Why No Polyester Thread From Our Sewing Machine Vendors?

[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.