Now, if I could only convince ATS to have the 1100 yd spools permanently on sale, life would be perfect!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
An Obsessive Sewer Obsesses About Thread
Most basic books on sergers advise against trying to match looper thread to the fabric. A more economical approach, these books say, is to buy cones of neutral colors that can blend with, rather than match the fabric. An Obsessive Sewer like me cringes at such a suggestion. Matching thread is the latest obsession I've chosen to indulge.
It started with the Gutermann thread sale at Atlanta Thread Supply. When sewing woven fabrics, in addition to the conventional machine, I use the five thread stitch on my serger: two-thread chain stitch + three-thread overlock. I thought the 1100 yard spools (sale price - $1.85) would be a perfect way to buy matching thread to be used for the overlock stitch. I'd have over 700 colors from which to choose. I downloaded the color chart from the ATS site, but I didn't trust it. The colors changed from monitor to printer and neither matched the color chart printed in the catalog. So, I spent $18 on the Real Thread Gutermann Color Chart. My plan was to use the Real Thread chart to select matching thread to be used for the overlock stitch and get thread for the chain stitch and conventional machine by shopping my thread stash or buying it from JoAnn. I'd have five spools that matched the fabric and each other perfectly.
I went to JoAnn and bought regular spools of Gutermann for my next project. When I got home, I compared the thread I'd just bought with the samples on the chart. The label on the spool said #639, but it did not match the sample #639 from the chart on which I'd just spent $18. I started to get nervous. Using the chart, I'd just selected and ordered eighteen spools (for my next several projects) and spent over $30. What if none of the thread matched the fabrics? I had no choice but to wait for the thread to arrive from ATS. It was an obsessive sewer's nightmare.
I needn't have worried. The threads I ordered from ATS matched the colors on the chart, and therefore the fabric. The threads I bought at JoAnn did not match the chart, but more importantly, they matched the fabric. I can't explain why the thread I bought at JoAnn's did not match the samples on the color chart. Apparently the numbering systems are not the same. But all of the spools matched the fabric and my obsessive soul was happy.
Now, how would I store all of this fantastic matching thread? The answer was in my supermarket. I bought small square snack storage containers that are the perfect size for keeping three matching spools together among the cones of thread in a large bin.
Now, if I could only convince ATS to have the 1100 yd spools permanently on sale, life would be perfect!
Now, if I could only convince ATS to have the 1100 yd spools permanently on sale, life would be perfect!
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I'm with you on this one! I like all the threads to match, so yes, I've got shoeboxes full of not only cones, but multiple spools of the same color for the serger. Even though you can't see the seam allowances, it would drive me nuts to know the threads doesn't match. Just can't do it.
ReplyDeleteWhen the thread is buy one, get one at Joann's is the time to get it. Just take fabric samples.
I'm not quite so obsessive but I do have color cards for embroidery thread and I have always thought the cards with every color laid out look so beautiful. And makes it hard to choose since when I see a color I like, I then see another I like just as much.
ReplyDeleteYou are funny! :) At one point my goal was to own a spool of thread for each color on the chart. But as I started to purchase them I realized that the difference in shades in some of the colors is so miniscule that I abandoned that goal. However, I have alot of these spools of thread and serger thread because like you I am obsessive about color match. Oh and because I shop all of their sales...don't worry they come around 3-4 times a year, just stock up then!
ReplyDeleteYou gave me a laugh this a.m. I'm not that obsessive, but hey, go with the flow, I say....Glad all the thread matched--what a relief for you. Your storage ideas are great!
ReplyDeleteI try to match serger thread, but I'm mostly a blender if I'm sewing something for which I don't have the exact match. It used to bug me, but I'm over it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi, Elaray. I may have the answer for you.
ReplyDeleteGutermann's threads for home sewing machines do not go by the same numbers as their thread for industrial machines. I have the same thread chart and use it to buy industrial cones of thread from various suppliers. The industrial cones match the thread chart exactly. As you found out, the home sewing spools do not.
The only time I worry about matching serger thread is when the fabric is white or black. Most of the time the threads are several shades of grey; Maybe if I'm really good I'll use one color that matches the fabric. Now to sew the seam-Yea it has to match and I love altanta thread and supply.
ReplyDeleteI have the $18 thread chart too. I am not as anal as i used to be, but I do like to at least match my seam forming thread and to be in a similar tone for my seging.
ReplyDeleteGood deal that you got the thread you needed for such a cheap price. I took advantage of that $1.85 sale as well. I should have bought the color card and definitely plan to do so in the future.
ReplyDelete