The Ultimate Thread Guide

Starred review from October 21, 2019
Quilting teacher Goldsmith (Bullseye Quilts) unravels the story of thread in this handy, in-depth guide to choosing the perfect material for a project. Anyone who has ever stood in front of a crafts store thread display and been overwhelmed by the huge selection will appreciate her careful analysis of the different options for crafters. Goldsmith’s descriptions are clear and succinct, yet provide extensive information, as with her précis on the origins of various fibers (such as the “best-known silk... from the cocoons of mulberry silkworm larvae”), their characteristics, and the best uses for them. In addition to explanations about weight and thickness, Goldsmith provides practical guidance on which needles to use with which thread, whether for sewing by hand or with a machine. Her section dedicated to introducing various manufacturers and their particular offerings, meanwhile, will make for a handy shopping tool. The book’s photographs are not only colorful and filled with close-up detail, but are often directly incorporated into the layout of the text, making for a visually appealing presentation. The result is an attractive and useful reference for those passionate about sewing and other thread-based crafts.