Product Review: Sewers Aid

If you've ever worked with metallic threads, then you know what a painus in the anus they can be.  A quilt shop recommended this product to me, and I only recently got around to trying it.  I had a white metallic thread with a sort of pearlescent sheen to it that was perfect for my project.  I wanted so badly to use it, but I didn't have much hope that it would work, given my past experience with metallic thread.  I decided this would be a perfect chance to try out the Sewers Aide.

Sewers Aid is a non-staining silicon lubricant that can be used in both hand and machine sewing.  The instructions advised applying it to the needle and the presser foot, but also to the thread.  I wasn't exactly sure how to accomplish this on a spool of thread, so I put a fine line along the length of the spool and then massaged it into the thread.  I put the residue left on my fingers on the needle and on the bottom of the presser foot. 

In addition, I did pretty much everything I could think of to help the thread move smoothly including putting it on a thread stand and using a metallic needle.  Also, I noticed that it seemed to be hanging up on itself rather than coming smoothly off the spool.  Closer inspection revealed that the spool had burrs(!) on it that were catching on the thread and preventing it from unwinding.  I used an emery board to smooth those off.  (Sheesh.)  With that complete plan of attack, I'm happy to say that I had no thread breakages for the entire project despite my thread being of questionable quality.

It's hard to say whether the Sewers Aid made the difference or if it was one or a combination of all of my interventions that made the difference.  I can say with confidence, however, that the Sewers Aid didn't hurt at all.  It doesn't seem to have gummed up anything on the machine and it left no residue on my fabrics.  If you're having trouble with metallic thread, or any other thread problem, I can recommend this product.  It's fairly inexpensive, and a small bottle should last a very long time.