sling sewers, what kind of thread?

[stretchmark]

do you use to make sure it is extra strong?

[Kari_mom]

Standard sewing machine thread is fine, I like 100% polyester but Coats and Clark will work. It is more important to make sure that you have strong seams. Stitch seams that will carry your baby's weight twice or use french seams. Generally the fabric will rip or tear before the seams will give way, assuming you have stitched them with proper tension, etc.

HTH!

[AmandaBL]

:
I always sew any seam that holds weight about 50 times (not really) and have never had a problem with the basic thread.

[stretchmark]

That does help. I sewed a sling for myself once and did sew the seams about 50 times too and serged them together.
Is there an industrial type of thread that is used for sewing that heavyweight "polypro ribbing" together?

[AinNJ]

i'm not a "sling maker", but i did make a mai tai type carrier for myself. i used a pretty quilted fabric and nylon strapping w/ladder lock clips so i wouldn't have to tie it. after i sewed it together, there was alot of stress where the straps met the fabric. i wasn't sure it was strong enough w/regular thread, so i went back and stitched over everything with uphulstery thread. i could probably hang my car with that stuff! LOL!! i stitched X's in the corners where the straps met the fabric. i check the stitches/fabric before i put it on, and so far so good. i've been using it *all the time* for about 3 or 4 months now.

[willowsmom]

I use All Purpose thread...I sew ringed slings...and pretty much the only part I need to make sure is secure is the sewn part that holds the rings on. I make a 5 or 6 passes with the thread and it stays really well. (I'm testing them with 30lb kiddo)...

HTH

[Kari_mom]

Originally Posted by stretchmark

Is there an industrial type of thread that is used for sewing that heavyweight "polypro ribbing" together?

What is "polypro ribbing"?

Using thread that is too thick for fabric can actually cut the fabric and cause it to rip at the seams.

I've got pouches and ring slings that I have used with three babies for more than 6 years. I sewed them with regular sewing machine thread, double-stitched or french-seamed as appropriate, and have yet to have a seam give way. I have worn out the fabric or left them in restaurants, but the seams are fine.

Sling safety is important, but a good safe sling isn't hard to sew.

[stafl]

If you are making the sling out of cotton fabric, synthetic fiber thread will cut through the cotton fibers of the fabric and weaken the seams. It is best to stick to the same fiber content of the fabric you are sewing. I make my slings out of 100% unbleached cotton fabric and thread, and have never had one give way, even after four years of nearly daily use and repeated machine washings.