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 Linen vs Polyester Thread: Which is Best for Sewing Clothes?

As a sewing enthusiast, you may wonder which thread is best suited for sewing clothes between linen and polyester. Both materials have their unique qualities, pros, and cons. In this article, we will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each thread and guide you on which one is best for sewing clothes.

Sewing is an art that requires skill, attention to detail, and the right choice of materials. The type of thread used in sewing plays a vital role in reinforcing seams, ensuring durability, and enhancing the appearance of the finished garment.

Linen thread is an ancient and natural material that has been used for sewing clothes for centuries. On the other hand, polyester thread has gained popularity in recent years due to its strength, durability, and affordability.

Linen vs Polyester Thread: Which is Best for Sewing Clothes?
Linen vs Polyester Thread: Which is Best for Sewing Clothes?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Linen Thread

Linen thread is a strong, natural fiber that is made from the flax plant. It is considered an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic threads like polyester. Here are some advantages of using linen thread for sewing clothes:

Advantages

  • Naturally strong and resistant to abrasion and damage even under high-stress levels
  • Creates a subtle and natural sheen on fabric, which is ideal for sewing on natural fabrics like linen and cotton.
  • Breathability of clothes as it allows air circulation through natural fabric allows the body to breathe
  • An eco-friendly option as it is biodegradable and releases fewer particles into our environment during production.
  • Anti-static properties of linen thread make it perfect for sewing summer clothes, which are prone to static charges

Disadvantages

  • Limited color options: linen thread is mostly available in neutral shades like white, ivory or beige
  • Prone to breakage if subjected to strong tensile forces
  • High moisture absorption capabilities sometimes make it too stretchy, which causes puckering around seams.
  • It has poor resistance to sunlight and UV rays, which makes it unsuitable for sewing clothes that are frequently used outdoors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polyester Thread

A polyester thread is a synthetic alternative to natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and linen. It is among the most commonly used threads in sewing clothes, owing to its affordability and durability.

Advantages

  • Polyester threads come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to match them to the fabric
  • High tensile strength, making them suitable for heavy-duty sewing such as topstitching and buttonholes.
  • It also tolerates repeated washings and dries quickly while retaining its color and form.
  • Better resistance to UV rays and sunlight than natural fibers, making it perfect for outdoor clothing.
  • Resistant to wrinkling and puckering around seams, which makes clothes remain smooth and crisp.

Disadvantages

  • Polyester threads are not breathable, which may cause the wearer to experience heat and sweatiness
  • It may also cause skin irritation especially to people with sensitive skin
  • The synthetic thread may produce static electricity making cloths cling to the body
  • Though polyester is recyclable, it is non-biodegradable and causes harm to the environment during production.
  • Over exposure to high heat may cause the thread to melt and weaken

Which is Best for Sewing Clothes?

The type of thread you choose for sewing clothes depends on the specific garments you intend to create. If you are making summer clothes, linen threads are best suited as the thread’s anti-static properties allow the body to cool naturally. It also blends well with the natural fabric creating a perfect finish.

Polyester thread is best suited for sewers who value durability, affordability, and many color options. Clothes that need to withstand constant wear and washing, like school uniforms or athletic wear, are best suited to polyester threads binding. It is also suitable for topstitching, zigzag stitches, and buttonholes that place heavy tension on seams.

In conclusion, choosing the right thread for sewing clothes is an essential aspect of ensuring the garments’ success and durability. While polyester thread has gained popularity in recent years, linen thread remains a popular choice for natural fabrics and perfect finishes. We hope this article has given you an idea of what to consider when selecting the thread that best suits your garment needs.

Comparison of linen and polyester thread

Thread PropertiesLinen ThreadPolyester Thread
DurabilityBreaks after long useLong-lasting
MoistureAbsorbs moisture easilyDries quickly
Color optionsLimitedWide range
Environmentally friendlyBiodegradableNon-biodegradable
StrengthProne to breakageStrong and durable
Resistance to UV RaysWeakerStronger

Conclusion

In conclusion, each thread type presents distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on the intended use and desired outcome of the garment being sewn. By comparing the properties of linen and polyester threads, it becomes possible to determine which thread is best suited for sewing a specific garment.

Linen thread’s natural properties make it an ideal choice for sewing natural fabrics, especially cotton and linen, due to its breathability and anti-static properties. It’s also an excellent choice for items that require a subtle and natural sheen, such as embroidery or heirloom garments. However, it’s less suitable for garments that are frequently washed or exposed to UV rays.

Polyester thread, on the other hand, is more versatile and durable, making it an ideal choice for garments that require strength and durability, such as school uniforms, sportswear or denim garments. It’s best for sewing clothes that require frequent washing or exposure to UV rays, and the variety of colors makes it easier to match to the fabric, giving just the right finished look.

In conclusion, while each thread has its own set of pros and cons, ultimately, the choice of thread comes down to personal preference. Nonetheless, it’s worth considering the strengths and weaknesses of each thread type, taking into account the intended use of the garment and the type of finish required. A little research, coupled with experience, will guide you into ultimately settling on the best choice of thread type for your sewing needs.

References

  1. Samson, Nicole. (2018). Linen or Polyester Thread? Available at https://closetcasepatterns.com/2018/09/linen-vs-polyester-thread/. Accessed on 20th August 2021.
  2. The Spruce Crafts. (2020). The Best Sewing Threads to Use for Any Sewing Project. Available at https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/sewing-threads-explained-4766886. Accessed on 20th August 2021.