Sewing machine thread - Advice needed on type to use

[bizzylizzy]

Hi all - we're about to embark on a project patchworking a sofa. We'll obviously be using different types of fabric for the patchwork and need to make sure it's sewn together securely but smoothly. I've not done this type of thing before and wondered if anyone could offer any advice on the best thread to buy for my sewing machine which is a normal domestic Bernina. I've heard that some of the threads made for upholstery don't always work in non industrial machines. I don't want to buy lots of thread to find it clags up the work of my machine. Do you think standard thread would be OK? Thank you.

[gness]

Hi Lizzy. I always use Gutterman 100% polyester for projects like this. If you find you have , for some reason, to use a thicker thread buy a new bobbin case and keep for this.
I can't see why a good standard thread won't work for machining.

[Mosaic]

If you are using upholstery fabric, it will be worth getting the beefiest sewing machine needle you can for the machine.
You could try button-hole thread. I think for the strain these seams might have to take, it would be worth doing a double line of stitching or else 'faking' the patchwork by sewing each piece onto a backing cloth, like a curtain lining or even a polyester bedsheet.
Then when it comes to the inevitable strain placed on the finished fabric by upholstering and being sat on, it isn't simply the beautiful patchwork pieces that have to take the pressure.

[bizzylizzy]

Thank you, two great pieces of advice. My husband says patchworking the sofa will be a piece of cake. Well he would wouldn't he :-)

[tamborine]

polyester thread but the patchwork should be reinforced with poly cotton for extra support, or the seams will give.

[bizzylizzy]

Excuse my ignorance, but if you reinforce seams won't that make them bulky? You can tell I/we haven't done this before can't you :-)

[gness]

Bizzy. Do you know about My Junk 4 You? If not google and the guy, who seems very nice, may give you some advice. His work is fantastic.

[gness]

It's myjunk4u.com.

[Mosaic]

What Tambo means is what I was referring to ie stitching the patches onto a backing fabric rather than simply piecing fabric patches together.

[bizzylizzy]

Oooh I see, thank you for that - much appreciated.