Which is better, rayon or polyester? Well, the short answer is neither one is better. Both have their place in the machine embroidery world and rightfully so. The long answer requires us to delve further into the thread’s intended use and the results you wish to achieve. Rayon thread has been in use much longer than it's poylester counterpart. Many professional embroiderers consider rayon the best choice for truly premium embroidery.
While rayon thread does have a higher sheen than polyester, that gap is narrowing as new manufacturing processes are developed. Rayon lacks the strength of polyester so slower machine speeds are required and more frequent thread breaks may occur. Rayon is not as colorfast as polyester and is not bleach friendly. Rayon is also susceptible to UV radiation.
The newer polyester threads are well suited for most machine embroidery projects. It is very strong, durable and extremely colorfast. Polyester is by far the best choice for garments subject to heavy wear and abrasion, and for garments that require heavy washing and bleaching. Polyester is also very resistant to the sun’s UV radiation.
Unlike rayon, polyester thread will not dry out and become brittle over time. This longer shelf life could be of particular importance if you don’t do a lot of embroidery and your thread is stored for long periods of time.
To simplify things, here is a quick comparison chart of rayon and polyester thread. Depending on the properties you are looking for, it may help you reach a decision on which thread is best for your particular project.
Which ever type you choose, select a brand that offers the highest quality. High quality thread equals high quality embroidery. Always be sure to check your machine tension when switching brands or types of thread. Before you sew your design on the actual garments, it's a good idea to test your design on the same or similar type fabric.
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