Linen is a joy to handle at the sewing machine. It does not slip easily, so it can be pin-basted. It guides easily over the feed-dogs and does not need the delicate handling required by stretch knits, and other specialty fabrics. Simply remember the basic rule of guiding, not pulling the fabric under the needle.
For most of our linens, a size 80/12 or 90/14 'universal' needle will work best. For sheer and open weave linen, refer to your sewing machine manual for their suggestions for needle size, type, and machine tension.
As for threads, we like to use 'All Purpose' 100% Polyester threads like the Sew-All thread by Gutermann. These 100% polyester threads are strong and have a silk-like sheen, they are completely dust and lint-free, providing higher productivity by reducing machine cleaning intervals, and are rub and abrasion-resistant.
If you purchase your threads from a supplier such as WAWAK, they may give you the option to choose your thread thickness, we recommend 30 - 40 Tex, such as the Guterman 'Mara' threads.
To choose your thread color, bring a swatch of your linen to the store. If ordering online, refer to their color cards such as the Gutermann color card below.
WAWAK has a Guterman color chart for their Mara threads here:
https://www.wawak.com/4ae88a/globalassets/tailoring/thread/Gutermann-Top-Stitch/WAW_GTDP/1292054827_color-chart
Here are our suggestions for matching thread colors for our fabrics:
NATURAL: Mara 118 / #512 Dove Putty
Dark greys like RIM and ASPHALT: Mara 2613 / #115 Rail Grey
Dark/navy blues like ABYSS: Mara 309 / #267 Dark Navy
Dark greens like EMERALD: Mara 340 / #788 Dark Green
Soft blues and lightest greys like FEATHER: Mara 9508 / ??
SHADOW GREY (4C22) Gutermann #910
If you have any matching thread colors feel free to add them as a comment to this article.
Comments
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Matches for Natural:
Maxi-Lock Beige & Khaki
Coats & Clark 8530 Dogwood
Gutterman is 506, the second, darker Gutterman cylinder has lost its label...
Marlin Fabric = Gutermann #835
I have found these Gütermann thread matches: FS Coral # 390 flamingo, FS Apricot # 460 Apricot, FS Spice # 4720 dark copper
Clockwise from bottom left we have Moonflower with Gutermann Mara 100 color 195, Light Pink with Mettler Metrosene color 0600, Mosaic with Coats & Clark color 123, Mixed Natural with Gutermann Mara 100 color 722, and Folkstone Gray with Metrosene color 0343.
I found a perfect thread match for the Wisteria linen. It’s Mettler Metrosene color 1079. My local fabric store had it, but it’s also available from Wawak. Absolutely love this color!
Gutermann 404 matches Beet Red well.
4C22 Dulse and Gutermann Mara 100 color #369
Here are two good matches
Mara and / Retail color matches:
Evergreen: 472 / Retail 794 Spectra Green
Mahogany Rose: 991 / Retail 357 Shell Tan
Dried Herb: 148/ Retail 765 Dusty Green
Kenya: 650 or slightly lighter is 934 / Retail 554 Cinnamon or 566 Maple Sugar
Potting soil: 406 or 817 / Retail 587 Espresso
Tangelo:
Retail color of Gutermann 462 100% polyester sew all thread - Tangerine.
For Gutermann Mara colors 350 and 351 are good matches. 351 is slightly darker which can help it blend into the fabric color better than the slightly lighter 350. In a pinch both will work beautifully.
We recommend The following thread matches for IL019 Peach Pink FS Signature finish:
Gutermann Mara #895
Gutermann Retail color #352 Coral Rose
Biking Red: Coats and Clark Barberry Red. 2820
Tourmaline: Color 827 Gutermann Mara thread.
Agave: Gütermann 100% polyester, #646, steel green
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