Gutermann thread clarification

**Spaceman** · 02-15-2016, 14:23

Nice post, XXL_Hanger!

**xxl_hanger** · 02-15-2016, 17:10

The kite sewing convention recommends old sewing machines ("Older is generally better") and a #14 needle for sewing ripstop nylon. It is also recommended that you set your bottom tension first, before you adjust the top tension. This is not what Ramblinrev recommends because he is worried that you mess up the bottom tension and get serious problems later. Most likely he is right when you buy or use a new sewing machine. With any very old CB gripper machine I recommend the following check (clean your bobbin case first - also below the spring if you can):

Lower thread tension adjustment

This method works with all my old ("iron swine") sewing machines and in conjunction with all abovementioned Gütermann threads perfectly fine.

**xxl_hanger** · 02-15-2016, 22:14

1000m spools of Gütermann MARA 100 are available here in a lot of colors and for a fair price:

http://www.rockywoods.com/Hardware-Z...lyester-thread

I pay more for a 200m spool of Sew-All Thread in Germany!

**Flatliner** · 04-15-2016, 14:00

This thread should be a sticky if it isn't already...

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**teepee** · 11-03-2019, 21:24

Originally Posted by Flatliner

This thread should be a sticky if it isn't already...
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Agreed. maybe un-zombifying it? :

Great info in the OP, better than pretty much anywhere else. My remaining confusion, then is - why is the smallest size recommended Tera80 / Tex35? This is a LOT larger than ~similar uses in "normal" (hehe. Outside of MYOG).

I make my own UL and bikepacking gear. so that's ~0.7 oz/yd ripstop nylon for UL tarps through 3oz/yd bags. On the LIGHTEST end of that scale, tex35 seems way too big. tera180 (ONE-eighty) at tex16 would seem to make a lot more sense. smaller holes, less puckering, seam itself still a hell of a lot stronger than the fabric it would seem.

But, zero MYOG suppliers stock this, afaict?? I'm not saying Tera80 is _bad_, but I don't mind keeping a few spools of an additional type of thread around to get better results for the really light stuff.

Thoughts? Thanks!

**slugbait** · 11-04-2019, 11:10

Yes- sticky please. I use Gutterman Sews-All for most projects. Stitching a seam twice if I think it's needed. I use Gutterman Upholstery thread with heavier fabrics (sometimes).

**Bothwell Voyageur** · 11-04-2019, 12:39

Rockywoods also has Tera 40

**BikerDad** · 08-30-2020, 01:23

HOW MANY TIMES DOES MAKING THIS A STICKY HAVE TO BE SUGGESTED?!!!

This looks to be the closest to a GOOD single explanation of thread selection I've been able to find, with some bonus info regarding the technical characteristics of the Gutermann threads.

I would try to craft such a post myself, BUT I don't even sew, I'm simply trying to figure out what frickin' thread to get for my daughter who DOES sew and will be making some mesh (snakeskins, fronkeys) and Dutch Wide Asym Tarp kits for me. Neither the Kit page, nor the tutorial page even MENTION thread. (yes, that's on Dutch.) Why the heck is this so blasted hard to find? it seems like it should be remarkably simple.

Fabric X > Application Y > Thread Z (alternate Thread Z2) > Needle W
Fabric A > Application B > Thread Z2 > Needle W2
etc > etc > etc > etc.

IN ONE PLACE.
STICKIED.
SO NOOBS AND THE IGNORANT LOOKING TO REDUCE THEIR IGNORANCE (LIKE ME) CAN FIND AND UNDERSTAND IT.

**SutterButtes** · 09-01-2020, 01:52

Wawak.com has Mara 30, 70, 80 [only in white], 100 (AKA Sews-All), 120, 150 and 220 available in 42 - 700 colors.
They also have Tera 40, 60 and 420 available in 10 - 19 colors.
Prices are very reasonable.

**SutterButtes** · 09-01-2020, 02:09

I would like to add that as someone who is new to both hammocks and DIY I found this thread to be very helpful. I found it about 2 weeks ago but I wish I'd found it a year ago. I agree that it would be nice to have it in the DIY sticky subforum for future reference.