YLI Threads Silk Thread – 100 wt Fine Japanese Silk for Appliqué, EPP, and Quilting - Brown

In all my years of sewing, I'd never worked with silk thread, but it was recommended in a couture sewing class I recently took. It's useful for hand-sewing, especially for basting various layers together. It's useful in lieu of pinning, too, since silk thread won't leave dents in the fabric when it's pressed.I had plans to sew a doll's bridal gown, so I decided I would give silk thread a shot, figuring it might prove useful in taming the uber-slippery satin charmeuse. I'm pleased to report that it works quite well! The silk thread is extremely fine . . . it feels like you've threaded your needle with spiderwebs! But it's extremely strong, too. I haven't had any breakage, despite giving it a sharp tug now and again, just to test it. Normally, you want to wax your thread and press it with a warm iron, which strengthens it, making it less prone to tangling and knotting up. Since I was just basting, I didn't bother with waxing the thread, although it would definitely make the thread more manageable. As it is, the thread is very slippery. That's good, in that it slides right through the fabric without any friction. You don't have to pull hard, which means you aren't straining your fingers or wrist while sewing. I haven't had any tangles, yet, either, in spite of not waxing the thread.The color is ecru, which I chose specifically because it would be visible against most fabrics. I didn't want the basting threads disappearing against the fabric, making it hard to remove them. I also didn't want a colored thread that might leave dye behind on the white satin.I'm quite happy with this silk thread. It's perfect for your couture sewing needs, whether you're sewing adult clothing, baby clothes, or even doll clothes. Five stars and highly recommended!

this thread is perfect for tiny hand stitches. Strong, and beautiful to work with.

I love English paper piecing, decided to try this thread on the recommendation of an EPP group I belong to. Love it!! Will definitely be using this from now on-- thread doesn't tangle or twist near as much as others do, haven't had one broken thread yet (and I typically use Gutermann 50 wt or Aurifil for my EPP), and my stitches are truly nearly invisible.

I have used YLI silk threads for years. I use it mostly for needle turned applique. I appreciate the amount of color values available. This thread can also be used for beading.

A sewer with more experience than I have, advised that silk makes the best thread for basting. Even if you machine stitch directly over it, the silk easily slides out when the stitches are removed. Thus, it can be used to identify exactly where one wants to place machine stitches, without worrying about either disturbing the machine stitches, or leaving bits of thread behind, when removing the basting. This thread truly has enabled me to sew more precisely.

Silk is nearly invisible to sew with--which is why I use it for hand sewing the lampshades I make. Cons: Silk will knot if you just look at it long enough. Use shorter threads than you would normally work with and you won't have as much trouble with it. And silk needles have extremely small eyes, which makes it very difficult to thread. I had to go up a needle size. Another reason to use shorter threads: the pull on the thread going through the eye will wear it out & the thread will snap if you use too long a thread.

Just what I needed. Right weight. Right color. Fast service. Thanks.

I've bought this silk thread on line a couple of times before from different venders and you people have the best price and and shipping . I can.t find silk thread like this in the craft and fabric store where I live ( PIttsburgh ) so have to order on line . And most times pay for shipping too. One fabric store charged $7.00 a spool plus shipping and sent it in an enormous box at least 12x12x15 ,no kidding for one spool of thread ! your thread came in a small bubble envelope and shipping was included in the price,all for under $6 . This thread is a natural color and will blend in well with undyed silk fabric. but most important it will take dyes when i shibori dye my scarves . works equally wel lwith acid dyes and plain old rit dye. good for machine sewing and hand work. thanks