OK... I know I said I was done with mask making, but I got bored so I made a bunch more with another 100% cotton aloha shirt that a friend had given me to repurpose.
Well... while I was ironing it, this is what happened!
The blue thread actually melted. Granted, I'd forgotten to check what I had the iron set at. It was on the highest heat. It gets hot enough that it can scorch paper. I know. I tested it later.
I forgot to take a photo of the initial melting because I was in shock. This photo was taken after I removed the melted stitches and resewed it.
I checked what kind of thread I was using. It was mom's polyester thread. I resewed it with cotton covered polyester.
Wow!
I mentioned it to my daughter and she said the same thing happened to her.
I checked online and found this on Banasch's Sewing Supplies:
We are learning new things with COVID-19. I just didn't know it was going to be about thread.
Well... while I was ironing it, this is what happened!
The blue thread actually melted. Granted, I'd forgotten to check what I had the iron set at. It was on the highest heat. It gets hot enough that it can scorch paper. I know. I tested it later.
I forgot to take a photo of the initial melting because I was in shock. This photo was taken after I removed the melted stitches and resewed it.
I checked what kind of thread I was using. It was mom's polyester thread. I resewed it with cotton covered polyester.
Wow!
I mentioned it to my daughter and she said the same thing happened to her.
I checked online and found this on Banasch's Sewing Supplies:
"Polyester thread is a synthetic all-purpose thread. It is a good choice for most machine and hand sewing projects. Polyester thread works well with stretchy fabrics as it has much give to it. Because of the wax or silicone finish that often covers this thread, it slips through the fabric easily. Invisible polyester thread is also available and is an ideal choice for some projects."
"As stated earlier, cotton thread has been used since the dawn of human existence. Even though it has been around a while, it does have its drawbacks. Cotton thread has low stretch and tends to break easily. However, it’s a good choice when sewing delicate fabrics and garments like lingerie."Well, it didn't mention here about it melting!
We are learning new things with COVID-19. I just didn't know it was going to be about thread.
I had never thought about different thread materials, interesting.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to learn something new. I am actually surprised that there is no official warning about the flammability of polyester thread in these litigious times.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that. Not that I ever iron anything if I can help it. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm a quilter so unless its an art quilt with specialty thread um always at pure cotton. I fo know that when you sew heating pads or anything microwavable everything in the mix has to be cotton.
ReplyDeleteThanks for passing this on …
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I don't think I have polyester thread. I have the cotton blends, cotton, rayon, and silk. That must have been so disappointing to have your threads melt after you put such effort into making your masks. Good to know, thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell patooie! I wouldn't have thought about the thread content either. More research is going on in the Art and Kay Lab!
ReplyDeleteI've been watching the PBS series about Asian Americans. Lots of info I didn't know. Maybe a pretty good series for your grandkids, or kids to watch.
Stay safe. Help get Hawaii Corona-fee! Linda in Kansas
that was supposed to be Corona-free....
ReplyDeleteYour post is truly mind-boggling, and so timely! This is good to know, thanks for sharing it. My sewing machine and my iron probably wonder where I am, I have not used either one for so long. :) Wishing You All the Best!
ReplyDeletewow what a surprise, shock to have your thread melt...always some challenge!
ReplyDeleteWell, that was an unpleasant lesson to learn. I don't think I have ever used polyester thread.
ReplyDeleteThere is a whole category of fabrics that melts...like ray0n or polyester. Your iron should be marked. So sorrryy about that melting.
ReplyDeleteI got the knowledge of the types of yarns that can't stand heat being ironed ... thanks for that, Kay.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from me in Indonesia
My sister in law made some as well
ReplyDelete