Skate-Wear Central

Cotton Pull

Cotton Thread Explained

Cotton Thread

Cotton thread is made from the fibers of the cotton plant, a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americas, India and Africa. The cotton fiber is taken from the cotton plants and then combed, cleaned, and spun into yarn or thread. Cotton thread is a soft, breathable textile, which is the most widely used natural-fiber thread and cloth today.

Different Types of Cotton

The quality of cotton is judged by how long the staple (or fibers) are when taken from the cotton plant. The longer the staple, the finer the thread, and, consequentially, the more expensive. The best cotton thread is made from extra-long staple cotton (ELS). These long fibers make a stronger and softer thread than does the shorter staple cotton. The two best known sources for extra-long staple cotton are American-grown Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton. Any cotton grown in Egypt can be called Egyptian cotton, but unless someone is trying to scam you, the term refers to extra-long staple cotton grown in Egypt. Pima cotton is very fine cotton, but Egyptian cotton is considered the best in the world. To get a real understanding of the difference, feel fabric made of both Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton. Though they both feel fine, Egyptian cotton will feel more luxurious.

Most cotton thread that you buy—unless it is specifically labeled 100% Pima cotton or 100% Egyptian cotton—will probably be made from short staple cotton and then given a treatment of some kind to make it stronger. Most cotton is mercerized, a chemical treatment that smoothes the fiber, gives it a luster, and makes the fiber take dye better.

Uses for Cotton Thread

Sewing: Cotton thread is used both in hand and machine sewing on many fabrics: cotton, rayon, and linen. Available in a wide range of colors, cotton thread can match or contrast most fabric choices. Cotton has little stretch, making it a sturdy all-purpose thread, but probably not the best choice for knit and other stretch fabrics.
Heavy-duty Cotton is appropriate for sewing heavier fabrics such as denim, ducking, leather, wool, and upholstery. It is also excellent to use on a serger machine for a fine protective seam.

Machine Embroidery: While not used as commonly as rayon and polyester, cotton can certainly be used on an embroidery machines. It is very strong thread that will give you almost no thread breaks during the embroidery process. It provides an attractive matte finish to the design and is especially charming in lace designs.

Quilting: Cotton is a good medium for both hand quilting and machine quilting. It is strong enough to withstand the heavy usage of the long arm quilter and the tighter tension used to create a puffed look to the quilt. Cotton produces a matt-finished stitch on quilts designed to last for generations. The best cotton will produce a minimal amount of lint in the quilting process.

Choosing Cotton Thread

Cotton thread comes in a variety of weights and styles to suit almost any project. Whatever thread you need, use the best quality thread that you can find. Look for a smooth thread with no “fuzzies” and no bumps. Wrap a strand around your fist and pull on the thread to test its strength. You have only to look at the quilts in museums that have been around hundreds of years to see how long your project could last if you use good quality thread.

About the Author

Faye Hartfiel is ThreadArt’s expert on cotton thread. Visit http://www.threadart.com/shop/category.aspx?catid=5 for more information.

ROAM NEW YORK Woven Cotton Pull-On Pants with Drawstring…

Mens Billabong Balance Pull-over $44.5 Keep your temperature balanced in this light-weight pullover from Billabong. 

Mens Southern Tide Corded Cotton Shorts $79.5 Combining a cool and comfortable cotton corded weave with a touch of stretch, Southern Tide’s corded cotton shorts are sure to become a warm-weather favorite. The attention to detail goes beyond the fabric to provide fit and features that set these shorts apart from the crowd.

Mens Quiksilver Single File Tank $21 Pull off the perfect casual style with the Single File Tank from Quiksilver.

Womens Angie Lace Top with Fringe Hem $38 Lace Top with Fringe Hem is by Angie. Put on your own cami and pull this lace top over it for a hip look.

Mens O’Neill Cache L/S Tee $28 You can’t go wrong with this cotton tee from O’Neill. 

Mens Reef Adjustable BYOB Bottle Opener Sandals $51.95 The water friendly Men’s Reef Adjustable BYOB Bottle Opener Sandals pull their weight. Not only do they keep your feet comfy with a molded EVA footbed and neoprene-lined upper, they include a church key bottle opener for cracking open “sodas”.

Mens Southern Tide Original Skipjack $32.5 The Southern Tide Original Skipjack Tee is a premium cotton tee that looks good on the boat, the boardwalk, or out on the town

Mens Islanders Burnout V-Neck Tee $22 The Islanders Burnout V-Neck Tee features the Islanders logo and and a v-neck collar all on a premium cotton shirt

Flip Flop Socks Crew Flip Flop Socks $10.95 Crew style Flip Flop Socks are super comfortable. They have the same look and feel of the athletic socks you’re used to wearing with a fitted heel, inset top, and a slightly higher cut. Crews are made from a poly/cotton blend that keeps them from stretching out and loosing their shape while maintaining the softness of a cotton sock. Wear them everywhere, never give up summer! The Mid weight sock is made of: 63% polyester 30% cotton 7% spandex

Flip Flop Socks Athletic Flip Flop Socks $10.95 Super comfortable Flip Flop Socks! Wear this Mid Weight white or black all year long. They have the feel and comfort of an athletic sock. Low cut, comfortable and warm. Now you can wear your favorite flip flops or split toe sandals whenever you want. The Mid weight sock is made of: 63% polyester 30% cotton 7% spandex

v-neck tee $19.99 in a soft slub cotton

Nautica Classic Solids Crochet Pull Over Dress Cover Up $89 The Classic Solid Pull Over Dress by Nautica is the perfect cover up for all of your summer outings. The full-sleeve dress has a crochet anchor print for a nautical vibe. With a cinch waist this white cover up provides a beautiful silhouette while staying loose and breezy. The string tie at the front is embellished with simple beads to add extra style to this must have item. Color: White. Content: 92% Nylon 8% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Nautica Classic Solid Women’s Bathing Suit Pull Over Dress $89 Light and summery the Classic Solid Pull Over Dress by Nautica is the perfect cover-up for all your summertime adventures. This full sleeve dress is designed in an all-over crochet anchor print with cinched waist for a classic silhouette. Not to mention the front string tie is accented with simple beads that give this crochet cover-up a retro vintage vibe. Color: Navy. Content: 92% Nylon 8% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Cotton Candy Mints $3.4 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Laying Low Pull On Knit Pant $39.5 Just because its your day off – doesn’t mean you have to look like a bumb. With the Billabong Laying Low Pull On Knit Pant you can have all the comfort of sweatpants but not have to sacrifice your since of style. These elastic waist/drawstring waist ensures a comfortable fit that lasts all day and a style that lasts a lifetime.

Billabong Billie Girl Kids Seamonkie Pull-On (CHY) $29.5 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Athena Heavenly White Cotton Tuxedo Tunic Cover-Up $63 The Heavenly Tuxedo Tunic is destined to be your go-to piece when planning a getaway. This tunic allows you to pack light with it’s multipurpose use. This button down shirt dress has pleated front detailing along with a collar to give it a structured feel. Not to mention the back drawstring with beaded tie and inverted pleat allows you to cinch the tunic for a more tailored look. Whether you use it as a cover up or pair it with pants you’ll be effortlessly stylish every time. Color: White. Content: 100% Cotton. Made in California U.S.A.

Mens On The Byas Tee – On The Byas Cael Cotton Tank $19.5 Two tone heather tank. Chest pocket. Contrast ribbed trim. Crew neck. Machine washable. Imported. 60% cotton, 40% polyester.Medium shown.

Women’s Timberland Nellie Pull-On $123.99 Green rubber outsole offers excellent all-weather traction; Waterproof leather upper offers great protection from the elements; Faux fleece collar helps keep the elements out; Padded insole for additional cushioning; Shock-absorbing midsole for all-day wear; Side buckle and concealed zipper;