Why No Polyester Thread From Our Sewing Machine Vendors?

[silverwingit]

I almost embedded this post in another thread but I decided it should fly on its own merit as it is a question I have had for some time but I've seen no answers to it.

It seems to be common knowledge that polyester thread is superior to nylon in outdoor environments due to its reduced sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Then I ask why most sewing threads I see available from our own vendors as well as others are strictly nylon? Does polyester thread not work in 441 clones like my Cobra Class 4 or other machines in general? If this is not the case, why do our vendors not seem to offer them and where can one purchase polyester threads made for sewing leather?

Inquiring minds would like to know.

Michelle

[Red Cent]

Bonded polyester works great in my Cobra 4. Dirtclod put me on to it some time ago and I have used it ever since.

[Colt W Knight]

Is there a cost difference between the two?

[Northmount]

A list of suppliers with poly thread would help others find it, maybe even close to home.

Tom

[JLSleather]

I get both at thread exchange

[bruce johnson]

Campbell Randall has poly too.

[stelmackr]

When I bought my FERDCO machines (Pro-2000, 441 clone), TK-1245 (Pfaff 1245 clone), TK-206 (Consew 206RB-5 clone) the only thread they recommended way Polyester. Didn't know much about sewing then and didn't know that there was another type until I tried to get more thread after FERDCO closed up business. I've had those same machines for 7-years now and none of them have ever skipped a stitch. I haven't argued with success. I only use black, brown, straw and white thread. Maybe nylon have a wider range of colors.

That's my story, and I'm stick'n to it.

Bob Stelmack

[CowboyBob]

We do have some in stock too.And do to all the calls we've been getting have a large order of poly thread coming in Dec.We will be stocking the same colors as the nylon.In sizes 138,207,277 & 346.

[cdthayer]

I was going to say....

I just bought a pound of 277 Bonded Polyester thread from Cowboy Bob at the Wichita Falls Boot & Saddle Show a couple of weeks ago.......

CD in Oklahoma

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I get both at thread exchange

Ditto... That is where I buy most all the thread I use,

I use only Bonded Polyester in my machines, and have had no issues at all...

[suzelle]

Bonded Poly here - my favorite. I like Sunguard, Coats, and Eddington. Using alterations weight threads, also v-69 thru v-90 (approx), and I want to experiment with some heavier weight threads. Will go with Bonded Poly whenever I can. Much of my sewn products are used outdoors, so I do prefer the UV protection.

[silverwingit]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I appreciate knowing the sources for polyester thread, but my question had to do with why the sewing machine companies that advertise here seem to favor bonded nylon since until Cowboy Bob's recent additions none offered polyester.

I just wondered if they omit selling polyester for some reason. Why not just sell and use only polyester since it seems to sew as well as nylon but lasts longer in an outdoor environment? Why bother with nylon at all?

Thanks,

Michelle

[Tramps Leatherworking]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I appreciate knowing the sources for polyester thread, but my question had to do with why the sewing machine companies that advertise here seem to favor bonded nylon since until Cowboy Bob's recent additions none offered polyester.

I just wondered if they omit selling polyester for some reason. Why not just sell and use only polyester since it seems to sew as well as nylon but lasts longer in an outdoor environment? Why bother with nylon at all?

Thanks,

Michelle

Michelle,

My guess would be because Nylon thread has been around since the 1930's and at one time had the reputation of being more sewable and stronger than Polyester thread.

At one time this may have been true, but the formulations used for both nylon and polyester threads have evolved over time to the point that Polyester is just as strong and sewable as Nylon, plus you get the added benefit of better outdoor durability in the Polyester threads.

I use Polyester mostly because I work in the Motorcycle/Biker genre and outdoor durability is a concern. (Motorcycles are meant to be ridden, not kept in a garage). Also, in some cases Polyester is actually stronger than Nylon of the same thread sizes.

~Tramp~

Edited November 4, 2014 by Tramps Leatherworking

[silverwingit]

Thanks, Tramp. That's just the sort of answer I was looking for. I figured it was something like that. Still I wonder why Leather Machines, Toledo Industrial and Techsew either offer no polyester at all or just a bit almost as an afterthought.

I guess its time for me to start switching out my inventory of nylon thread. I've got a bunch, so that will take some time. Meanwhile, I'll buy some polyester thread from one of the above vendors when I make something for outdoor use.

Warm Regards,

Michelle

[TwinOaks]

There is also the feel of the thread itself to consider. I've felt both bonded poly AND nylon that was stiff and coarse....and other samples that had a soft hand to them. In the case of garment work, I suspect it's the softer hand of nylon that keeps it on the spools, as well as color assortment.