a thread about thread

[Mike Bollow]

There is a technique that allows a sewing machine to use two colors of thread at once, and one appears on one side of the fabric and the other appears on the other side. FOR EXAMPLE: I have a pair or boards and the thread used to sew down the tresse shows gold thread on the up side and olive underneath.

1) did common sewing machines in the 1940's have this feature or was it for fancier tailoring shops?

2) Has anybody ever seen this on a pair of shoulder boards before?

I am trying to determine if this was PERIOD done.

Thanks - Mike

[NTZ]

1. Yes. All machines from the period could use 2 different colors. The top and bottom bobins could be different threads.
2. I don't remember seeing it but it is 100% possible.

[John Hodgin]

1. Yes. All machines from the period could use 2 different colors. The top and bottom bobins could be different threads.
2. I don't remember seeing it but it is 100% possible.

Agree, and have seen this a lot on shoulder straps. Not uncommon at all.
John

[Texasuberalles]

1) did common sewing machines in the 1940's have this feature or was it for fancier tailoring shops?

I am trying to determine if this was PERIOD done.

Almost all of the original SS fezes show this feature with often seen red and green threads on the inside.

[tgn]

Mike, all sewing machines have a top thread and a bottom thread (bobbin). Any color combination is possible and even the Germans knew that...Tom

[Jos L C]

It all depends how you put the item on the machine.., if green thread is on top and blue on bottom, the upperside of a strap will have green and the inside blue, unless you put it upside down..
Sometimes you can see that jackets have 2 colors/shades of thread, meaning they started with the outside of the jacket up and the way back they turned the inside up.., hope you see what I mean ?

Jos.

[Mike Bollow]

The Germans most likely INVENTED it Tom!

Thanks guys...

Mike

[tgn]

Actually, I guess whoever invented the sewing machine invented it. Don't kow who that was, though...Tom

[NTZ]

Here you go

http://www.ismacs.net/smhistory.html


I am 99% sure I have seen period German photos with Singer sewing machines being used.

[Jens Thune]

There are pictures of a Singer machine, being used in the book "Feldbluse"

Jens

[Lenny W]

Here you go

http://www.ismacs.net/smhistory.html


I am 99% sure I have seen period German photos with Singer sewing machines being used.

great read Nick thanks

[naxos]

Here is an original strap with the NCO Litze sewed on with different colored thread.