We've been sewing with our natural threads for years and have never experienced issues with seams bursting during normal wear.

While natural threads can break more easily than polyester when pulled directly from end to end, this doesn't reflect how thread performs once it is stitched into a garment. When sewn correctly, natural threads create strong, durable seams that are well suited to everyday wear and regular washing.

In fact, many garments were sewn exclusively with natural fibre threads long before polyester was invented. With the right thread and stitch settings, natural threads are more than capable of producing reliable, long-lasting garments.

Our natural threads have been successfully used in both home sewing and manufacturing environments.

While polyester threads are renowned for their performance at extremely high sewing speeds, most domestic machines -and many industrial machines - do not operate at these speeds. Under normal sewing conditions, our natural threads perform beautifully.

If you do experience thread breakage while sewing, it is more likely to be caused by machine setup rather than the thread itself. Common causes include incorrect threading, tension issues, a damaged or unsuitable needle, or burrs on the machine.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your sewing machine, along with changing your needle frequently, will help ensure smooth, trouble-free sewing.

If you are having difficulties we encourage you to reach out, we are always happy to help.

Our Scanfil Organic Cotton and Tencel™ threads have been treated during manufacturing to minimise shrinkage.

Sewpure thread is only minimally processed, so it retains more of the natural characteristics of the cotton, including the possibility of a small amount of shrinkage.

When cared for according to the recommended instructions (cold to warm wash and line dry), any shrinkage should be minimal. Once sewn into a project, this slight shrinkage is unlikely to affect the appearance or performance of the finished item.

Yes. Our Tencel™ threads were specifically developed for use in manufacturing, particularly for sewing jeans and stretch fabrics. They can be used successfully on a wide range of knit and stretch fabrics, including those containing elastane.

Cotton thread can also be used with stretch fabrics, provided the fabric is made from natural fibres and does not have a high degree of stretch. As cotton has less elasticity than polyester or Tencel™, it is best suited to stable knits and fabrics with only a small amount of stretch.

As a general rule, we recommend taking a like-for-like approach when choosing thread. Natural threads pair beautifully with natural and predominantly natural fabrics, while fully synthetic fabrics are often best sewn with polyester thread.

If you're unsure which thread is right for your project, please get in touch – we're always happy to help.

As a general guide:

• Fine threads for light to mid-weight fabrics and overlocking
• Universal threads work well for most garment sewing including top-stitching
• Heavy threads are best for thicker fabrics and statement top-stitching i.e. jeans

Check out our Quick Thread Guide

Shopping for thread online can feel daunting, but the good news is that colour matching with natural threads is often more forgiving than with polyester threads.

We've found that when sewing natural fabrics with natural threads, the colours tend to blend more harmoniously, even if they aren't an exact match. Because the fabric and thread share similar natural properties, the finished result is often more subtle and cohesive than you might expect.

If you're concerned about finding the perfect match, please get in touch. We can arrange sample cards for a small fee, or help you choose a suitable shade based on your fabric.

We also encourage you to try your thread before deciding, as many customers are pleasantly surprised by how beautifully natural threads blend once sewn into their fabric.

If you're unhappy with your colour choice, we're happy to offer an exchange or store credit on any unused threads.

Natural threads:

• Work beautifully with natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and wool
• Create softer, more cohesive-looking seams
• Help reduce the amount of plastic in your finished garments
• Keep the materials in a garment more consistent from fibre to finish
• Can be dyed alongside natural fabrics, making repairs and alterations easier
• Age and wear in harmony with natural fabrics
• Support a more circular approach to garment making

We think the better question is... why not?

Yes. One of the great advantages of natural threads is that they can be dyed alongside your natural fibre garments. Unlike polyester threads, which often resist dye, natural threads readily absorb colour, resulting in a more consistent and cohesive finish.

Dyeing your garment and thread together is a great way to refresh the colour of a well-loved piece, extend its lifespan, or customise your makes using either commercial dyes or natural dye techniques.

All of our threads are certified to either OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), depending on the fibre content and production process.

These certifications help ensure that our threads meet strict environmental and social responsibility standards, from raw material through to final production.