Yesterday we took a detailed look at 3 key weights of Coats Dual Duty XP thread and their benefits. What we sew with, makes a difference in our project, whether it’s purely practical, such as altering a garment, or a more creative one.
It’s sounds wasteful to contemplate throwing away sewing thread, but when you make something with your sewing machine, or hand stitching, good quality threads, and threads that are stored properly will enhance your work.
Fresh new threads enhance your creative as well as your practical sewing projects.
While I was working in a sewing store, a customer came in steaming mad because the thread kept breaking on her brand new machine. Since thread choice is key to successful sewing, I asked what kind of thread she used. Her answer? “I don’t know. I inherited this box of thread that had been stored in the attic years ago”.
When I explained that old thread may not be good thread and cheap thread is the worst, it was a big revelation. She eventually bought new thread and came back later to thank me. Thread can last for years if it’s stored properly, but exposure to direct or sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures can compromise its integrity.
Pamper yourself this month and go through your thread box with the following in mind.
- Test your ‘old’ threads. Take a 38 – 45cm piece of thread, hold one end in each hand and pull on it until it breaks. If you feel some resistance, it’s probably okay, but if it breaks easily, it’s time to say goodbye.
- Look at the color of a few meters of your old threads. Do they start out light, then get darker? This is thread that has been discolored by light exposure and it’s probably time for it to go, too.
- Consider tossing thread with just a few meters left on the spool. It’s unlikely that you’ll actually have enough to use on a project when you need that color, so it’s really just clutter.
- Banish any ‘5/$1 bargain’ or thrifted threads and replenish your supply with fabulous new threads.
Coats Dual Duty XP thread
Here’s a helpful tool for your shopping needs, a downloadable PDF of the Dual Duty XP 114 meter spool color choices. Print and stash this in your thread box for future reference!
Join me tomorrow for one more benefit to the Dual Duty XP thread collection I’m sure you’re going to like!
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