I have a question about the various threads out there. The embroidery places sell alot of thread such as maderia, & I'm wondering how these compare with "traditional"rod thread such as gudbrod etc.I know some of these are rayon and some are polyester vs gudbrod being nylon (are the metallics nylon too) How does say a #40 embroidery thread compare in size & strength to a size A? Are the colors compatible with cp? Can you use them for overwrapping or just underwraps. Any imput would be great - there are lots of different colors available - I just don't know if these threads are suitable .

Jerry,
I also have admired the thread selections in fabric stores, and have done some experimentation. When I did a search of this site, I learned that some find these alternative threads useful while some don't . Do some searches to view the many comments on use of alterative threads.

Jeff

Jerry,
I also have admired the thread selections in fabric stores, and have done some experimentation. When I did a search of this site, I learned that some find these alternative threads useful while some don't . Use the search function on this site to view the many comments on use of alterative threads.

Good Luck,
Jeff Shafer

I asked the same question about 2 months ago. I was told to stay away from Rayon, I don't know why it wasn't explained. Also was advised to make sure the thread doesn't have lubricants, (epoxy fisheyes). I was told in an email from one of the thread companies that size A rodbuilding thread was equivilant to a size 23 embroidery thread.

Bill in WV

Commercial Thread Size Diameter in Inches
15 .005
33 .007
46/3 .008
69 .011
92 .012
138 .015
207 .019


Gudebrod
A .006
B
C
D .0104
E .012
EE .0154

Missing the Diameters of Gudebrod size C and D as well as the Diameters of 35 weight and 30 weight Rayon threads.

Cheers

Derek

I'm about to try a German thread called ettler Polysheen 40. Supposed to be as good if not better than Madeira. I'll let you know when some results come through.

Sorry should have been Mettler Polysheen40.

Mark: My wife uses Mettler Polysheen for embroidery. Great colors, huge selection, good price. I was going to try it on my rods, but have put it off because, on close inspection, it is just slightly "fuzzy", meaning some stray, short threads sticking out from the main thread. Just very slight, but Gudebrod nylon threads have no fuzz at all (except for the occasional bad spool).

If you decide to go ahead anyway, please post your results. The test is whether any fuzz shows after epoxy is put on.

Ive used both Mettler PolySheen and Mettler Metrosene Plus. I found the PolySheen to be very similar to Madeira PoluNeon 40. I didnt find the PolySheen to be fuzzy. The Metler Metrosene, however, is definitley fuzy - tried it only once and pitched it..

Both the Mettler PolySheen & Metrosene come in the same large color selection, however.

Stan

OK fellows,

Can someone please clarify why they told me to stay away from Rayon? There are a lot of nice colors I'd like to try in rayon, but I'm afraid to.

Bill in WV

I know why I don't like it... it streaches so much it's virtually impossible to pack tight enough to not get the dark splotches when you apply your finish.

Other than that, I couldn't tell you. I've never left it on long enough to test it beyond applying the finish.

Nice colors though! Wish Gudebrod had some of the same color selections.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds