Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Perfect EPP Thread?




There is a new thread in my life! A few weeks ago I shared with you my thoughts and comparison of Sew All polyester thread by Gutermann with Bottom Line by Superior Threads, concluding that I preferred the Gutermann for number of reasons, despite the fact that it was thicker than Bottom Line thread

Shortly afterwards I was contacted by Gutermann, to inform me of a relatively new thread in their range - the Extra Fine Polyester. Gutermann Australia sent me two reels of Extra Fine for me to trial in my EPP.




I have been delighted with the qualities of the Extra Fine thread. It is decidedly finer than the Sew All but not as fine as Bottom Line. To be expected it's not as strong as the thicker Sew All thread yet is similar in strength to Bottom Line and also Gutermann's regular cotton thread. It is definitely stronger than Aurifil's 28wt cotton thread. I have not had the Extra Fine break at all during my sewing.




Guterman's Extra Fine has all the same tactile properties I prefer in a traditional thread over the wispy, slightly elastic/nylon feel of Bottom Line. This is just my personal preference, as detailed in the post mentioned above.






My stack of EPP flowers for my Fresh Fields quilt has gradually grown a little taller over the last few weeks, as has my pleasure in stitching with the addition of the new thread.







The Extra Fine polyester is designed for machine use, particularly for very fine fabrics (like Art Gallery, Liberty fabrics or synthetics), decorative stitching and of course for fine hand stitching such as in EPP and appliqué. 

As soon as I tried Gutermann's Extra Fine I wanted to know where I could buy more and what colours it came in. It is quite new and as yet hasn't been rolled out in the US. I know of one Australian online shop, JM-Embroideries, which stocks the Extra Fine in all 60 colours and they ship worldwide! No doubt many other retailers also stock this thread. It comes on a small reel but it holds 200m, making it cheaper per metre than the regular Gutermann Sew All polyester. 





I feeling like I'm treating myself to a little luxury every time I stitch with this beautiful fine thread, and if you look closely enough you can notice a small difference in the finished stitching too. It is indeed a welcome addition to my collection of threads. 


Sharing at Work In Progress Wednesday, Slow Sunday Stitching. 


24 comments:

Cloudia said...

Makes me want to create with fabric again!



ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral

=^..^= <3

Michelle said...

Your fabric work is like a piece of art, no matter the thread!

the momma said...

You found it?! The perfect EPP thread! YAY!! And yet, I cannot get my hands on it. Argh! I will be watching for it to arrive in the US!
(and I agree 100% with Michele :-)

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Yes, keep an eye out for it, I don’t know when it will be available in the US. However if your stitches are neat and small, there really is only a very small difference when looking at your work - almost impossible to tell them apart on most fabrics.

Julie said...

Wonderful news about the threads. How nice to receive samples to sew with too.

Rebecca said...

Wow! I'll be on the look out. My EPP could use a better thread.

ipatchandquilt said...

Thank you for the tip! I will have a look at that website and see what other goodies they have! :-)
Esther

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos!
The colours are so nice and fits..
Hugs
JetteMajken

Susan said...

Ive been thinking of buying some new EPP thread! Thanks for the review and a link to an online shop! And free shipping! Yippee!

s.c said...

There is so much to learn when you are going into a detail. The same time you realize that there is a lot more to know about it then you can ever imagine. So I had once to search for the exact distance for stitches with a special thread for leather . To close and the leather ripped off on the stitching . To far and the tread broke. I wish you a happy time with your new discovery.

Fun60 said...

You should be working in sales Karen. Although I don't need any thread I am trying to think of a reason to buy some!

What Comes Next? said...

how exciting to find a great new thread. Love the colours in your Fresh Fields quilt - what a stunner it will be!

hydeeannsews said...

what a nice find, especially since the manufacturer sent it to you themselves. what a blogging bonus! the colors in your photos are so soothing, whether the flowers or the threads. such eye candy. glad to see you stack of blooms growing!

Vera said...

Your EPP project is breathtaking. What a combo!

Lisa Gordon said...

This quilt is going to be so beautiful, Karen!
I am glad that you like the new thread.

Have a wonderful evening/

Mara said...

Thread for Art Gallery Fabrics and EPP, count me in, thanks for the links, have you tried that invisible thread, I think Superior threads makes it, just curious.

geanina said...

Beautiful images!;)

DeborahGun said...

I will have to try the new one once my spool of Coats and Clark that I am using at the moment runs out! Thanks for the review, and your flowers are looking so pretty :-)

Kim said...

Thank you for the low down on the different threads and where one can find them. Your hexies are joyous!!

Michelle Bartholomew said...

That thread sounds perfect. I'll definitely be watching for it's release in the US! Loving the colors in your EPP flowers, so fresh and lovely!

Mary Huey said...

thanks for sharing your experience with this new thread -- hope it pops up in the states soon so I can give it a try!

Quilter Kathy said...

Yum! I love anything that makes sewing feel luxurious! ENjoy!

Gail Lizette said...

Your Fresh Fields quilt is looking phenomenal!! I love the bright colors! Thanks for the notes on the new thread too - I never thought about thread too much, I've been using gutterman quilting thread 100% cotton - it's thick, but it never knots up on me.

Cathy said...

I am by no means the seamstress that you are, but Gutermann's threads are my favorite by far. I enjoyed reading you analysis of the threads, even though purchasing these threads here might prove a challenge.

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