The advent calendar for bag makers...
Day 14 brings something that always feels a bit magical when you sew with it: a spool of Tex 35 variegated thread in shades of blue and purple.
Variegated thread is one of my favourite kind of thread to sew with. It shifts colour as you stitch which means even a simple line of topstitching becomes a feature. It also allows your thread to not perfectly match the fabric you are sewing with.
The blue and purple blend in this spool ties in beautifully with earlier days of the calendar, especially the faux leathers, zip tape and webbing.
This thread is Bonded Polyester and is Tex 35 weight. It is a lovely weight for bag making. It has enough strength for topstitching, accents and decorative seams but it is still smooth through the needle and easy to work with. If you have been curious about using variegated thread but were not sure where to start, this is the perfect introduction.
It works well on pockets, straps, quilting details and even simple pouches. Wherever you place it, it adds depth and interest without overpowering your fabric.
I chose this colourway because it mirrors the purple and blue palette that has been weaving through many of the earlier days.
Looking for more information on Tex 35 Thread? Read on…
Bonded polyester Tex 35 thread is a really good thread of bag making.
Bonded polyester has a polyester core and a smooth resin coating. This coating allows it to go through the machine with ease. This thread is perfect for high speed sewing with semi- industrial machines and industrial machines, but as it’s one of the lightest weights of the stronger threads you may be pleased to hear that it’s also perfect for regular domestic machines! (Caveat: Vintage machines have been known to not like this thread sadly).
Here’s the questions we get asked a lot:
Do I use it in the bobbin (bottom) thread or not?
Yes is the answer. As a general rule you should try and use the same thread for the top and bottom to create an even tension.
How do I use it with my machine?
You can get a purpose built large spool holder for domestic machines (Semi-industrial and industrial machines will take the larger spools). Or you can use a mug next to your machine and tape a paper clip to the side of the machine to thread through and then into your machine!
What needle do I use with this thread?
A larger needle (and eye!) is needed for thicker thread and indeed for thicker fabrics – try a 90 or 100 sized needle for this thread.
Do I use this thread only for top stitching or through out my project?
Whilst it looks amazing for top stitching, you can definitely use it throughout your project. I use the same thread throughout – for seams, lining and top stitching… Less changing your thread and stronger stitching all around!
Do I need to change the tension on my machine for this thread?
I’m afraid this is a ‘suck it and see’ situation. You may need to adjust the tension for this thread. It’s always best to do a little test to check before you go into sewing up your project.
How is best to finish the stitching with this thread?
As this thread is polyester, it will burn! So you have two options when finishing a seam…
- The usual way; do a few stitches back and forth at the end of the line like usual (I do this for the inside seams or seams that have the ends of the line finish in the seam allowance).
- Start and end the stitch line with long tails for the top and bottom threads. Then when you have finished stitching, pull the threads through to the back and tie them with a knot. Then you can put a small flame WITH CAUTION to the thread and it’ll shrink or catch fire – don’t worry just blow it out before it hits the fabric!! With no flame present, when it is near to the fabric, wet a finger and squish the thread to the back of the project to flatten it and seal the end.
Loving this thread? We now have quite a collection of this beautiful Tex 35 thread. You can find it here.
- The usual way; do a few stitches back and forth at the end of the line like usual (I do this for the inside seams or seams that have the ends of the line finish in the seam allowance).
Curious as to what the rest of the box looks like and don’t want to wait? You can watch the full unboxing below…
And pop back to this blog for the rest of the days or read along to the next blog post for what the next day brings!
Missed out on this advent box? You can find any possible extra stock here.