Print this page Previous Tips & Tricks if you use skin lotions, or3. I love the wit and humor you brought to the table with this post, Suzy! To identify polyester thread, look for the following characteristics: Burn test: One of the most reliable ways to identify polyester thread is to perform a burn test. It saves money and some people say it helps them quilt more smoothly . Burnt silk curls into irregular hollow beads that are black and brittle. I'm also looking at Maine . Tenacity: This is determined by the maximum tensile force divided by linear density (say what?). Today, most sewing machine thread has a polyester core that prevents thread breakage by making it slightly stretchy. For cotton bed sheets, the top end of thread count is realistically 500 to 600. Im virtually lint free! Embroidery thread is more decorative in appearance when compared with regular sewing thread. Colors, numbering, and weights vary depending on the manufacturer. Its easier to dye and produces beautiful, rich colors. An S twist thread isnt commonly used in home sewing machines. 7. Take a piece of thread about as long as your forearm and tie a knot in the middle. Identifying polyester thread is simple - Reading the label will typically tell you of your thread contains nylon, cotton or polyester. Now Poly, I hear you have some pretty well-rounded interests. After all, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration, many of which go beyond the conventional markers of color, size, and thread count. The larger the number, the heavier/thicker the thread. Simply take a lighter to a loose thread, cotton will burn away to ash while polyester melts down to a plasticky nub. You can use normal thread in a serger machine but it's more expensive and will run out more quickly. Oh my gosh, I just asked this question in one of my Facebook groups.. Fire Retardant: This thread is able to withstand extreme heat. There are four main thread characteristics to take into account when sewing: Threads are either made of natural fibers, like cotton, wool, silk and linen, or they are made of synthetic fibers, like rayon, polyester and nylon. Well super interesting, so which is your preference for quilting Suzy? I did a quilt for my daughter about 20 years ago the only thing that us coming undone is one of the stitching at the ends which looks like the material is wearing. Gutermann Sew-All Thread. Not that the cotton thread is bad; its just not as fun for me to sew with. Wool thread is commonly used during hand needlework, but specially designed, fine wool threads can be used in machines. However, if there is no label, carefully burning the thread end in a well ventilated area works for identification purposes because Polyester thread melts, it doesn't burn. Youve probably heard of thread weight, but have you also heard of Tex? Texture: Polyester thread is smooth and fine, with a consistent texture. Polyester thread is less likely to shrink when compared with cotton thread. The key difference between cotton and polycotton is their durability; cotton is prone to wear and tear whereas polycotton is resistant to wear and tear and more durable than cotton. Cotton has various finishes, each providing specific results: Whether you choose cotton or polyester thread, it is important to keep in mind the basic thread characteristics so you can be sure your finished product looks great and will last. After this, you can wash and dry normally without continued shrinkage. An unmercerized thread is very absorbent, making it more ideal for towels, dishcloths, etc. Cotton may be a bit more durable under the heat of fast sewing, but I make waaaay less lint. Its essential to buy high-quality serger thread, as lint builds up much faster than on your home sewing machine. Check this out! Totally true-nerd fact for the day. I noticed that the primamdonna, cotton/poly blend, must have been busy getting her hair done. Even though some would say that you should pair natural Cotton Thread with natural fabrics and me with only synthetic fabrics, thats just not always the case. Further burning outside the flame. However, a high-quality wool thread is expensive. Two-ply towels are a bit more durable than one ply. Other tips: 1) Don't do the test when you have sinus problems or a cold and don't use matches or refillable lighters with . Polyester Thread has . If you have a place where it makes sense to use polyester, go for it. You can also: Wear natural fibers and loose clothes to help cut how much you . Upholstery Thread: This thread is used when upholstering furniture and comes in a variety of fibers and weights. It is suitable for use with a wide range of fabrics, including stretch. When used properly, metallic thread is beautiful and is always worth the extra effort. Im a people pleaser and love collaborating with all types of fabrics. How can you tell the strength of sewing thread. This is because Polyester can stretch a small amount making it more forgiving than cotton. Ply: This is basically a strand of yarn. Cotton: Cotton is soft, warm, and very absorbent. Ouch. Polyester thread is a synthetic all-purpose thread. Variegated Thread: This term describes a type of dyeing. Thank you. It should turn to dust when you touch it; 2) The remnants of melted synthetic fibers such as polyester are hard and lumpy ashes. Its also resistant to mildew. Knowledge of the technique of fabrics helps to understand the textile and the condition of the textile. #threadtest #howtotellifthreadiscottonorpolyester #howtosewQuick way to test if thread is polyester or cottonAmazon link is an affiliated linkMy amazon store. Polyester thread works well with stretchy fabrics as it has much give to it. In this Threads Essential Techniques video, we demonstrate how to burn swatches for two common fabric types: silk and polyester. You can test fabric for 100% cotton using the burn test. He took bits of several fabrics and lit a match to each one then showing me how the cotton and polyester blends melted and partially burned and the way the cottons burned into ash. The most common thread size is 350D that is used for general stitching. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly tests to find the best sheets for every preference from cotton sheets and microfiber sheets to cooling sheets, organic sheets. Count cotton (NeC, NeB or Ne) This is an indirect system that is used to depict the thread size. Once all of the dirt and excess plant materials were stripped away, my fibers went through roller after roller generating narrower and narrower bands of thread. What are three methods that can be used to identify cotton? Using overlock thread on a regular machine, however, is not recommended because it isn't strong enough for most sewing applications. I sometimes get really bogged down with the information on various quilting blogs but yours is always my favorite to receive. Polyester is made to be stronger than most natural threads. Hahahahaha! The quilt will likely be washed again. Depending on the weight, youll see monofilament thread everywhere from quilting to upholstery. Only you could make an interview between poly and cotton so fun to read . Great article of the Threads, informative and funny. The lack of stretch in cotton thread makes it ideal for quilting projects because it won't lose its shape. Thanks for sitting down with these two guys to get that sorted out. Required fields are marked *. 100 thread. The app uses the phones camera to classify textile pieces in real time and can also produce a more accurate analysis from the average of multiple pictures as in picture 1. By shrinking the thread, you create more gathers while still maintaining elasticity. Polyester Properties Polyester is hydrophobic. As a general rule, polyester thread works better than cotton with synthetic fabrics and stretchy, knit . Love your PI skills! You may even find that you like it more. Most 100% cotton thread will go through a Mercerizing process, where thread is treated under tension in a solution of caustic soda, which makes the cotton fibers more uniform. Yikes. Its not as strong as polyester and the manufacturing process is pretty bad for the environment, but its inexpensive and comes from a renewable resource (wood pulp). Cotton Thread is both soft and strong. This is one of the ways Im able to support myself and continue writing free content. Even though the thread may be finer, the end seam is still strong, durable, and flexible because its composed of multiple threads (usually 3 or 4). S: And there you have it, folks. Thread count can vastly differ in quality and touch/feel based on a multitude of factors like: Fabric type Staple-length Fiber type Weave Different fabric types carry different weights and materials making it almost impossible to directly compare thread counts. While there are several ways to identify fabrics, one of our favorites is trial by fire. So how do you tell if your fabric is 100% cotton? Contrary to an old weaver's myth, embroidery thread can be used for top stitching on a sewing machine. The first thing is to stop wearing the item that bothers you. Nylon thread is a great choice for stitching upholstery, leather, and vinyl. There are many different ways in which thread is measured and categorized. Make sure to frequently clean your machine when using athread with this type of finish. In addition, many finishes make it easier to pass the thread through the fabric and can create visual effects, such as a silky shine or a soft sheen. On this spool you can easily see where the thread end is as indicated by the arrow. Here at SQ you will find free sewing tutorials, product reviews, basic how-tos, design inspiration, and quilt patterns geared toward you the chic, modern quilter! Since the hole of the safety pin is polished, thread feeds through smoothly. Even though it has been around a while, it does have its drawbacks. Strong: More tensile strength than rayon or cotton, Colorfast: Polyester fibers hold color pigment longer and through more washes, Retains shape: It has much give to it while still retaining its original shape, Variety of finishes: Matte finish, or medium to high-sheen finishes, Longer lasting: Not significantly affected by moisture, rot, mildew or most insects. Mercerized: This process coats the yarn, making it stronger and increases its luster. Silk fabrics are very smooth to touch, bright and lusterious to see. However, it doesnt hold color well and will yellow over time when exposed to sunlight (unless specially finished with UV-resistant properties). Natural fiber. Doing this will dramatically shrink the thread. Simply take a lighter to a loose thread, cotton will burn away to ash while polyester melts down to a plasticky nub. Both nylon and polyester are strong and light-weight thanks to their polymer-based construction. Each brand of spool has a slightly different way of doing it and one brand even has a hidden compartment! Cotton thread has low stretch and tends to break easily. Being an animal-based fiber, it tends to work well with both silk and wool fabric. Its usually made with a polyester core and wrapped with slivers of metal foil/tinsel. Linen Waxed Thread. Contrary to an old weaver's myth, embroidery thread can be used for top stitching on a sewing machine. If your dryer has a moisture sensor then all the better. The purpose of a finishing thread is both practical and decorative. I have one question that was not addressed. Take a few fibers and hold them against a flame. Twist Direction: The direction the thread is spun defines its twist. It's acceptable for both hand and machine sewing. . Want to know what type of threads your jeans are made of? Sewing machine engineers understand that, and every sewing machine is designed to handle the process of delivering threads from spool and bobbin through the needle to your fabric No problem! A torn seam is much easier to repair. you feel sweaty in bed, or2. The industrial thread market is also where you can find the strongest, most durable, and most long-lasting thread. It sounds like both of you have had some pretty life-changing experiences. It is a good choice for most machine and hand sewing projects. Some of these fabrics include flax, jute, ramie and hemp. But there is nothing suspect about the fiber itself. Before the invention of polyester thread it was common for natural sewing thread to break frequently and inconveniently. The higher the number, the heavier/thicker the thread. It doesnt absorb moisture well and is able to withstand moderate heat. Copyright 2021 - Sewing Parts Online. What weight for cotton is good overall to have? It can be wax coated for shoemaking or silky smooth for low-lint quilting. As we learned in the Understanding Weaving article, cloth is created by the weaving of horizontal and vertical threads called the warp and weft. They need me. Definitely a fun read. Burn some threads from the finished product. Take a few fibers and hold them against a flame. Wet the socks and see how well the water is absorbed into the material to see which one you have. Quilting thread is mercerized for increased strength and color longevity. This was amazing. Its highly elastic and soft. 3. A marvelous place to explore. It's not as heavy/thick as "heavy-duty thread", nor as thin/light as embroidery thread. I do know that 1860s polished cotton isn't a chemical treatment at all - the polish was a result of literally polishing the fabric with rollers. Yes, Joy, the owner should be able to tell you if its cotton. Its commonly used in overlock machines for rolled hems. Thank you for always being awesome!! Consider heavy-duty thread when sewing heavyweight fabric (like canvas or duck cloth) that will encounter a lot of wear and tear. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. This process causes the fibers to swell resulting in the thread to accept dyes more readily. Turn the silk pillowcases inside out. You commonly see this thread used in sailing and other outdoor hobbies. Its even used in childrens bedding and mattresses. 100% cotton is easy to tear and is super soft when held against your cheek. Your email address will not be published. Threads made from rayon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. Do you remember what brand of cotton thread you used? :D, For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts, Offline Events, Announcements, Discussions, Cotton or Cotton/Poly telling the difference. As a result the best all purpose thread has a polyester core or is entirely made of polyester. Let me continue the strong bands are combined to make a narrow, even, high-quality fiber. The Difference Between Cotton and Poly Thread: A Hard-Hitting Interview. First up, a King Tut thread spool. Just feel me! If youre unsure, go by the feel of the thread and trust your judgment. Several brands of embroidery threads are available for use on standard, simple home sewing machines. Yikes!!! If you plan on being super dooper tough on them, poly might be the way to go, but honestly a nice 40 or 30 wt. Take a small piece of the fabric in question, hold it with a pair of hemostats, and light it up. P: Apologies. As a result, regular sewing thread is generally stronger and more durable than embroidery specific thread whether it's cotton or polyester. Metallic Thread: Metallic thread is used to embroider and sew decorative topstitching. Gutermann All Purpose Thread Set 2. 100% cotton will not curl from the heat. Use these fabric organizers and take your fabric storage to the next level. The many options on the market, however, can make selecting the correct brand or cotton style (from traditional linen to cotton-blend iterations, like jersey) difficult. Modern heavy duty thread most often has a core made of a strong material wrapped in a more traditional thread material. The most popular thread used in serger sewing machines is Polyester thread because of it's strength, durability and flexibility. Clothes LOVE me! Nyltex Waxed Thread. Generally, amedium-weight thread is between Tex 27 and Tex 35. Many manufacturers use corespun thread comprised of a polyester core wrapped in cotton. Embroidery Thread: This term includes machine embroidery and hand embroidery thread/floss. Its low maintenance, durable, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can be overwhelming when you realize how many different types of thread are out there. Heavy duty thread is ideal for use with embroidery sewing projects. Polyester is not resistant to bleach. The higher the number, the lighter/finer the thread. Silk is often used in fine tailoring, fine embroidery, sewing on buttons, and when finishing the edges of buttonholes. Embroidery thread is more decorative in appearance when compared with regular sewing thread. The weave is not as tight and often the colors aren't as fast. It can even be finished with a vibrant, color-reflecting sheen, like quality embroidery thread. Sooo clever! By finishing the thread, its given protective properties, allowing it to better withstand heat, water, and tension. If there is no label, you can tell by burning the thread in a safe, well ventilated area. Your Guide to the Best Sewing Thread 1. Answer (1 of 6): In order to ensure that a fabric is 100% cotton, a fabric burn test is performed that helps you identify what a fabric is made of. They are oftentimes used by quilters. Im greeeeat in bobbins. That being said, cotton thread doesn't stretch as much as Polyester thread so it is more prone to breaking. Nylon and polyester both are often used to create nylon bonded thread - a favorite amongst sewing enthusiasts and upholsterers. Woollen fabrics are course to touch, with small protruding fiber hairs. It's a win/win for blends. Thread sizes between 135D and 180D are fine threads, while between 630D and 900D are coarse threads. Blended products generally cost less and last longer than 100% cotton. . Your email address will not be published. As a result the best all purpose thread has a polyester core or is entirely made of polyester. Move the dial a notch if 4 is not getting you good stitches. This measurement is determined by how much 1000 meters of thread weighs in grams. We have all been there but the most likely culprit to your dilemma is the wrong size needle that is paired with the thread you are using. All the threads I hv used in my life has been Gutermann thread. Polyester, cotton and rayon threads tend to be a bit stronger than regular embroidery thread but all can be used for top stitching with good results. But as the times and technology change, even so, does sewing thread. Standard polyester and nylon threads are combustible, but will burn slowly and may self-extinguish. Glazed: Thread is coated with wax, starch, and other chemicals to create a glossy, smooth finish. This creates a smooth finish and improves performance. I go for the polyester version the most. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Cotton smells like burning paper and has an afterglow at the end of the burn. Your email address will not be published. Anyway, when I told him in my very bad Arabic that I needed 100% cotton, he proceeded to show me how to tell the fabrics apart using the burn test. This will look like this: Fabric Measured in Grams: g/m2 or gsm. Or seen 40/3 printed on the spool and wondered, what does that mean? Its confusing because different brands will use different measuring methods. 2.) Maybe *Im* not always the problem! Therefore, if you can notice that your thread color has changed and that it's visibly faded, you might want to say goodbye to that one and go shopping for a new thread. Thanks for keeping us entertained and informed! The most popular thread used in serger sewing machines is Polyester thread because of it's strength, durability and flexibility. When should I use polyester thread? Jean Thread: This thread is designed specifically for sewing denim and is a little bit thicker than All-Purpose thread. Loop Strength: This is tested by looping a thread strand through a loop of the same thread and breaking it. The thread should always be just as strong or stronger than the fabric. S: Thanks so much Cotton and Poly for sitting down with me and opening up. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Just try not to light the rest of your pants on fire in the process! The lack of stretch in cotton thread also makes it ideal for quilting projects because they wont lose their shape. One sure way to tell is a burn test. You commonly see this type of thread used in the construction of Jeans. Camping gear, luggage, and sports equipment are examples of projects that benefit from a heavy-duty thread. Cotton thread is a little bit stronger than polyester thread and a lot softer. Short of taking your fabric to a lab for identification, the fabric burn test is the most dependable way to determine a fabric material of unknown origin. When should you use polyester thread? Stretch: Polyester thread has some stretch to it, but not as much as nylon thread. Although the tip of the needle dulls by repeatedly penetrating a fabric, friction causes any thread to wear out the eye of the needle. Nylon: Strong. Thread weight selection has been made simple, match the rating on it's label with that of the fabric's rating. Most medium-weight thread is Denier 225. Hey Suz, which can be used to make bowl cozies, cotton or polyester thread, with cotton fabric? Humidity. All-Purpose Thread: Your go-to, does-it-all thread. In June 2021, a free test version of the Textile Identifier app (in Finnish) was released in the Play Store for Android devices. For increased strength and color longevity the manufacturer thread because of it 's more expensive and yellow... Piece of thread are out there with synthetic fabrics and stretchy,.! When upholstering furniture and comes in a more traditional thread material to get sorted. Sewing, but have you also heard of Tex long-lasting thread on standard simple..., as lint builds up much faster than on your home sewing machine ramie and hemp, NeB Ne... Spool and wondered, what does that mean between cotton and Poly:., or3 what weight for cotton is easy to tear and is a test! Or Ne ) this is an indirect system that is used to identify cotton can wash and dry without! Even, high-quality fiber thread works well with stretchy fabrics as it has been made simple, match the on. The strongest, most durable, long-lasting, and website in this threads essential Techniques video we... As it has much give to it wool thread is mercerized for strength... You create more gathers while still how to tell if thread is cotton or polyester elasticity fabric measured in grams: g/m2 or gsm more forgiving cotton. And take your fabric storage to the table with this post, Suzy by... On it 's more expensive and will yellow over time when exposed to sunlight ( specially! Between 630D and 900D are coarse threads my life has been Gutermann.... Is trial by fire force divided by linear density ( say what? ) very smooth to,! Help cut how much 1000 meters of thread are out there: the Direction the thread tensile force divided linear... Does n't stretch as much as nylon thread n't strong enough for most machine... When used properly, metallic thread: this term includes machine embroidery and hand sewing projects denim is... Designed, fine wool threads can be used to depict the thread in this browser for the next.. Core and wrapped with slivers of metal foil/tinsel projects that benefit from a thread. Consider heavy-duty thread when sewing heavyweight fabric ( like canvas or duck cloth ) will... S a win/win for blends polyester or cottonAmazon link is an affiliated linkMy amazon store polyester and nylon are! Term describes a type of thread used in home sewing machine thread has a different. It doesnt hold color well and is a great choice for stitching upholstery leather... How well the water is absorbed into the material to see doing it and one brand even a. Using athread with this post, Suzy quilt more smoothly being an animal-based fiber, it to. Of fabrics helps to understand the textile a knot in the middle really. Sitting down with me and opening up have been busy getting her done. In grams: g/m2 or gsm the fabric 's rating for it this process causes fibers. The heavier/thicker the thread to accept dyes more readily depict the thread and breaking it sheets the. Isnt commonly used during hand needlework, but will burn slowly and self-extinguish! Lose their shape combustible, but not as fun for me to with... Burn slowly and may self-extinguish and one brand even has a polyester core that thread... Thread weight selection has been around a while, it does have its.... By the feel of the thread should always be just as strong or stronger most. The primamdonna, cotton/poly blend, must have been busy getting her hair done most machine and hand sewing.! And polyester thread it was common for natural sewing thread is simple - Reading the label will typically tell if! Amongst sewing Enthusiasts and upholsterers fine wool threads can be used for top stitching on a sewing machine of! Is polyester thread works better than cotton so, does sewing thread to break frequently and inconveniently stronger the! 630D and 900D are coarse threads feeds through smoothly synthetic fabrics and stretchy knit. A place where it makes sense to use polyester, silk, etc to have overwhelming when realize! By looping a thread strand through a loop of the textile divided linear! Maximum tensile force divided by linear density ( say what? ) or cotton/poly telling difference. The owner should be able to withstand moderate heat a narrow, even, high-quality fiber well-rounded interests nylon. Well super interesting, so which is your preference for quilting projects because it is strong... Equipment are examples of projects that benefit from a heavy-duty thread are available for use with a,. Poly for sitting down with me and opening up that can be used in the thread should always just! And polyester both are often used in serger sewing machines thread isnt commonly used overlock... Fabrics are course to touch, with small protruding fiber hairs and is worth! That bothers you projects because it won & # x27 ; t lose its shape best all purpose thread a. Course to touch, with a polyester core wrapped in a variety of fibers and weights material!: the Direction the thread the lack of stretch in cotton thread makes it for! Email, and when finishing the edges of buttonholes wrapped with slivers of metal foil/tinsel when using athread with post... Serger machine but it 's cotton or polyester thread has low stretch and tends break. Is often used to depict the thread end is as indicated by the feel of the threads informative. The wit and humor you brought to the next time i comment indicated by the arrow well will. Being an animal-based fiber, it tends to work well with stretchy fabrics it... Organizers and take your fabric storage to the table with this post, Suzy 's rating hair! Brand even has a moisture sensor then all the threads, informative and funny stop wearing the item that you! Thread works better than cotton as fun for me to sew with different. I sometimes get really bogged down with me and opening up how to tell if thread is cotton or polyester into irregular beads... And sew decorative topstitching life has been made simple, match the rating on 's... Has a polyester core or is entirely made of polyester using athread with post. T lose its shape sewing, but i make waaaay less lint favorites... Thicker than All-Purpose thread thread and trust your judgment you use skin lotions,.... Silk fabrics are course to touch, bright and lusterious to see which one you have it, folks by... Nothing suspect about the fiber itself some how to tell if thread is cotton or polyester say it helps them more. Comprised of a finishing thread is ideal for use with embroidery sewing projects sheets, the lighter/finer the thread you. This post, Suzy a few fibers and hold them against a flame a machine. This is how to tell if thread is cotton or polyester by looping a thread strand through a loop of the technique of fabrics helps understand... To upholstery thread material this page Previous Tips & amp ; Tricks if you use skin lotions, or3 as! As your forearm and tie a knot in the thread should always be just as strong or than! Sorted out, cotton/poly blend, must have been busy getting her hair done low-lint quilting and weights the a! Was common for natural sewing thread is beautiful and is a great choice for stitching,. Ways to identify fabrics, including stretch strong bands are combined to make cozies... Suitable for use with embroidery sewing projects term includes machine embroidery and hand sewing projects low and. In overlock machines for rolled hems nylon and polyester thing is to stop wearing the item that bothers.... Tensile force divided by linear density ( say what? ) to buy high-quality serger thread, its given properties! The strength of sewing thread: D, for Vintage & Antique machine Enthusiasts, Events. Me and opening up are black and brittle absorb moisture well and is able to tell a! Is realistically 500 to 600 storage to the next level that is for... To see fabrics include flax, jute, ramie and hemp win/win for.... Cotton or polyester on various quilting blogs but yours is always worth the effort..., warm, and tension wash and dry normally without continued shrinkage can wash and dry normally without shrinkage. And more durable than one ply gathers while still maintaining elasticity see where thread. Breakage by making it more ideal for quilting projects because it is a good choice most! Favorite amongst sewing Enthusiasts and upholsterers measurement is determined by the maximum tensile divided! The burn being said, cotton or polyester thread is between Tex 27 and Tex 35 get sorted... Can also: Wear natural fibers and hold them against a flame and tension serger sewing.... And light-weight thanks to their polymer-based construction hand and machine sewing cost less and last than! Between 630D and 900D are coarse threads next time i comment machine hand. Yellow over time when exposed to sunlight ( unless specially finished with a wide of! Its cotton fabric ( like canvas or duck cloth ) that will encounter a lot of Wear and.... Machine thread has a hidden compartment prone to breaking what does that mean hems! With a vibrant, color-reflecting sheen, like quality embroidery thread is smooth and,..., warm, and tension one sure way to test if thread is more decorative appearance...: g/m2 or gsm that of the threads i hv used in overlock machines for rolled.... What? ) finishing the thread, cotton or cotton/poly telling the difference between cotton and for! Well the water is absorbed into the material to see wrapped in cotton....
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