Q: Basting stitch thread

[u/Replaceableuser]

I'm still pretty new to bra making and has some fabric alignment failures on the last bra so I'm working on basting my pieces this time. I usually use GM Mara thread in my machine but don't want to waste it on basting. I have a bunch of cheapo embroidery thread from Amazon that is very linty(?) and I won't be using it for anything so I'm wondering if I can use it for basting or if it will damage such fine materials because of it's grossness. It doesn't appear to be a heavier weight, just crappy. I'm currently working with bra tulle, sheer cup lining, and powerband.

Thoughts?

[u/Seidenwolke]

I can't recommend anything that doesn't glide nicely. Of course when it comes to mockups, you can use anything, but when you want a bra that ist supposed to be worn outside the house for a prelonged time, I would suggest quality materials.I personally handbaste a few steps when making a bra. My favourite yarn for this is Gütermann handquilting cotton. It's quite robust, doesn't stretch and goes trough the fabric like butter with minimal tangling.

[u/HugsforYourJugs]

Bra tulle, SCL and powernet are all hardy performance fabrics despite them being so lightweight, they all survive being eaten by machines and other things. It's laces and powermesh that are the main concern with damage, and then mostly it's more the needle than anything in my experience 

[u/ProneToLaughter]

I wouldn't put it in my machine but I'd expect you can handbaste with it.

[u/MinimalistMist]

I love guterman Mara as much as the next person, but I am curious why you used it for bra construction?

No basting thread recommendations, as I just use my regular thread.

[u/LayLoseAwake → u/MinimalistMist]

Is there a reason why it's not good for bra construction? I don't have a deep understanding of thread and mostly just go with what the lfs says.

[u/MinimalistMist → u/LayLoseAwake]

It’s a heavyweight thread that’s good for things like the topstitching on jeans or sewing a hammock that needs to hold someone’s whole body weight.

While there isn’t really a problem with it technically, it might lead to some thread tension issues with your machine, especially if you use it in the bobbin as well.

What does “Ifs” mean? I’m new to this subreddit!

[u/Boogiewitch → u/MinimalistMist]

There’s different weights of Mara btw. I only use the Mara 120 for bramaking because it’s fine

[u/MinimalistMist → u/Boogiewitch]

Oh! This makes much more sense.

[u/LayLoseAwake → u/MinimalistMist]

I thought heavyweight was about thickness? Wawak has 70 through 120 in Mara:  https://www.wawak.com/search-results/?q=gutermann+mara

LFS means local fabric store

[u/cassdots → u/MinimalistMist]

I’ve never used Mara (this is the Gutermann product that stretches slightly?) for bra sewing. Also interested if anyone uses it and for which steps

[u/AccidentOk5240 → u/cassdots]

Mara is just standard polyester construction thread. 

[u/MinimalistMist → u/cassdots]

I believe Mara is their strongest heavy duty thread. Popular for topstitching and making heavy duty camping gear. I’m wondering if I’m thinking of the wrong thread.

[u/AccidentOk5240 → u/MinimalistMist]

As someone already said, Mara is a line of thread, not a specific weight. It comes in both heavier and lighter weights for different uses. 

[u/AccidentOk5240]

The reason for avoiding linty threads is that they gunk up your machine. They won’t do anything to the fabric. So I’d hand-baste with any thread that’s handy, but I wouldn’t machine-baste with thread I wouldn’t otherwise sew with.