Tech Tips Embroidery: Caring for Cotton

Feb 1, 2009

While the trend for many embroidered designs calls for using shiny thread, other jobs require thread that gives the overall image a duller, matte finish. Cotton thread serves just that purpose, and designs sewn with it offer a homespun, antique look.

Several thread manufacturers offer cotton thread, as well as a cotton/polyester blend. This blended version is said to be stronger than 100% cotton thread, allowing for sewing at higher machine speeds.

Before considering using cotton thread for your designs, here are a few tips to follow:

• Lighten up on the tension. Cotton is more fragile than other threads, and the tighter tension can cause it to break. Cotton also is a coarse thread, which gives it more resistance when going through the tensioners, therefore requiring less tension pressure on it.

• Cotton thread bleeds. Make sure to get laundering instructions from your thread vendor and include it with any items embroidered with cotton thread. You also can let your customers know that washing embroidered garments in cold water should deter the thread from bleeding, but it is always best to follow the manufacturer's laundering guidelines.

• Cotton thread causes lint buildup, so if your orders call for using a lot of it, you'll need to clean your embroidery machines more often.

• Cotton thread is more fragile than standard thread. To compensate for this, slow down your embroidery machine.

— From the Impressions archives

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