Rayon Embroidery Thread

Rayon thread, also referred to as viscose, is a natural fiber from trees with a soft, lustrous quality and high tensile strength. It is known the world over for its silky texture and vibrant colors, and has been a popular choice for machine embroidery for more than a century.  Rayon, originally called "artificial silk," was first developed in the late 19th century. Its creation involves dissolving cellulose (pulp from trees) and regenerating it into fibers, offering a stronger and more cost-effective alternative to natural silk. By the time machine embroidery gained popularity, rayon threads were already a preferred choice due to their superior sheen and smooth finish. Today, embroiderers love it for its softness and its ability to lie flat in any stitch pattern.

You can learn more about Madeira's Rayon thread here

Best Uses & Applications

Rayon threads look deep, soft and shiny, and enhance embroidered designs with rich luxury.

  • Apparel: Because of its soft feel, Rayon thread is perfect for adding decorative elements to clothing. While Rayon looks good anywhere, its satiny look, makes it particularly well-suited for designs on formalwear and luxe fabrics.
  •  Home Decor: Enhances items like decorative pillows, curtains, and table linens with vibrant, durable designs.
  • Accessories: Ideal for embellishing fine handbags, hats, and fashion scarves.

 

Pros

  • Lustrous Finish: Provides a beautiful, deep sheen that enhances embroidery designs.
  • Smooth Texture: Glides easily through fabric, reducing the risk of thread breakage, and its flexibility allows it to lie flat in any stitch pattern.
  • Wide Color Range: Available in a vast array of vibrant, saturated colors.
  • Softness: Gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all wearable items.

Cons

  • Colorfastness: Rayon can be laundered normally with conventional laundry detergent, but whiteners, brighteners, and bleach must be avoided since these cleaning agents will compromise Rayon’s colorfastness. Additionally, do not use Rayon in designs where the embroidered item will be exposed to long periods of sunlight and UV rays, as it will fade under these conditions.
  • Tensile Strength: Rayon meets standards for excellent tensile strength, but requires lighter tensions than polyester threads. Avoid using Rayon where high-stress situations and exposure to abrasion are likely and outdoor durability is needed.
  • Water Sensitivity: Because of its molecular structure, Rayon fibers in embroidery thread and fabrics become weaker while wet and are more susceptible to damage when exposed to water. Items stitched with Rayon should be handled with care during laundering.

Dos and Don’ts

To make the most of Rayon embroidery threads, follow these tips:

Dos

  • Use the Right Needle: A 65/9, 70/10 or 75/11 embroidery needle works best with 40-weight Rayon threads. Use a 75/11 or an 80/12 with 30-weight, and a 65/9 with 60-weight.
  • Adjust Tension: Generally, Rayon requires a lighter upper thread tension range. Experiment with lighter tensions to find the perfect setting on your machine.
  • Store Properly: Keep threads away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their quality. Protect your threads from accumulating surface dust, which traps the moisture in the air against the thread and will ruin your supply over time.
  • Test First: Always test new threads and designs on scrap fabric before starting your project.

Don'ts

  • Overtension: Avoid running Rayon at excessively high tensions, as rayon threads do not have any natural stretch and can break under stress.
  • Neglect Maintenance: Regularly clean your embroidery machine to prevent lint buildup along the entire thread path, between the tension discs, and under the throat plate and rotary hook area.
  • Expose to Harsh Chemicals: Rayon can degrade and fade with exposure to bleach, dry cleaning agents, and other strong chemicals. Only use regular laundry detergent in warm water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main properties of Rayon?
A: Rayon is known for its silk-like feel, satiny shine, softness, and flexibility. It drapes well and can be dyed easily, making it popular in fashion, formal wear and home textiles.

Q: How should I care for Rayon-embroidered garments?
A: Items embroidery with Rayon thread do well machine-washed in warm water with conventional home laundry detergent. Particularly delicate items can be hand-washed in cool water with a delicate detergent solution. They should be air-dried or tumble-dried on low heat to prevent shrinking or damage.  Do not allow wet or damp embroidered items to lie stacked on top of each other or pressed together.  Items may be ironed on the reverse side of the embroidery or between protective press cloths.

Q: How does Rayon compare to Polyester?
A: Rayon is a softer and more flexible thread when running through embroidery machines during the stitch-making process.  It has a more natural feel and pairs well with indoor textiles or formal settings, compared to polyester, which has a harder “hand” (feel under the fingers) and is more durable in hard-wearing conditions. Both Rayon and Polyester are equally shiny. Rayon’s shine can be described as satiny, while Polyester’s shine has a shimmery quality. Rayon also is made from renewable tree pulp, while Polyester is a petroleum product made from fossil fuels.

Q: What is Rayon thread best used for?
A: Rayon thread is primarily used for decorative embroidery due to its high sheen and silky appearance. It is favored for creating intricate and detailed designs on garments, home decor items, and accessories. Rayon thread is also used in monogramming, and applique work. Its vibrant colors and smooth texture make it ideal for projects where a glossy, professional or luxury finish is desired. 

Conclusion

Rayon embroidery thread is a lustrous, vibrant option suitable for a wide range of projects. Its silky texture and bright colors has made it a favorite among embroiderers for the past century. When used in the proper context, and stitched with the right techniques, Rayon thread can add elegance and beauty to your embroidery work. Happy stitching!