Guttermans Coats and Clark

[wwk10]

I am trying to get started on my first hammock. I am making a gathered end 1.9 SL (wanted a 1.1 DL).

I thought I read not to get coats and Clarks thread, but there is so much to remember and besides the store only had CnC.

I ran about an inch in and the thread broke and the machine jammed.
A more experienced seamstress had the same result. We threaded regular thread and it ran fine.

Is the Gutterman's going to improve this?
Any ideas on where to get it? I dont want to pay $3 S&H for $3 of thread.

Thanks

[BurningCedar]

I don't know if there's any close to you; but Joann Fabrics stocks Guttermanns thread. Make sure you get the polyester version. Its the most common "flavor" of Guttermann's, but you don't want to accidentally pick up something else like silk.

I agree that Guttermann's is a better product than Coats and Clarks; but I'm not sure its a such a huge improvement that it would not instantly jam like the C&C does. You might want to make sure your thread-injector is clean and running properly. Its very possible that there's too much lint around the needle or the bobbin. That could cause your breakage and jamming problem

Still; for long-term use I'd stick with Guttermann's anyway.

FWIW, Joann also periocally has 50% off sales. Get on their mailing list. I bought a bunch of Guttermann's there just before Christmas for 50% off.

[wwk10]

Thanks. We have a Hamricks but not a Joanns. They have cotton Guttermans but only Coats and Clarks polyester.

I bought the CnC bc I wanted to get started and bc I did not think it would make that much difference.

There is no lint. The machine is a one year old Singer, but this is only the second project. The first was sewing about 10 feet of vinyl.

I want to get started, but I dont know how to overcome the jamming issue.

[MAD777]

Several of the outdoor fabric suppliers sell Guttermans, as does Paul at Arrowhead Equipment.

For large quantities (765 yards), Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics has the best prices I have found.
http://www.owfinc.com/Hardware/Shardware/thread.asp

[sclittlefield]

That sounds like more of a threading / machine issue, but then again, I had similar things happen a few times with Coats & Clark. Is it possible your needle is too small for the thread? What size needle is it? What size thread? In my opinion, Gutermann's is a far superior product, but like Burning Cedar said above, I'd worry about the same thing happening.

If you do go buy Gutermann's, I'd recommend starting out with the "Mara" line of thread - it's their 100% Polyester "sew-all" version and is what (just about) everyone means when they say they use Gutermann thread. Tex 30-40 is a good size for most outdoor projects and will work on any standard sewing machine.

And... now that I fully read your post... you're sewing vinyl? That's relatively thick, isn't it? Compared to ripstop nylon, anyway. If that's what you'll be sewing, go with Gutermann's "Tera" line of thread instead of the "Mara". The Tera is incredibly strong and better suited to something thick like vinyl. Tera 40 is a tex 40 and good for any standard sewing machine.

Still though... there are so many factors that can play into thread breakage. It's hard to say from here what is your best solution.

[te-wa]

i have used coats&clark for some time. the "upholstery" thread (polyester) is very durable and rot resistant.

Gutterman also makes a great upholstery thread. its about a T46 iirc.
I use the Gutterman on my baffles, the CnC on the detail work, like bar-tacking

[wwk10]

Vinyl is thick. That was a project to make a tool organizer.
I used a thick upholstery needle on the vinyl.

For the nylon I switched to a smaller "normal" needle.

What size should I be using?
What about tension and stich size?

I want to start sewing!!!!

[sclittlefield]

For ripstop, probably an 11 to a 14 needle size would be appropriate.

Tension, on my crappy Singer, I use around a 5 for most things.

Stitch length, I like 2.5

Try a new needle. Sometimes they can have a barb or imperfection in the threading hole that snaps thread. Rethread the machine... yes... again.

Does the bobbin thread pull out easily when the presser foot is raised? How about the top thread?

Good luck.

[wwk10]

I think my needle is a 14 or 16
Tension 3
Stitch 2.5
Top and bottom thread pull easily with foot raised
"Regular" thread works fine.

Three times I have jammed the machine one inch into sewing the hem.

By jam I mean the thread pops and I cant move the needle by hand or motor until I pull the jammed thread out.

BTW thanks for the responses so far.

[Big Jim Mac]

Got to be the machine, I made an entire hammock with C&C thread and never had a thread break.