Click Here to find all the episodes of this
podcast!So the Great Polyester Thread Debate can be summed up pretty simply: I think this is a myth, a rumor, and
just like using starch, a potential great product being demonized for no reason.
Pretty strong words? I'm just
getting started!
Sure, there may be a basis for polyester thread having a bad reputation in the 1970's when there wasn't a lot of great quilting materials on the market. The American bicentennial created a resurgence of interest in traditional hand crafts and many people were jumping in, but manufacturers and stores just weren't prepared for the demand.
So could there have been a situation where the cotton fabric of a quilt was shredded by strong, brittle polyester threads? Sure.
I'm not denying this situation could have happened. I wasn't alive back then so I can't (and wouldn't want to) defend the polyester threads of the past.
Which brings me to my second point -
that was over 40 years ago! Manufacturing has changed, new products have been invented and the polyester threads we have to work with today are just plain awesome. My favorite
polyester thread is Isacord which is available in over 300 colors, comes in 1000 meter spools for around $6 and is strong, thin, and stitches beautifully.
But it really doesn't matter what thread I like or what works best for me.
The most important thing is to try it yourself. That's it for this week! I hope you
enjoy the polyester thread breakdown and have a great week.
Until next time, let's go quilt.
Leah Day
