How did they do this?

[wolfslair]

Hi guys, just another stupid question that has me a little confused.
What method of sewing was used so that the front of the sleeve eagle has black
cotton thread sewn to the tunic, but the reverse side has grey/green cotton thread.
I've now noticed that collar tabs are sewn the same way - why did they do this?
My youngest son asked me this question and as I have never handled a sewing needle and thread in my life - I had no clue.
Anyone care to help me unlock this mystery?
Regards,
Steve

[Fritz]

You have to know that it's two threads. A sewing machine (unlike hand sewing) doesn't work with one thread only.

A mix of two colors is a common thing to see.

[Arran]

This eagle is made with a loom by the process of automated weaving...

[Ian Hulley]

You have to know that it's two threads. A sewing machine (unlike hand sewing) doesn't work with one thread only.

A mix of two colors is a common thing to see.

On a Dachau maroon fez for example the thread on the outside of the insignia is black and the inside is usually red.

Ian

[wolfslair]

Many thanks guys - now I can tell my kids that they used two (2) different color threads to sew one (1) piece of insignia?
Why did they go to so much trouble for something so basic?
2 types of cotton thread for 1 type of insignia.

[Ian Hulley]

Many thanks guys - now I can tell my kids that they used two (2) different color threads to sew one (1) piece of insignia?

Does their granny have a sewing machine ? If so get her to show them the upper spool which threads through the needle and the lower spool which is in the base of the sewing machine and is wound through the foot.

If they still ask questions tell em not to be so bloody nosey and it's 'Because Daddy say's so."

Ian

[John T]

If they still ask questions tell em not to be so bloody nosey and it's 'Because Daddy say's so."

Ian

LoL

@Steve...two threads are used on a machine because one thread is is inserted through the needle (the needle has a tiny hole at the end for this) and the needle then punctures the cloth and when through the cloth this first thread then comes into contact with a second thread which is on a different bobbin on the other side of the cloth and then pulls this thread back up through the material through the movement of the needle while the cloth is advanced and then both threads are then pushed down (punctured) through the material and back up and back down and so on. This makes a very strong stitch as opposed to if it where done by hand where it would be very time consuming. The reason for having two color threads is simple in that the threads would blend with the color of the material on each side, so if you have a black patch on green cloth you can use black and green thread, or say if you had a double sided flag where you sewed a black swastika onto a red background you would not want an outline of black thread showing on the plain red side so you would use black thread for the side with a swastika and red for the plain red side,

John

[STUG III]

sewing

I see his point why use 2 different colors of thread especially on military sewing. The US seemed to have 2 shades of thread olive drab and tan. Of course we had white and black, but when it came to mass production the 'lower', (bobbin), thread matched the upper thread. Germany did this as well especially 0n black wrappers,SS boards and insignia attached to hats or sleeves. If they are a hat or a field tunic production factory it makes sense to have a bobbin thread that matches the tunic color. They change the upper thread to black when sewing on insignia.
Field sewing is different, shoulder boards collar rank, and hand application. The tailor in the field uses what he has on hand. That explains the white thread on the top and bottom of shoulder board promotions, probably done by the unit tailor. Hope this makes sense. Dave. Guess I should type faster! I think John T covered it as well !

[wolfslair]

Many thanks to all who took the time to reply.
I better not let my wife know that I'm now clued up on how a sewing machine works -
If she finds out, I'll have to mend all my own clothes..
Regards, Steve

[Scott A. Hess]

Upper and lower bobbin.

[Ian Hulley]

I better not let my wife know that I'm now clued up on how a sewing machine works -
If she finds out, I'll have to mend all my own clothes..

Mine come from Asian sweat shops, I can't afford 'decent' (aka stooopidly piced) clothes so they aren't worth mending anyway

Ian

[maestro]

LoL

@Steve...two threads are used on a machine because one thread is is inserted through the needle (the needle has a tiny hole at the end for this) and the needle then punctures the cloth and when through the cloth this first thread then comes into contact with a second thread which is on a different bobbin on the other side of the cloth and then pulls this thread back up through the material through the movement of the needle while the cloth is advanced and then both threads are then pushed down (punctured) through the material and back up and back down and so on. This makes a very strong stitch as opposed to if it where done by hand where it would be very time consuming. The reason for having two color threads is simple in that the threads would blend with the color of the material on each side, so if you have a black patch on green cloth you can use black and green thread, or say if you had a double sided flag where you sewed a black swastika onto a red background you would not want an outline of black thread showing on the plain red side so you would use black thread for the side with a swastika and red for the plain red side,

John

nice John..