and no problems there either.I still have some of the original designs I embroidered on clothes which have been washed many, many times and they look as good as new.

Thanks for all the great answers!

I've always used poly. I've never tried rayon. I had heard it was harder to work with so have stuck to poly with good results.
Meri

I have never tried rayon thread, as from the beginning of my machine embroidering, I had read so much about it fading. But, now after listening to all the great answers, I think I will try it for items to be framed, or things I will not wash, just to compare the sheen. I was also encouraged to buy a set of poly threads, when I first bought my machine, so just never ventured into trying rayon. Now, I will.
Hugs, Angel

Jan, I use both rayon and poly and have never had a problem with either. I just love the sheen on rayon and usually use it on floral designs. Sarah.

I have used all types and labels. Occasionally Metro messes up. I still use it on my smaller machine. After reading the comments I will try some of the suggestions. Thank you for asking this question!

Threading hugs, Bonnie

Which thread one uses is purely a pesonal decision. Years ago, the polyester thread did not have the nice sheen or color range that it does nowadays. I love the rayon threads for their appearance. The colors are just lucious to me and the thread is softer. But I switch between the two in three cases.

The polyesters can be more safely bleached. I've heard of some people bleaching rayon, but I sure don't recommend it if you want to keep your work looking nice.

It is not a problem to use them both in the same design. If I don't have a particular thread in rayon, I simply use the polyester.

Also, my machine will sometimes not like a particular color in polyester, but if I switch to a rayon, it works fine and visa versa. Some machines are quirky like that.

Thread shredding isn't the result of using one kind of thread or another unless the thread has received damage of some sort like sun damage or poor quality thread.