Thread is one of those things that
we depend heavily on but typically ignore until it causes a
crisis, such as excessive thread breaks and/or shreds. Such
problems may be the result of a defective cone, but it’s far
more likely that the quality issues are the result of improper
handling and storage.
The most important aspect of thread care is proper storage. Most
embroiderers use the same system for managing their thread
inventory: any available space. Walk in to almost any shop and
you will see various cones piled up in every available location
- countertops, shelves, desks, the back of a machine, etc. This
is the worst possible way to handle your valuable thread as it
can lead to the following situations: |
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Thread Dents
(What the heck is that?) When a cone falls onto the floor, the
point of impact can “dent” the thread, resulting in a weak spot
(or spots) that can ultimately lead to problems as the thread
travels toward the needle. If you are one of those people that
consider your machine to be the ideal storage location for
unused cones, then you are at high risk for causing thread
dents, as your cones will “walk” across the machine table due to
the vibration of sewing and ultimately end up on the floor. |
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Discoloring
& Fading
Threads, especially rayon, will fade when exposed to sunlight
for extended periods of time. If your threads are stored on a
window sill or anywhere that sunlight can strike them full
force, you risk fading and discoloring. And if a cone sits
unused for an extended period of time in direct sunlight, the
fading will be more pronounced on the side where the sun hits
it. This can cause a really neat special effect during sewing.
In the case of red, think candy-cane appearance! Probably not
very desirable… |
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Lint Buildup
If your thread is sitting out, exposed to the elements of your
shop’s environment, chances are that dust and lint are building
up on it at a rapid clip. Over time, such a buildup can sink
down into the threads. When the thread travels through the upper
thread path, it will take the crud with it, dispensing it along
the way onto critical surfaces (such as tensioners) that need to
remain clean and smooth. The end result will be inconsistent
upper thread tension and possible thread breaks. |
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Brittleness
In addition to discoloring and fading, excessive exposure to
sunlight can dry out the thread and lead to brittleness in the
fibers. Obviously, this will weaken the thread and lead to
excessive thread breaks. |
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Storage Tips
So now that you know the results of improper thread storage,
it’s time to focus on how to prevent such problems. The key is
to store your threads the right way each and every day.
The best storage system is one that keeps the threads in a
secure location, out of sunlight and free from dust and lint. In
addition, it should be in a cool environment. If you are a small
shop with only a hundred cones of thread or so, then a large
plastic container with a snap-on lid will probably work just
fine. Avoid the clear-plastic models if they are stored in
sunlight. |
For larger shops running multi-head
machines, thread storage becomes a bit more complex.
Consider a large cabinet with shelves and pull-out bins, either
plastic or cardboard. Such bins should not be mechanically
connected to the shelves, so that they can be fully removed from
the cabinet for easy access. Usually such systems are available
in a wide range of sizes. If you have a six head machine, then
you want to find bins that can hold at least six cones of thread
each. Thus, you can store all of one color in one bin and label
it on the outside for easy reference. |
Of course, if you don’t put the
threads away promptly after using, then any thread storage
system you invest in probably won’t help very much. Thus, it’s
imperative that you periodically collect and store cones that
are otherwise lying around the shop taking up space.
Such a storage system not only protects your threads, it also
increases your efficiency, as all threads are stored together
and labeled for quick identification. This makes it easy to find
what you need quickly and efficiently. It also makes for easy
inventory management, as you can clearly see how much thread of
any particular color is available through visual observation.
Take care of your threads and they will take care of you. Abuse
them and you will pay for it with production inefficiencies |
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;)
