While generally considered a premium embroidery thread, and at one time the industry standard, rayon thread does have some draw backs. It is not as colorfast as polyester, not as strong, does not stretch, and will not tolerate bleach.

Often referred to as artificial silk, rayon thread is made from the natural fibers. The main ingredient is a natural plant cellulouse obtained from wood pulp. Like most natural plant fibers they will dry out and become brittle over time. Polyester by comparison is made from petroleum based synthetic fibers that are far less susceptible to the effects of aging.

The life span of rayon thread can be prolonged by storing it in your freezer. It should be returned to room temperature prior to using it in your machine.

With the advent of new technology rayon thread may soon become a thing of the past. Polyester thread made using a new trilobal process results in thread having a high sheen that rivals that of rayon. Trilobal poly is a twisted multiple filament continuous fiber thread having the bright appearance of rayon or silk.

When making thread choices be sure to choose the type that is best suited for your project. For stretchy fabrics and garments that will require heavy washing or bleaching, rayon may not be the right choice.

Understanding thread weights is quite often confusing. For example, thread makers tell us that 30wt thread is heavier than 40wt thread. That measuring system seems somewhat backwards to us until we understand exactly what those numbers mean.

There are actually three different methods used for thread measurement - weight, denier and tex. You may see any one of them used on the thread you purchase from your local dealer. The most common method, and the one we are most familiar with, is the weight method. We use 40wt thread as our top thread for most embroidery projects, while 60wt is the most common bobbin thread size.

So what do those numbers mean and how are they determined?

Thread weight is actually determined by a system based on length rather than thickness. The weight indicates the length of thread in kilometers required to equal 1 kilogram in weight. In other words, if you stretched out a strand of thread across town, how long would that strand have to be to weigh 1 kilogram?

If it takes 30 kilometers of thread to equal 1 kilogram in weight, the thread is considered 30wt. If it takes 40 kilometers to weigh 1 kilogram, the thread is 40wt, 50 kilometers = 50wt, 60 kilometers = 60wt, and so forth. As you can see smaller numbers indicate heavier thread. That makes sense because the thread would have to be thicker and heavier to weigh the same at a shorter length. To put it another way:

In case you aren't familiar with the metric system, here are some interesting tid-bits that might help put things into a little better perspective:

Ten (10) exclusive and unique Native Dragons for the 5 x 7 hoop. Totally awesome designs that you have to see sewn out to appreciate. If you like dragons, these colorful and decorative designs will surely make a statement.

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Set the entire set here...

If getting your design placements right is sometimes a chore, here is a new product from Floriani that you may really like.

The product is called "Template Tearaway" and comes in packages of 25 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheets. Use this product as you would any paper to print templates for getting your placements right every time.

The template sheets have a sticky back that allow you to temporarily adhere it to your fabric. Once you have the design exactly where you want it and centered on your machine, simply remove the template from the fabric and sew. You can then save the template for later use by reapplying the protective backing. Granted this product may be more expensive than regular paper, but the sticky back feature does offer some advantages.

For more information about this product click here.

Dritz Fray Check is a very useful product, but I have always found the tiny hole in the applicator tip dries up and clogs very easily between uses. When this happens you must reopen the tip with a straight pin.

Not that reopening the tip is particularly difficult, but it does require a fair amount of pressure. One slip and you may have a pin stuck in your finger. Ask me how I know.

I found that by leaving a large round-head quilt pin in the tip solves this problem. When you are finished applying the product simply slide the pin in the hole and replace the cap. Screw the cap down snuggly and the pin is held tightly in place forming an air-tight seal. The next time you need to use your Fray Check the liquid will flow freely.

I much prefer opening a new bottle only once and this little trick really works. You can also try it with other products that come packaged in similar applicator bottles.

Our thanks to Lana Hanson for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

Many people talk about how overspraying makes mess on their hoops. To avoid it I use clear plastic milk contaner. I cut the bottom off and spray through it while it is on the stabilizer. There is no overspray and my frames are very clean and not sticky at all.

Want to win FREE designs? Submit your tip or trick to us. If we publish your tip you will win your choice of any downloadable design or design set we offer for sale on our web site.

• Martha's Sewing Market - June 14-16 Arlington, TX
• Sew & Quilt Embroidery Festival - June 28-30 Cincinnati, OH
• Embroidery Extravaganza - June 29-30 Louisville, KY
• Sew & Quilt Embroidery Festival - July 6-8 Saratoga Springs, NY
• ISS Show New England - July 19-21 Providence, RI
• American Sewing Guild Conference - July 26-29 Sacramento, CA
• Indiana Embroidery Conference - July 29-August 2 Columbus, IN

Do you need a good reliable backup drive? Would you like the ability to easily transfer embroidery designs between multiple computers? Here is a new product that may be worth a look.

Toshiba recently entered the portable drive market with the introduction of a 200GB USB hard drive. These small, portable hard drives are powered entirely through a USB link with your computer. Due to its rugged construction, the drive should be able to withstand the normal rigors of traveling.

This little hard drive, given the Editor's Choice Award by PC Magazine, has plenty of room for backups as well as making it easy to carry your designs from your desktop to your laptop. Just plug it into any available USB port and it's ready to transfer files. The reported street price is around $200.00, but I have seen it advertised for less.

Two (2) lucky winners in every isssue!

Today's lucky winners are:

If your email address is shown above, you have won a complete set of our exclusive Monogram Coaster design set. Please contact us within 5 days to claim your prize. Be sure to let us know what format you need so we can get the designs on their way to you.

Others interested in this set can purchase it here.

Here's a sample of some new decorative bluework designs we are currently working on. The one on the left is a wild rose and the design on the right is an apple blossom. Both sew in the 4x4 hoop. Enjoy them with our compliments.

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