IN THE KNOW
Which gets your vote? Suzy Williams unravels the differences between natural and synthetic threads
Our new columnist Suzy Williams aka Suzy Quilts gets to know the difference between cotton and polyester threads in an exclusive must-read interview…
Suzy: So, can each of you tell me a little bit about both your past and upbringing?
Cotton: My story is probably one you’ve heard before. I grew up in a large family surrounded by nature. As a cotton plant, I knew I would eventually get picked, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. After I was picked, I was also combed and thoroughly cleaned. Once all of the dirt and excess plant materials were stripped away, my fibres went through roller after roller, generating narrower and narrower bands of thread. Ouch. Let me tell you. Poly: Cotton, you think a few rollers were painful? Sorry to interrupt, but I think my background is what gets people the most confused, so let me clear a few things up. I’m considered a “synthetic” fibre because I didn’t have a cushy, natural upbringing like Cotton. In fact, I’m extra tough because I was born and raised in a factory. Through the process of modifying petroleum, I showed up to the thread manufacturer as hard chips, which were then spun and loosely drawn together into long polyester filaments. My filaments were then stretched to their limit – obviously my least favourite part of the process. But once I was stretched, I was cut at my weakest points so that only the absolute strongest fibres survive!
Suzy: Poly, I’m going to have to ask you to step down off the table and stop flexing your biceps. I think we get the picture.
Poly: Apologies. Let me continue… The strong bands are combined to make a narrow, even, high-quality fibre. Did you hear that ladies?
Suzy: Poly…
Poly: [wink] My fibre is then twisted up and thoroughly stretched by machines until it’s ready to be wound onto cones. Ta-da!
Cotton: Well, before I was interrupted, I was about to get to the exciting part of my story – fire! Once my fibres are twisted and spun to create a single thread, I’m singed over an open flame and then dunked into a special elixir called caustic soda.
Poly: OK, OK. That’s pretty cool.
Cotton: Oh yes. That strengthens me and makes me extra shiny.
Suzy: Wow. It sounds like both of you have had some pretty life-changing experiences in your time. Cotton, I hate to say it but a rumour that’s been swirling around sewing circles recently is that you tend to be a little inflexible.
Cotton: I’m glad you brought that up, because that’s a rumour I’ve been wanting to address for a while. Just because I don’t like to get mixed up with spandex, rayon and other party-loving fabrics, doesn’t mean I don’t have some pretty great things to offer. As a natural fibre, I like to work with other natural fibres. Yes, admittedly I am not as stretchy as Poly, but what I lack in flexibility, I certainly make up for in softness. Just feel me!
AS A NATURAL FIBRE, COTTON LKES TO WORK WITH OTHER NATURAL FIBRES
Suzy: [strokes cotton thread] You aren’t lying. Silky soft! Now Poly, I hear you have some pretty wellrounded interests. Tell me more about that.
Poly: Suz, can I call you Suz? Because of my past, I’ve developed a bit of a “bad boy” persona, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! I’m a people pleaser and love collaborating with all types of fabrics. You name it, I’m there! Even though some would say that you should pair natural cotton thread with natural fabrics and me with only synthetic fabrics, that’s just not always the case. I know a lot of quilters who prefer to use me. Especially in their bobbins. I’m greeeeat in bobbins.
Suzy: Oh yeah? Why’s that?
Poly: Less lint, baby! Cotton may be a bit more durable under the heat of fast sewing, but I make waaay less lint. I’m virtually lint free! And yes, I’m a bit stretchy, but you know what that’s good for? Clothes! Clothes love me! Especially jeans… They need me.
Suzy: Are there any parting words you’d like to share?
Cotton: I’d like people to know that even though I am a more expensive option, I promise to work hard, not break under pressure and bring softness to their heirloom projects.
Poly: When it comes to quilting, I’m a great companion for piecing. I’m strong, I’m tough and I don’t make a huge mess, like some other threads.
Cotton: Hey!
Suzy: And there you have it. Two great threads doing their best to help you with all your sewing needs.
“Cotton may be a bit more durable under the heat of fast sewing, but poly makes waaay less lint!” SUZY QUILTS