Have you ever found yourself standing in the sewing aisle, staring at countless types of threads, and pondering which ones to pick for your next project? You’re not alone! Many sewing enthusiasts and beginners just like you find themselves puzzled when it comes to distinguishing between serger thread and sewing thread. This article is designed to guide you through the ins and outs of these two types of threads, ensuring you make the best choice for your next creation.
Understanding Threads: The Basics
Before diving into the specifics of serger thread versus sewing thread, it might help to know what we mean by the term “thread” in the context of sewing. Thread is a long, thin strand of fibers used to stitch materials together. It comes in various materials, thicknesses, and strengths—all designed to suit different fabrics and purposes.
Sewing Thread
Sewing thread is perhaps what you’re most familiar with. It’s the standard thread used in most sewing machines and is suitable for a wide variety of fabrics and projects. Typically, it’s composed of natural or synthetic fibers, such as cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. Sewing thread is generally thicker and has a smooth finish, which helps it glide through fabric with ease.
Sewing thread is versatile, but it is primarily designed for straight stitches and simple machine operations. You’ll find it in various weights and colors, providing an enormous palette to work with when matching fabrics.
Serger Thread
Serger thread, on the other hand, is specifically made for use in serging machines, also known as overlock or coverstitch machines. These threads are generally finer and lighter than regular sewing thread, as they need to move quickly through the machine without adding excessive bulk.
Serger threads are typically sold in larger cones to accommodate the high thread usage of sergers, which can use multiple threads at once. They’re also generally less expensive per yard than standard sewing thread. Serger threads are known for their stretch, making them ideal for knit fabrics and seams that need to flex, such as activewear or lingerie.
Exploring Sergers
A serger is a type of sewing machine designed to sew over the edge of one or two pieces of fabric, cutting off excess material and enclosing the seam allowance or hem inside a thread casing simultaneously. This operation makes sergers incredibly efficient for finishing seams and giving garments a professional look.
Common Serger Brands
Some of the top serger brands you might come across include Brother, Janome, Juki, and Singer, among others. Each of these brands offers a range of machines with various features, from basic models to more advanced, multifunctional options. These brands are renowned for their reliability, user-friendly interfaces, and durability, making them a favorite among both hobbyists and professionals.
Serger Thread Systems: 2, 3, 4, and 5-Thread Options
A critical factor to consider when working with sergers is the number of threads your machine can accommodate.
- 2-Thread Sergers: These are less common but useful for lightweight fabrics and creating a simple edge finish.
- 3-Thread Sergers: Ideal for basic overcasting and hemming. They’re great for light to medium-weight fabrics and provide a moderately strong seam.
- 4-Thread Sergers: These are very popular and offer a balanced mix of strength and flexibility, suitable for most general purposes, from seam finishing to creating stretchable seams.
- 5-Thread Sergers: They offer a wide range of stitch options, including the safety stitch, ideal for heavy-duty applications and industry-standard seam finishes.
The number of threads used affects the strength and finish of the seam, so selecting the proper setup is crucial based on your project needs.
Understanding the Purpose of Each Thread
When to Use Sewing Thread
You’ll want to use sewing thread in a standard sewing machine setting for most basic sewing needs. It is excellent for:
- Quilting: Providing durability and a wealth of color options.
- Topstitching and Decorative Sewing: Offering strength and aesthetic appeal.
- Garment Construction: Stitching fabrics together with precision and care.
For any project requiring straight stitches or working with woven fabrics, sewing thread is your go-to due to its strength and finish.
When to Use Serger Thread
Serger thread is perfect for:
- Finishing Edges: Giving your pieces a clean, professional look by wrapping the thread around the cut edge of fabrics.
- Stretchable Seams: Essential for knits that require seams able to flex without breaking.
- High-Volume Production: Efficient for projects requiring a lot of stitching, like finishing seams on large batches of garments.
For tasks like creating rolled hems, working with stretchy materials, or producing garments that need a high level of polish and professional finish, serger thread is the superior choice.
Comparing Key Differences
Both serger and sewing thread have their unique purposes and applications, but what sets them apart? Here’s a closer look:
| Feature | Sewing Thread | Serger Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and Thickness | Thicker, smoother finish | Finer, lightweight |
| Material Composition | Generally cotton or polyester | Often polyester or nylon blend |
| Cost | Higher per yard cost | Lower per yard, sold in larger cones |
| Use and Application | Basic sewing, topstitching | Seaming and edge finishing |
| Machinery | Standard sewing machines | Serger/overlock machines |
Understanding these differences will surely streamline your selection process and augment your sewing capabilities.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
Choosing between serger thread and sewing thread can significantly influence the outcome of your sewing project. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Project Type
Does your project involve stretchy fabrics, such as knits or lycra? If so, serger thread would suit you better due to its stretchability. However, if you’re working with cotton or denim, sewing thread is likely the better option for seams that require more strength and less stretch.
Machine Type
Check the capabilities of your machine. If you’re using a regular sewing machine, you’ll use sewing thread. If you have invested in a serger, especially one capable of using 3 or more threads, exploring the vast benefits of serger thread will optimize your machine’s potential.
Desired Finish
For a pristine, polished edge that prevents fraying, serger thread is the way to go. For tasks requiring strong, straight stitches, sewing thread offers durability and consistency.
Tips for Thread Selection
Getting the best results out of your projects requires more than just choosing the right type of thread. Here are a few other aspects to consider:
Inspect Thread Quality
Not all threads are made equal. Inspect the thread quality before making a purchase. Look at the ply (number of strands twisted together), colorfastness, and tensile strength. Threads should be smooth and consistent without any fraying or weak spots.
Color Matching
Select a thread color that matches your fabric for a subtle finish, or choose a contrasting color to make your stitches stand out as a decorative element.
Experiment
Don’t hesitate to try out different thread combinations. Use samples to test their performance by examining how well they hold, their appearance after laundering, and how they interact with your fabric choice.
Expanding Your Sewing Arsenal
Consider expanding your sewing toolkit by incorporating both serger and sewing threads into your collection. Understanding how to use each one properly opens up a world of creative possibilities, whether you’re creating an everyday garment, adding extraordinary embellishments, or mastering advanced sewing techniques like rolled hems.
Conclusion
Sewing and serging both have their relevant spheres of influence, and understanding when to use each one can significantly enhance your sewing journey. Whether you’re a novice unsure of which thread to pick up for the first time or a seasoned sewer looking to unlock the full potential of your serging machine, the knowledge of thread types is indispensable. By making informed choices, you’ll create projects that not only hold together but look seamless and polished—a reflection of your growing skills and passion. So next time you find yourself in the sewing aisle, or poised over your fabric with a spool in hand, you’ll know exactly what kind of thread is best suited for your masterpiece.
You can follow up on this article by looking at our detailed serger reviews on this site. Click on the link at the top of the page where it says ‘REVIEWS’.