There is all kinds of different embroidery machine thread out there for your embroidery projects. But, what’s the best machine embroidery thread? In this post I’ll show some great threads you can use for your next project.
Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other material with floss or thread using a needle. With the floss or thread you create different designs , and you can also use beads and sequins in embroidery.
Embroidery can be done with a machine or by hand. Some like me prefer doing hand embroidery, but others like to use a embroidery machine.
Like fabric there is different colors of thread out there. So, you’re sure to find the prefect thread color for your project. And below are some of the different types of embroidery thread out there for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find the right type of machine embroidery thread for your next project.
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Is Embroidery Thread different from Sewing Thread?
Embroidery thread is a bit different then sewing thread. Embroidery thread is shiny most of the time, while sewing thread has a matte finish.
Regular thread is stronger than embroidery thread, so you wouldn’t want to use embroidery thread for sewing seams. But, you can use regular sewing thread for hand embroidery and they both come on a thread spool.
1. Cotton Embroidery Thread
Cotton thread is in my opinion the most natural thread you can use. Some think that this is the best thread to use on natural fabric, like cotton fabric. But, I use polyester thread on cotton fabric too.
Cotton machine embroidery thread is also one of the most popular choices of thread to use in your sewing machine. Since cotton thread is a natural thread, it has a more matte finish.
2. Polyester Embroidery Thread
Polyester thread is the most common thread found in any fabric store. It’s also one of the easiest threads to find, so that makes it a popular choice. Poly thread is a synthetic thread and has a shiny look and comes in many vibrant colors.
Polyester is a strong thread that won’t fade and is one of the best embroidery thread you can use. And getting a high quality thread can really help with thread breaks.
3. Rayon Embroidery Thread
Rayon threads are known for their strength and their glossy finish. Rayon is great for home or commercial embroidery machines and it’s great for high speeds.
Rayon is also a very soft and smooth embroidery thread. The rayon thread can go through the embroidery machine more smoothly.
4. Silk Embroidery Thread
Silk thread is one of the strongest embroidery threads you can use. And it maybe the more expensive than any other embroidery thread, but it can give your projects a more rich look and it has a high tensile strength.
Silk is also another natural thread. Silk thread is a finer thread and has a beautiful sheen to it, so it’s great for those fine details. And silk thread is the best choice for creating intricate designs on finer, delicate fabrics like silk and satin.
5. Metallic Embroidery Thread
Metallic thread is one of the hardest threads to embroider with. Because, it is the most delicate thread to work with. But, this type of thread can add dimension to to an embroidery design.
Metallic thread it the perfect thread to add a sparkling effect to your embroidery project. It’s another synthetic thread and you also need to use a special needle in your embroidery machine with it.
6. Variegated Embroidery Thread
Variegated thread is dyed in a couple of different colors to give the thread a multi-color look. So, that one strand of thread has a variety of colors. It is usually cotton or polyester thread.
To me variegated thread is a great choice for any embroidery project. The most common use for this kind of thread is for fonts, I think it would be great for both large and small letters.
7. Glow-in-the-dark Embroidery Thread
This is another of the specialty threads that would be a great addition to your embroidery supplies. Like metallic threads this thread is a little tricky to use and also need a special needle.
And this type of thread feel different than the cotton thread. And there are a few different colors of glow in the dark thread you can get, but a lot of the time it glows mostly green.
Here’s 7 of the best embroidery machine threads you can use for your next embroidery project. Another type of thread out there is wool thread. With these different types of thread to choose from you’re sure to find the right thread for your next project.
But, whichever thread you pick just make sure to get high-quality threads. Because, cheaper threads will break and fray easier.
Embroidery Questions
What is the best embroidery thread weight? The most commonly used weight of thread for embroidery is 40wt. And another weight that is used a lot is 60wt. 60wt is a finer thread, while 40wt is a thicker thread.
What thread should you use in the bobbin for embroidery? It’s a good idea to use the same embroidery thread for both the top and bobbin thread. I find it easier to just wind my own bobbins, so I make sure the have the same thread in both spots.
What is the most popular embroidery thread? Polyester and rayon are the two most popular and commonly used embroidery threads. There’s pros to both of these embroidery threads. But, if you’re not sure which thread to use, it’s always a great idea to test the threads. So, you don’t start a project and then figure out that you don’t like the thread.
What type of thread should you use with cotton fabric? You can use any type of thread with cotton fabric, whatever’s the best option for you. Some say it’s better to natural fibers with natural fibers, but you can use polyester thread with cotton fabric. And I use polyester thread for just about all my sewing projects and with any type of fabric.
Does the quality of the thread matter? Yes, you need to use a good quality machine embroidery thread. And you don’t need to use old embroidery thread either. The quality of the thread can have a big impact on your finished product and whether it’s going to last a long time or not.
