Thread - The Tie That Binds

[Riverkilt]

I can't ever recall seeing any kiltmaker or kilt supplier talk about the thread they use to sew their kilts. I don't recall seeing mention of the thread they sew with on their websites or in their advertising.

Yet, after the material used to make a kilt, thread is the most important component. Okay, thread AND the type of stitching used...

If the thread fails the kilt comes apart.

Such an important component of a well made kilt that no one talks about.

I know traditional hand sewn kiltmakers buy special thread from Britain and Germany to sew with. But they don't talk about it.

Its important to me since I remember my days in the cut and sew sweatshop where one of my jobs was to measure the amount of thread used to sew up each of our products - it does add up. I remember management considering buying a lower quality thread, but staying with the top quality thread to insure the integrety of their products once sold.

One of the thoughts that occurs to me when I see kilts for sale at an inexpensive price is "what kind of thread did they use to assemble the inexpensive kilt. Probably an inexpensive thread...

Point is, why don't the kiltmakers who use top quality thread talk about it when promoting their kilts?

So important to the kilt, yet so unmentioned by those that want us to buy the kilt.

I'm guessing there are folks out there with a lot more insight than I have...educate me please.

[Chas]

I have mentioned in another thread that I use Sylko or Gütermann. They cost a little more, but that is the operative word 'little'. A few pence - not £s. But they both just sew so much better.

I've tried cheap, but with all the tangles, you throw away more than you use.

Regards

Chas

[Riverkilt]

I think those are the two best brands for kiltmaking (??).

Do you mention using these quality threads on your website?

[Chas]

I think those are the two best brands for kiltmaking (??).

Do you mention using these quality threads on your website?

Ron, sorry if have mislead you, I don't make kilts. I am just a guy who does all of his own stitching.

I wonder if kilt makers are buying their thread on those huge great spools, rather than the normal everyday reels.

Regards

Chas

[ScotFree]

Bart T in her The Art of Kiltmaking names two that she likes, Gütermann and Mölnlycke, if this helps.

[Paul Henry]

Most of the time I use Gütermann thread, but I've built a large collection of different types over the years, but I don't use "cheap" threads, it's simply not worth the risk. My steeking and leather work is usually sewn with linen thread , which is extra strong.
The only colours I buy in larger quantity are black and white, I like to find the "right" colour or colours, so sometimes I do buy a medium sized spool, which adds to my collection.
here are just a few of my threads!

[Riverkilt]

So, Paul....you have the reputation of a quality kiltmaker and you use quality thread....would that be worth a mention on your website....?

Methinks its a great competative advantage for a top-of-the-line kiltmaker selling value rather than price to point out the quality thread they use and why/how it makes a difference in the finished product.

Post isn't to chastize - just to wonder why something so basic isn't mentioned. Seems to me that a little extra mention of quality thread might help the prospect realize that the less expensive kilt he's also looking at may be sewn with a poor quality thread...

I'm guessing/hoping there are kiltmakers that do promote the quality thread they use....I just haven't found them yet.

[Friday]

Ron
How many kilt buyer do you think would recognize the quality of the thread based on the name? In addition, if I am buying quality kilt it is based on overall reputation of the kilt maker. If the kilt maker has a quality reputation I would expect them to use all quality materials. If the materials in the kilt are not quality it will soon show and the word will quickly get out.

Just my point of view.

[David Thorpe]

I sew kilts for family and friends. Coats & Clark Heavy All-purpose polyester for pleating and normal stitching, "Outdoor Polyester Heavy" for steeking, waistband, stabilizer, tailor-stitching canvas and other heavy-duty applications where TAoK calls for "carpet thread". Works for me. YMMV.

[Riverkilt]

Friday, that's the point - we don't recognize the thread brands because they're not talked about. One could argue the thread is even more important to the garment than the fabric.

I'm just saying a wee reassuring mention would be helpful to the seller and reassuring to the buyer....some reassurance that corners aren't cut on the most basic part of the kilt.