'Like-With-Like’: A Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Stitching Threads used in Textile Conservation

Benson, S. J., Lennard, F. and Smith, M. J. (2014) 'Like-With-Like’: A Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Stitching Threads used in Textile Conservation. In: ICOM-CC 17th Triennial Conference Preprints, Melbourne, Australia, 15-19 Sep 2014, pp. 1-9. ISBN 9789290124108

Abstract

This paper reports research undertaken to investigate thread types used in textile conservation by quantitatively evaluating tensile strength and damage to conserved samples. A literature review and questionnaire sent to textile conservators were used to establish the most commonly used threads for laid-thread couching treatments and the rationale behind thread choice. Most common threads found were two-ply hair silk and polyester Tetex as well as other fine polyester, silk and cotton varieties. Three natural fibre plain-weave artefact samples conserved by laid-thread couching with five different thread types (lace cotton, hair silk, organsin, Skala and Tetex) were subjected to either tensile strength testing or a fixed-load experiment for two weeks. The tensile strength tests determined that the conservation treatment provided effective support and different thread types did not give statistically different results. The fixed-load experiment determined that longer time periods created more damage, even with lighter loads.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: ed. J. Bridgland, art. 1801, 9 pp. Paris: International Council of Museums.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Smith, Dr Margaret and Lennard, Professor Frances
• Authors: Benson, S. J., Lennard, F., and Smith, M. J.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• ISBN: 9789290124108
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 International Council of Museums
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with permission of Authors

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