Thread - The Tie That Binds

[Dixiecat]

I can tell you that when one wants to make a kilt by hand, the BIGGEST factor to take into consideration is not whether you use the finest of something, but how can a particular product not only meets cost concerns and how it works for you in the production and performance in the end product. For instance, Coats and Clark make an ok thread, but I don't like using it because it knots up for me. Gutermann makes a great thread and I can use it just fine. Molynyke makes great thread, but it's harder to find here in North America. The finest thread is hard to find, I think it's TIRE, but it's not worth the price for kiltmaking since Gutermann is already pretty good and in this instance finest isn't always best. Now, if you were into heirloom sewing, yes, you'd have a point, but kilts are a mix of heirloom and everyday and need not only fine, but hardwearing ingredients.

I know I'm saying this badly, but it's actually really hard to find bad thread these days. A kiltmaker will use a thread that makes their life easier, and that will mean, not the cheap stuff. A cut-rate kiltmaker will use thread that will cost less, but if they're making them on low volume, then they'll be using the same stuff as the high-end kiltmaker 'cause the market only has a few brands of thread. A high volume kiltmaker will use thread that is a) commercially viable and b) easy to use in the machines, and all that adds up to med to high quality thread.

If you really want something to get your kiltmaker to brag about, thread is not the thing. Try buckles and leather straps. I've seen more good kilts ruined by crappy leather straps and cheap buckles than by thread.

[Riverkilt]

Yeah! That's what I'm talking about! ....just a wee bit about thread...reassure me...I'm a consumer without the detailed knowledge. Somewhere, let me know you use the best thread to sew up my kilt.

[guardsman]

Er have to ask,how could a kiltwearer tell what thread was actually being used,one thing to be told,another thing to know for sure

[Chas]

Some really good points here -

If you really want something to get your kiltmaker to brag about, thread is not the thing. Try buckles and leather straps. I've seen more good kilts ruined by crappy leather straps and cheap buckles than by thread.

There was a time when a certain kilt making company's buckles were cast with the company's name. Quite difficult to read, when standing next to someone, but there was a big clue in the K and A embossed into the straps. They don't do that any more. Why not? Because the vast majority of their kilts are made by outworkers, who also make kilts for others. If you ask to speak to the person who is going to make your kilt, you are met with a polite "Sorry, Sir, that's not possible. Not company policy, you see."

Er have to ask,how could a kiltwearer tell what thread was actually being used,one thing to be told,another thing to know for sure

So the quick answer is - we have know idea at all. If you go to one of the "top of the range" kilt making companies, you will have no idea who is going to make the kilt, leave alone what materials they will use. It could either be made by a master kilt maker with a quarter of a century of experience or the first week apprentice (well they all have to start somewhere).

Regards

Chas

[guardsman]

just what i thought,unless it can be backed up its a leap of faith

[Riverkilt]

Fire is used to tell the type of thread...poly, cotton, linen....usually some stray threads somewhere on any garment to test.

Of course there is no way to test what brand. But when you're dealing directly with a kiltmaker and their reputation is on the line for their work they have no reason to lie.

And another way to know is when your kilt starts coming apart, threads breaking from slight stresses...yes, some kiltmakers cut corners that put more stress on the thread - but if they do all the more reason for a quality thread.

Quality creates Value...that's why I wanna know.

Sure, if its an inexpensive kilt you don't expect to last anyway its not a problem....but for quality kilts why leave out a quality feature in the advertsing and promotion? Kinda like "Intel inside" for computers....can't even see that - but its important.