EcoZeal

Why use polyester when you can use eco-friendly natural fiber thread? Linen thread from Reconstructing History.

You’ve got your pattern picked out and a stash of fabric (organic of course), and you’re in the mood to sew!  Wouldn’t it be nice to stitch it all together with organic or sustainable thread?

You’re unlikely to find it in your local fabric store, but with luck you may be able to find what you’re looking for online.  

Organic Cotton Thread

If you’re used to sewing with polyester or poly/cotton blend thread, switching to 100% organic cotton thread may take some getting used to.  You may find you will need to be careful with it, and don’t be upset if it breaks a little more frequently than you expect. 

Fiberactive Organics carries a good selection of multipurpose and heavyweight organic cotton thread for sewing and quilting, both white and colored.

YLI claims to be the first certified organic cotton sewing thread suitable for your machine as well as for hand sewing.  It can be used in sergers, too (although some users may find it a little on the fuzzy side, depending on the machine used.)  It’s available in a 500-yard spool in natural or white from Keepsake Quilting.

Other Natural Fiber Threads

Hemp is a stronger fiber than cotton, and may produce more satisfactory results if you can find it. 

For hand sewing or quilting, try Reconstructing History.  They specialize in historical clothing, patterns, fabric and notions, and carry two weights of hemp thread.  They also have a fine selection of other natural fiber threads, including wool, silk and many colors of linen thread.  The linen thread may be used in your sewing machine.

For machine sewing with natural fiber thread, look no further than the Ahimsa Peace Silk thread from Aurora.  Silk makes a great fiber for machine sewing because its smooth texture doesn’t lint up like cotton does.  Available in natural in an 8oz (8,000 yd.) cone, one customer claims it’s the best sewing machine thread she’s ever worked with. 

It may not be easy to find the perfect sustainable thread, but once you do, you’ll feel good about creating your own sustainable garments, right down to the last finishing touch.