I learned about Thread International from a YouTuber I follow and decided to give their fabrics a try because I was so impressed with their transparency and impact. One of the primary reasons that I make my own clothes is because I do not trust the fashion industry to treat garment workers fairly. Even making my own clothes though, I will admit I often do not know where the fabric I am using comes from or who makes it. When I learned about Thread International, I had to give it a try and I ordered indigo French Terry, black and indigo Jersey, and indigo ribbing. All fabrics are 50% cotton and 50% recycled plastic.
Make #1 – Indigo Sweatpants
My first make was a pair of self-drafted sweats using the indigo French Terry and indigo rib. The fabric was excellent to work with, just like a regular cotton-blend and sewed up easily. I pre-washed in cold water and tumble dried all of the fabric on my regular heat settings and it did not melt. I also ironed it on full heat and didn’t have any issue (though my iron tends to run cool). Because the fabric doesn’t have any spandex, it has limited stretch and recovery. The French Terry also comes quite pilled on the reverse side, though the right side is great. Overall, I am quite impressed with this fabric. It isn’t as soft as a 100% cotton french terry but for 50% plastic, I’m quite impressed with it and I love knowing where it came from and how it was produced.
Make #2 – Indigo Turtleneck
My second make was a self-drafted turtleneck using the indigo Jersey. The jersey was just like any other regular jersey to work with. it rolls up on the cut edges but no more than other jersey fabrics I’ve used. Because it doesn’t have any spandex, it isn’t very stretchy which isn’t an issues, just something to be aware of on your makes. Overall, this make worked really and is a perfect base layer under sleeveless dresses for the transition to fall and winter.
Make #3 – Black men’s base layer
The last make in this round was a black jersey self-drafted base layer for G. The black jersey is more of a charcoal and isn’t as dark is it shows in these photos but this make turned out really well. I now have a perfect long-sleeved base pattern for G!
Now for the best part about this fabric and this company: My first order got lost in the USPS/Canada Post system. When I communicated with Thread about the missing package they were incredibly wonderful. They responded quickly and sent out another shipment right away by courier this time. When the missing package and the new courier package showed up at the same time, they said I could keep both and didn’t charge me any extra. That’s some excellent customer service! I’m excited to have another bunch of fabric to work with now and I plan to re-make my sweats with a little different fit and some pockets and also to make a zipper hoodie to go with them, as well as some short sleeve T’s and tanks. Stay tuned for Thread International Makes #2!
~ Lindsay