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Bob and Heather Purcell of Superior Threads want every quilter to be up to snuff when it comes to creating the best possible quilt and textile work with their working tools.  Test your thread knowledge in the first of several quizzes that we will feature in upcoming Newsletters.

1. Which is thicker 40wt or 50wt thread?

2. What is the Tex system?

3. Name the variety of uses for Sew Fine 50wt. thread?

You will find the answers under the photo.  No peeking!

Which is thicker 40wt or 50wt thread?
The Tex system was created as a standard of consistent thread measurement and intended to replace all other methods of measurement of threads.  It hasn’t quite achieved that goal because quilters love the weight standard and the number standard (for example, 40 wt. or #50) and embroiderers are used to the denier standard (120d/2).

Tex is direct numbering system, meaning the higher the Tex number, the heavier the thread.  On the other hand, the weight system, most popular in the U.S., is not a direct numbering system because the larger the number (30 wt., 40 wt., 50. wt., 60 wt.), the finer the thread.  That can be confusing.

The Tex standard uses 1,000 meters of thread per gram as the starting point. This means if 1,000 meters of thread weighs one gram, it is Tex 1. If 1,000 meters of thread weighs 25 grams, it is Tex 25.

It is necessary to remember that 1,000 meters of cotton will not weigh the same as 1,000 meters of like-diameter polyester.  Therefore, when comparing thread sizes based on the Tex or any other standard of measure, for exact accuracy, compare cotton to cotton, poly to poly, and silk to silk.

Name the variety of uses for Sew Fine 50wt. thread?
The thread is smooth, but not slick; fine, but not weak.  So Fine is a patented thread type and there is no other thread like it. Here are my favorite uses of So Fine #50:
1. Quilting thread.  Longarms love it. Home machines love it. It is virtually lint free.
2. Bobbin thread.  Slightly heavier than Bottom Line, So Fine #50 is also a wonderful bobbin thread, which explains why we have 12 colors of prewound bobbins (L and M styles) on order.
3. Construction thread.  Nothing beats So Fine for clothing construction and repair.
4. Craft sewing. Whether by hand or by machine, So Fine #50 is perfect for crafting.
5. Serger thread. Smooth and lint free.

To learn more great thread and needle tips check out the Superior Newsletter here.

Here is a great deal for February. Click on the spools to check it out.