Thread Selection for Silnylon

I use Gutterman sew all from local fabric store on silnylon tarp. 100s of nights. Very windy on occasion.

The only problem is the seam that joins panels going up to a corner, the fabric stretches more, so the thread breaks. Doesn't really cause a problem though because it's at corner and there's a tie-out at the edge so the fabric stays together.

Solution to this is to do a zigzag stitch for the one foot closest to corner. Then, the seam stretches even though the thread doesn't.

One thing good about Gutterman sew all is it's fairly thin so it works on home sewing machine. Thicker thread may not.

One problem is since the thread is thin, it breaks at high stress places like when I sew on shoulder straps. Solution is to do two or three rows of stitches. If you were a commercial sewer, you wouldn't want to waste time doing extra rows of stitches.

For shoulder strap attachment, use several overlaying zigzag (bar tack). Maybe 1 mm between holes in fabric. But, silnylon isn't really the best for something high stress like a shoulder strap.

Unless you're using an industrial machine, where nylon thread's slick outer coating is a benefit in the fast feeding of thread, go with a moderate thickness good-quality polyester thread. It will feed through your machine much better (as it's a narrower gauge) and won't stretch during sewing (keeping the machine in time).

Gutermann is commonly available (their Sew-All line will do you just fine, but if you prefer to purchase online, DIY Gear Supply sells Gutermann Mara thread, which is a decent catch-all thread for DIY projects).

Hope it helps!

If you find some bonded nylon, stick with number B33 or B46. The heavier versions (B69, B92, B138) have trouble in home machines with tension, tho with hand turning the 69 can be used on shoulder straps etc. Going any lighter than 33 and the stretch will prove difficult with the timing, as mentioned.

A taylor supply store will likely have B33, for pants that is used on the inseams and crotch to prevent blowouts.

Example
http://sewtrue.com/Store/33-Nylon-Bonded-Thread-P191.html

I've read that bonded nylon gums up home machines, although I'm told my machine would be ok. I just found Z46 on Seattle Fabrics – apparently lighter than comparable width thread. Any experiences with this stuff?

Suppose if I dont find nylon thread at a good price, I'll give it a try with polyester – I don't want to spend a ton of hours putting a tarp together (I work slowly), using up a lot good material, to have stitches going on me in the field.

I don't have as much experience with MYOG as many on here, but I'm pretty hard on gear.

I've made 3 tarps of different sizes and styles, all from sil-nylon.

I've also modified a couple of packs, some clothing items, made my own insulated cozy, and numerous stuff sacks with sil-nylon.

In my experience, any regular polyester thread that I've used where any regular stress is applied has failed.

In my experience, Gutermann Mara is just fine for projects that don't receive too much abrasion or stress, but for more strength and endurance Gutermann Tera 60 and 40 are more reliable. The Gutermann Tera 60 works very well in my basic Brother (purchased in 2000) sewing machine. The Gutermann Tera 40 works, but has a tendency to be a little finicky with my machines tension control as it has a tendency to pill(but will work).

http://diygearsupply.com/product/gutermann-tera/

I've found the Gutrermann Standard Weight from the website below to be comparable to the Gutermann Mara.

I've also found the Gutermann Extra Strong Weight thread below to behave as the Tera 40 does in my machine.

Both web businesses have proven to be helpful and reputable in my experience.

Hope this helps.

http://www.questoutfitters.com/narrow_roll_goods.htm#THREAD

I imagine most know I prefer an industrial thread called Rasant, from Amann (Germany). But buying Rasant in the USA is almost impossible. I use Rasant 120, which is finer than the common Guterman, for most silnylon things, and Rasant 75 for critical tent seams.
For the Rasant 120 I normally use a Schmetz #60 needle. For the Rasant 75 I use either a #60 or a slightly thicker #70.

The Rasant threads are a polyester-cotton blend. My experience has been that it works much better than a straight polyester thread, which can be a bit tricky at times. Straight polyester can kink. Poly-cotton can also sew faster with safety – but you would need a commercial machine to notice.

I sew with bonded nylon in an old black Singer for pack making. Typically that would use a #90 or #100 needle. I have never seen it show any sign of gumming up a machine.

Cheers