Thread - The Tie That Binds

**RockyR** · 24th September 12, 06:24 AM

We use Guterman thread 99% of the time (Coats and Clark on occasion in odd colors not otherwise available) and we typically order the 1500 meter spools. Here's a pic of our threads with a few spools missing. Ian, Kelly, Mac and I probably have another 15 to 20 spools at our separate desks right now, hence the few empty posts and some that are only stacked single, not double deep:

**Dixiecat** · 24th September 12, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

Ron, no one talks about them because there's very little variety in the marketplace in thread these days. Gutermann, Molynyke, are simply the best on the market - retail and commercial. A clothing manufacturer might go with less expensive thread, but that would make sense for them on a volume level AND the expected lifetime of the garment being made. Kiltmaking at the custom or semi-custom level is not on the same volume level so buying giant cones is not practical and less expensive thread will defeat the quality of the garment so I doubt any kiltmakers would go the 3/$1 route.

And seriously, if a kiltmaker had mentioned, 'we only use Gutermann thread in our kilts', would that even mean anything to you unless you knew the quality or reputation of Gutermann?

**Riverkilt** · 24th September 12, 06:52 AM

It would be most reassuring - even if I had no clue you can bet I'd google it up and check it - as probably many others would. For me its critical information on hand sewn since I wanna know whats holding together my $500 kilts. And its also critical on my less expensive kilts....Am I gonna spend money and have the garment fall apart?

Not talking about anything huge here - just a one line mention that only the finest threads are used, brand names if you wanna. But I think its more important to the marketing of the kiltmakers to make more sales....sure, dismiss it as unimportant information that the masses don't care about - but toss the information into your pitch and improve your sales...

Marketing is a time to brag about your craftsmanship and the positive decisions you've made to improve your product.

**Dixiecat** · 24th September 12, 08:10 AM

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** · 24th September 12, 08:24 AM

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** · 26th September 12, 03:40 AM

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** · 26th September 12, 04:33 AM

Some really good points here -

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

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."

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 26th September 12, 04:37 AM

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

**Riverkilt** · 26th September 12, 07:14 AM

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.