What a difference a thread makes!!!

**Boston** · 06-17-2013, 08:40

I've been using Coats & Clark outdoors polyester thread for the all my hammock projects to date. I had constantly been struggling with thread tension (had to adjust bobbin and still almost max out top tension), and bad stitches, issues stopping and starting, inconsistent stitch pitch, etc..

I finally picked up a spool of Tera 80 Gutermann thread and all I can say is WOW. After re-setting the bobbin I can run about 5-6 thread tension and it sews beautifully! Machine run's like butter, stop/starts are no problem, and thread pitch is perfect.

I never realized what a difference the thread could make!

**Lost_Biker** · 06-17-2013, 09:01

Originally Posted by Boston

I've been using Coats & Clark outdoors polyester thread for the all my hammock projects to date. I had constantly been struggling with thread tension (had to adjust bobbin and still almost max out top tension), and bad stitches, issues stopping and starting, inconsistent stitch pitch, etc..

I finally picked up a spool of Tera 80 Gutermann thread and all I can say is WOW. After re-setting the bobbin I can run about 5-6 thread tension and it sews beautifully! Machine run's like butter, stop/starts are no problem, and thread pitch is perfect.

I never realized what a difference the thread could make!

Yes, it makes a huge difference. I use Mara 70 Tex 40 for everything - tarps, uq's, etc., feeds smooth and the tension doesn't skip around.

**Tendertoe** · 06-17-2013, 09:20

There's a reason there's a saying around here -

"Friends don't let friends use Coats and Clark"

**SwinginIt** · 06-17-2013, 11:43

Haha that's funny because I started a thread the other day saying just the opposite. Although after all the help I got I believe I've resolved my issues with the mara thread.

I guess the saying is true, YMMV.

**Klaussinator** · 06-17-2013, 11:58

Interesting. All I've ever used is the C&C outdoor poly thread since its easy to pick up at WallyWorld. But you've got me thinking. Where do most of you buy Gutermanns?

-Klauss

**sploiz** · 06-17-2013, 12:22

you can get Gutermanns "sew-all" thread at joann's, but i'm not sure where that stands in relation to the Gütermann Mara 70 Tex 40.

**gmcttr** · 06-17-2013, 15:31

Originally Posted by sploiz

you can get Gutermanns "sew-all" thread at joann's, but i'm not sure where that stands in relation to the Gütermann Mara 70 Tex 40.

The Sew-All is not as strong as Mara 70 but it is certainly strong enough. I believe Mara 70 is a bit of overkill for our typical uses.

**The Old Boot** · 06-17-2013, 16:21

Originally Posted by gmcttr

The Sew-All is not as strong as Mara 70 but it is certainly strong enough. I believe Mara 70 is a bit of overkill for our typical uses.

I believe in 'overkill' when it comes to things like straps and hammocks.

I don't get bent about the possibility of ripping a seam in my pants, better the seam than the fabric, but man, I really hate the idea of a thread giving way on something that's keeping my butt above the ground...

Not sure of the pricing of all the different threads at Joannes, but I'll gladly pay the price for the Mara 70 from Scott at DIY.

I got a bridge hammock, a 12' tarp with doors, both quilts, my straps AND some other stuff like my compression sacks out of 1 spool of it.

**Ramblinrev** · 06-17-2013, 19:25

Originally Posted by The Old Boot

I don't get bent about the possibility of ripping a seam in my pants, better the seam than the fabric, but man, I really hate the idea of a thread giving way on something that's keeping my butt above the ground...

Actually I still prefer the stitching to be the weak link. If stresses exceed performance standards I want the thread t break before the material tears. That's why more than one line of stitches is used in mission critcal seams. They provide redundancy. The stitches pretty much just hold things in place. The real strength of the seam is in the fabric.