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Member since 4/15/09
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 4/23/09 12:44 PM ET
Just wondering if anyone can tell me if it is OK to use cotton thread to sew a dress made out of 100% cotton fabric.
I plan to pre-wash and pre-shrink the fabric, however what might happen if I wash it after I've sewn it with cotton thread? Will the cotton thread shrink and make the dress get bunchy?

Should I just go back to the store and buy Polyester thread?

Thanks!

Amanda
  
Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 4/23/09 1:12 PM ET
In reply to apileggi
Absolutely. In fact, David Coffin recommends embroidery weight cotton thread in his shirtmaking book. I like to use embroidery weight cotton on light weight fabrics, especially if I am making french seams as there is less thread build up. regular cotton thread will pose no problem.
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Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 4/23/09 3:05 PM ET
In reply to Nancy K
Nancy - this would be embroidery weight as in thread made for machine embroidery?
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Member since 4/15/09
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 4/23/09 3:18 PM ET
So the thread that I had purchased was Gutterman 100% Cotton. Will this thread still be OK to use on 100% Cotton fabric that has been preshrunk?
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 8572
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Posted on: 4/23/09 3:40 PM ET
In reply to apileggi
Gutterman and Mettler Cotton threads are both nice quality. They will be absolutely fine for your project; in fact, cotton thread is less likely to cause puckery seams than polyester thread is.
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Member since 4/15/09
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 4/23/09 3:48 PM ET
In reply to Karla Kizer
Thanks Nancy and Karla for the great tips! Much appreciated : )

Amanda
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 4/23/09 7:29 PM ET
In reply to apileggi
I love Gutermann cotton thread! And, I use it on my poly/cotton knits as well.
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Member since 3/23/09
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Posted on: 4/24/09 3:10 AM ET
If you're worried, also try just line drying rather than throwing the items in the dryer.
  
Member since 2/17/07
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Posted on: 4/24/09 7:45 PM ET
Also be sure your machine tensions are set properly when sewing. Do some practice seams on scrap fabric before you start sewing your garment. Be sure the seam is smooth, with the stitches balanced top to bottom, and not so tight that the thread wants to break if you pull on the seam. Of course, I may be stating the obvious here; if so, I apologize.

Good luck, and have fun!
Al
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Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 4/24/09 7:56 PM ET
In reply to tourist
I suppose it is, but I don't machine embroider. In Mettler it is sold as a 60/2 weight instead of 50 weight. I can get Gutterman cotton thread locally so I use that but I used to use Mettler because my old dealer carried it. Both are excellent thread and as Karla stated it is less likely to cause puckering because it doesn't stretch like polyester can. Years ago I took French couture sewing lessons and she sold the most gorgeous cotton thread in every color and we used it for everything. I have no idea what brand it was.
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