Choices When Selecting Threads

What's New, Mar/Apr 2003

When students are selecting thread for their projects these days, there is much more to consider than whether to choose polyester or cotton. When they arrive at the fabric store or department, they will be confronted with a multitude of choices.

Many times the only factor considered when selecting thread for a project is color. But if the student selects a blue rayon thread to sew blue jeans with, the end result may be split seams. While color is important there are other things to consider as well. Will the thread be used for construction, quilting, or machine embroidery? The way the thread is used may be functional or decorative, but in either case, using the right thread is important to the end results.

Coats & Clark makes it easy for teachers to stay up on the latest developments in threads through the Stitch In Time® educational resources. Coats & Clark supports classroom teachers through its Stitch In Time® mailing to Family and Consumer Sciences educators.

Laurie Adams, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Cameron High School in Cameron, WI, says, "I'm happy to hear about your educator program and your catalog is just what I was looking for."

The Stitch In Time mailing package is sent to Family and Consumer Sciences teachers at the middle and high school level and County Cooperative Extension and 4-H Agents. The mailing includes a newsletter that provides updates on sewing products and programs and a classroom project. County Extension Agent Elizabeth Hill of Greenville, SC, reports, "I often use the projects in the newsletter for summer programs and camps. They are simple, inexpensive and can be completed in a short period of time."

Resources available through the catalog offer teachers a variety of sewing and needlecraft leaflets and project kits including duffle bags, locker caddies, latch hook rugs, knitted and crocheted hats. Special educator assortments are available and products for classroom use are offered at educator prices.

Coats & dark's leaflets can be a vital part of any sewing curriculum. They have been researched in Coats & Clark's Consumer Research Lab and are written on the student level. For example, The Basics of Hand and Machine Sewing, a 16-page booklet, covers thread selection, needles, hand stitches, tension, threading and more.

Elizabeth Hill uses this leaflet for all of her youth sewing classes. "I give one to every student to place in their folder. The illustrations are excellent and it is very thorough. I use many of the leaflets. I like that they cover a single topic. My classes run for only a short period, so I prefer individual leaflets that cover the specific skills we will be using in our projects."

To receive the free Coats & Clark's Stitch in Time® mailing package, send your school or office address to Coats & Clark, Dept. WN, P.O. Box 12229, Greenville, SC 29662, or call 800/648-1479.

COATS & CLARK

P.O. Box 12229

Greenville, SC 29662

800/648-1479

www.coatsandclark.com