What kind of thread to use?

[amirrorcrackd]

What kind of thread is recommended for use in altering clothing? Mostly aesthetically.

Better yet, what different threads are there, and what are their purposes.

Poly thread won't shrink, so is that better or worse than thread that will if, for example, I'm sewing a patch onto a piece of clothing.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[stache]

Poly is the strongest 'thin' thread, but it won't take dye. Silk is beautiful for some topstitching and buttonholes. There are heavy mercerized cotton threads for buttons etc.

 

[Luc-Emmanuel]

I use poly thread, mostly because the only thing I am altering (myself) are trousers' hem and you need strong stitching down there.

.luc

 

[ken]

Cotton. It's how you get the pucker on the hem of jeans and generally looks best for all casual clothes.