thread conditioner?

There's this nice container of wax that I use sometimes to make a hand-sewing thread behave. I also have Thread Heaven which might be a sort of silicone blob. Just now, I'm playing for longevity. We're expecting. A great grandchild. I'm doing stabilizing smocking stitches on the back of a silk daygown. (Hoping that it will be passed down to this baby's firstborn.) Ah me. Happy day. Happy stitching. But . . . I wonder if using either could be detrimental in the 'long' run. I'm out of my zone. Usually I make quilts that will survive unspeakable treatment including Daddy 'helps' with the laundry and I only aim for happy/sturdy. Any thoughts on wax or silicone? Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther
Loading thread data ...

I have used beeswax for handsewing, especially for things like hemstitching or some kinds of embroidery. Also for hems.

I've also used Dritz Sewers Aid on machine embroidery thread. This I did by putting a drop of Sewers Aid onto a tiny cotton ball, then sticking the ball to my embroidery machine with double-faced tape just above the needle. The aim was to have it on the thread as it passed through the needle and into the fabric, but not to have it anywhere near the tension or other parts of the machine.

Both the wax and the Sewers Aid come out in the first wash.

Reply to
Pogonip

Thank you, Joanne. I didn't know they came out in the first wash. That's good, good to know. I avoid unknowns that could yellow or disintegrate over time. However - I don't think you need to be concerned about Thread Heaven harming your SM tension discs etc. Funny how I measure years by where we were living - but back when we moved to Lincolnshire, the moving guys dropped my beloved SM on its head. That's when I bought the Bernina 1230 - nearly 25 years ago. The wonderful Bernina guy taught me to draw a fine bead of Thread Heaven on my spool of thread before threading the SM. That

1230 still stitches a beautiful seam and no harm has come to her. One of her 'boards' has gone goofy but I don't think it is at all related to the Thread Heaven use. Maybe someone else will tell us differently but it has been very helpful and, I believe, quite safe. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Do not use wax on thread running in a machine will foul up the works .

Reply to
Ron Anderson

Understood, Ron. But have you had any SMs with woes from the silicone? It hasn't bothered any of mine but that's hardly a survey. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Silicone should not be a problem

Reply to
Ron Anderson

i cannot offer any advice, but wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

Reply to
betsey

I switched from beeswax to Thread Heaven a few years ago. No issues with either, but I prefer the Thread Heaven...

And, I agree - they come out in the first laundering....

Reply to
Sparafucile

I'm thr other way about. Hated the feel of Thread Heavan, aqnd it made the thread sticky. Love beeswax.

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

"betsey"

Reply to
Polly Esther

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.