Different types of thread & how/when to use them?

[Katymac]

I know you can get polyester thread - which I used almost all the time

I just bought some lovely cotton which I am using on a silk dress

I also have some invisible thread and I've been advised to buy stretch thread - so what do I do with them?

I think I need some help?

Katy, get yourself onto the Hobbycraft website. Guterrman thread is 50% off at the moment and free delivery on orders over £30.

For all construction sewing I would use polyester. Cotton thread should only be used for natural fibres materials. Only time I've sewn silk it was dupion, I used silk thread too.

Invisible thread is a nightmare. Cut short lengths because it tangles easily. I only use it for hand sewing embellishments.

I asked about stretch thread my manager told me not to waste my money. I used to work for a family run haberdashers/sewing machine stockist in our area. This is what I was told - Once the 'stretch' thread has passed through the tension discs of the machine it will be stretched out and not give a stretchy seam you are hoping for.

For a decorative effect you can use a metallic thread through the needle but use an embroidery needle bigger eye and stitch slowly, maybe have short breaks. Metallic thread can break easily and gets hot, the burning smell is not good. If you have an overlocker you can make a pretty hem but only use metallic thread in the top looper.

Shirring elastic is used in the sewing machine bobbin only and must be hand wound.

Oh fortified I love you

I really liked the cotton thread - but I will try to be good & only use it for natural stuff

So gutted about the stretch as I was told to use Stretch instead of a zigzag on lycra

My donated overlocker isn't working yet & I haven't found or downloaded the instructions yet

Metallic doesn't appeal except for the odd bit of embroidery

Of course the shirring would go in the bottom as it's always on the wrong side of the fabric why didn't I work that out is it easy?

Having a very bad day DH keeps interrupting

You're welcome

About stretch thread, I was gutted too. I thought it would be ideal when I only had the old Brother machine which only has a triple stitch to use on lycra. I now have a Juki that does the lightning stitch, big improvement.

Shirring elastic is ok to do, I haven't used since I was a kid making dolls clothes. Leave a long tail when pulling your work from the machine. Have a look at YouTube clips of the Sewing Bee (series 1 ?) when the contestants made a child's dress with shirring bodice.

Why isn't your overlocker working? Does it not have a diagram printed on it somewhere showing how to thread it? Advice given to me which I didn't follow use a different coloured thread on each spool pin when you are getting to know your machine. That way if your stitch isn't perfect you can easily identify which thread needs adjusting.

Someone said "Oh you can have that if you want to tinker with it & see if you can get it working"

But I haven't & really need to finish some stuff so it may be a while before I can sit down with it - never mind

Oh dear, sounds like it has come to you with a few problems

Fingers crossed for it just needing new needles and a good oil.

You & me both

But it'll only be time I lose if it doesn't work

Extra thanks here for that brilliant thread tutorial - enlightening!