Are All Thread Makers/vendors Created Equal?

[JWP]

  On 3/13/2014 at 11:19 AM, JWP said:

I think I am finding out that all threads are not created equal. I buy Nylon Bonded and use a lot of 277 on the holsters I make. I remember getting a beautiful 6 stitch to an inch seam with the black thread I got

with my stitching machine when I bought it. When I ran out and switched to some thead I got a "deal" on that was no longer true. Thinking something on the machine changed I Started making adjustments to the machine. In frustration I put the settings back to factory and started looking

for answers. One day I had an order for white seams. When I Changed thread I used the white that I got with my machine and there was my beautiful stitch again! Is my discovery that all threads are not created equal true? And a lot of us folks partway through our leather apprenticeship could save time and money if any of you contributors are willing to stick your neck out and tell us what works best. I have a ton of respect for you folks out there who have forgotten more about leather working than I will ever know who re willing to take the time to help us who are still in the learning curve. Thank you in advance for answering my questions and if you see me screwing up in these forums PLEASE don't hesitate to let me know.

Edited by JWP, Yesterday, 04:27 AM.

[dirtclod]

Polyester thread IMO is the best hands down ! I won't use nylon unless i have to. Personally i think it's hard your machine. I had to use some nylon because i had run out polyester and it seemed like it put the machine in a strain. Made a different sound anyway and when i my polyester came in and i put it on the sound was gone. I've used this machine for 20 years and i know when it makes a different sound.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

People do not usually think about their thread until it becomes a problem, either dye running or thread breaking, or maybe break points of threads on test equipment.

There are many suppliers, many vendors, and many brand names of thread, many who use the same supplier, but with different name.

I think that in the long run, buying good thread will increase productivity, reduce waste, and provide peace of mind. The cost/savings factor per job is not that great, and you should easily be able to build it into the price of the job.

Think about it, if your doing a job, lets say for yourself, or a family member, would you choose to use a cone of thread from a reputable suppler, or some over stock no name stuff that may have been sitting for a while? I don't know, that's how I see it, anyways.

[Sabine1]

I've been told (by a thread manufacturer) that the same linen that has 35 lb tensile strength has 95 lb tensile strength in polyester. And it comes already waxed which is another inducement.