Thread material:

·         Cotton is a spun traditional thread for general purpose use.

·         Cotton/Polyester is a slightly stretchy cotton thread with a polyester core, which retains the traditional look of cotton.

·         Fusible thread fuses fabrics together when ironed, uses include binding and applique.

·         Linen thread is a spun thread usually in a thicker gauge than normally used for fabrics.  It can be waxed to make it resistant to mildew and more durable.  Uses included traditional leather work, luggage/handbags and beadwork.

·         Metallic threads have a delicate metallic coating usually protected by an extremely vibrant and colourful, can also have glitter and/or texture.  Mainly used as a decorative thread.

·         Nylon thread is a transparent monofilament that can be melted by a hot iron.  The thread is usually stronger than polyester thread.

·          Polyester thread is a synthetic blend, stronger and stretches more than cotton.  It also has little or no lint and may be texturised.

·         Rayon thread is not considered to be a natural fibre as it is made from cellulose and is highly processed. 

·         Silk thread is very fine, strong and a hard-to-see thread which tends to disintegrate over time.  With its high strength and high sheen, it us used for attaching beads.

·         Wool is a thicker thread with a homespun look.  It has a rougher texture, is highly insulating and water absorbent.

·         Water-soluble is a temporary thread that dissolves when washed.

Weight (Wt.)

The most common weight system for thread specifies the length of the thread in kilometres required to weigh 1 kilogram, a greater weight number (indicated in the American standard by the abbreviation wt) indicates a thinner, finer thread. The American standard of thread weight was adopted from the Gunze Count standard of Japan, which uses two numbers separated by a forward slash. The first number corresponds to the wt number of the thread, and the second number indicates how many strands of fibre were used to compose the finished thread.

·         Light weight, 60wt (#60/3) used for bobbin or applique

·         Thin weight, 50wt (#50/3) used for bobbin or applique

·         Regular weight, 40wt (#40/3) commonly used for quilting

·         Upholstery weight, 30wt (#30/3) is mainly a decorative thread

·         Heavy weight, 20wt (#20/3) mainly decorative.