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G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2 • G R A P H I C S P R O 3 5 CONSISTENCY Regardless of what factors influence a purchase decision, one thing that should always be considered is the consistency of the brand of thread being considered. Consistency, when it comes to thread, means that the thread retains the same properties over time. Dye recipes are fol- lowed precisely, so the hues of the thread don't vary from lot to lot. The tensile strength and durability of the thread stays constant, so the thread sews consistently stitch-out after stitch-out. Basically, the first experience a shop has with a thread should be the same as the 51st experience they have with that thread. Consistency allows a shop to rely on the color pal- ette they've created, and the procedures they've put in place to ensure a successful and speedy stitch-out. Thread that is manufactured in an inconsistent manner will have weak spots, and perhaps knots. It will break more eas- ily, fray more quickly, and cause produc- tion slow-downs or stoppages. A consis- tent thread will also sew out correctly, time after time after time. You won't have to mess with tensions, deal with bird nest- ing or slow the speed of your machine. A consistent thread will sew out at the same speed and tension every time. It won't cre- ate embroidery that is "set it and forget it," but it will create a smooth and efficient sew-out and give a predictable outcome. COLOR Having a consistent thread matters for several reasons. Any shop that has found the perfect color of thread for a large job, and then had the hue change in subse- quent batches, knows the pain of trying to explain why all the sew-outs aren't exactly the same color. Or trying to convert col- ors between brands in hopes of finding a precise match. Dye recipes need to be followed exactly to ensure that the same thread color from different dye lots is the same shade. read manufacturers that are sloppy about dye recipes and the dying process may pro- duce thread that varies in hue from lot to lot. When selecting a thread to buy, it may be wise to inspect cones of the same color from different lots to make sure the color is consistent. Or compare a cone of thread to a thread card and see how closely the two match. Variations in color can cause issues with customers, production A consistent thread will also sew out correctly, time after time. (Image courtesy GPX) Image courtesy Madeira USA