Selecting the right machine embroidery threads can feel confusing, especially with so many options available. Each type of thread has its own unique qualities, like strength, shine, and color variety, which all impact the final look of your design. Choosing the best thread involves understanding factors like thread material, weight, and how well it matches your fabric and machine settings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of threads, what to consider for various projects, and tips to avoid common issues like thread breakage.Â
By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect embroidery thread for beautiful, durable results.
How to Choose the Best Machine Embroidery Thread?
Types of Machine Embroidery Threads
They come in various types, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are the main types of threads:
- Polyester Thread
- Rayon Thread
- Cotton Thread
- Silk Thread
- Metallic Thread
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Looking for embroidery digitizing and vector art services that are affordable and reliable? We offer fast turnaround time, guaranteed quality, and the option to preview your design before payment, we make sure you get exactly what you need. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to delivering the best results. Don’t wait—try ZDigitizing today and see the difference in quality and service!
1. Polyester Thread
Polyester thread is a synthetic fiber known for its durability and versatility in machine embroidery. It is often used for both commercial and home projects across various types of embroidery.
Advantages
- High strength and durability, making it resistant to fraying and breaking.
- Excellent colorfastness, meaning colors remain vibrant after washing.
- Works well on a variety of fabrics, including stretchy materials.
Disadvantages
- Can have a less natural appearance compared to rayon or cotton threads.
- May not be suitable for all types of decorative stitching as it can be less shiny.
2. Rayon Thread
Rayon thread is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, known for its high sheen and vibrant colors. It is commonly used in machine embroidery for its smooth finish.
Advantages
- Beautiful sheen that enhances the appearance of embroidery designs.
- Available in a wide range of colors, providing great versatility.
- Soft texture that is ideal for delicate fabrics and intricate designs.
Disadvantages
- Less durable than polyester; can break more easily under high tension.
- Not as colorfast as polyester; colors may fade over time with washing.
3. Cotton Thread
Cotton thread is made from natural fibers and is known for its softness and breathability. It is often used in traditional embroidery techniques and works well with embroidery floss.
Advantages
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable choice.
- Provides a natural look and feel, ideal for vintage or rustic designs.
- Strong enough for most embroidery projects while being gentle on fabrics.
Disadvantages
- Can be prone to fraying and breaking compared to synthetic threads.
- Limited color vibrancy compared to rayon or polyester options.
4. Silk Thread
Silk machine embroidery thread is made from the fibers produced by silkworms and is renowned for its luxurious feel and high sheen. It is often used in high-end fashion and decorative embroidery.
Advantages
- Exceptional luster and smoothness, giving a premium finish to embroidered items.
- Strong yet lightweight, making it suitable for delicate fabrics without adding bulk.
- Excellent dye absorption, resulting in rich colors.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other thread types, which may not be suitable for all budgets.
- Requires careful handling as it can be slippery and may tangle easily.
5. Metallic Thread
Metallic thread consists of a thin core wrapped with metallic foil or fibers, creating a shiny effect. It is often used for decorative stitching and embellishments.
Advantages
- Adds a striking visual element to embroidery with its reflective quality.
- Ideal for special occasions or projects where a touch of glamour is desired.
- Available in various colors and thicknesses for different effects.
Disadvantages
- Can be difficult to work with; prone to breaking or fraying during stitching.
- Requires specific needle types and tension adjustments to avoid issues during machine embroidery.
Which Thread Weight is Best for Machine Embroidery?
If you’re looking for a quick answer about the best embroidery thread for machine embroidery, the answer is 40wt. Most designs are digitized for this weight, so it’s the most versatile and popular.Â
What is Thread Weight?
It is refers to the thickness or thinness of the embroidery thread. It is usually denoted by a number followed by ‘wt,’ such as 30wt, 40wt, or 50wt. The number inversely indicates the thickness: the higher the number, the thinner the thread. For example, a 30wt thread is thicker than a 50wt thread.
Common Thread Weights and Their Uses
The three most common sizes of machine embroidery thread are 30, 40, and 60.
- 30wt Thread: It is relatively thick and is often used for bold designs, decorative stitching, and projects requiring significant coverage. It is suitable for heavy fabrics and can be used for outlining and creating prominent features in your embroidery.
- 40wt Thread: It is the most versatile and commonly used weight in machine embroidery. It strikes a balance between detail and coverage, making it ideal for a wide range of fabrics and designs. This thread weight is perfect for both clothing and decorative items.
- 60wt Thread: It is thinner and is used for fine, detailed work. It is ideal for lightweight fabrics and intricate designs that require precision. It is perfect for small lettering and fine details where a smooth, refined finish is needed.
Pro Tip: Using the right needle is important when working with different thread weights. For thicker threads, use a larger needle (like a 90/14 or 100/16) to fit the thread’s size. For thinner threads, a smaller needle (like a 75/11 or 80/12) works better and helps prevent damage to the fabric.
Which Thread Weight is Best for Machine Embroidery?
Embroidery bobbin thread is essential for making stitches in embroidery. Without it, the machine cannot form stitches. The bobbin sits under the needle, and when the needle goes through the fabric, it loops the top thread around the bobbin thread to create a stitch.
The color of the bobbin thread can be different from the top thread, but it’s important to match it or get close to the color of your fabric or design. This is because the bobbin thread shows on the underside of the embroidery and can sometimes be seen from the front. For dark designs, use dark bobbin thread e.g. black embroidery thread.Â
For light designs, use light bobbin thread. You can buy pre-wound bobbin threads in black and white to save time, but you may need to wind your own bobbin thread to match specific colors.
Bobbin threads are usually thinner than top threads, which helps prevent too much thread from building up on the back of the embroidery. Common weights for bobbin thread are 60 and 70. While they often come in white and black, some brands offer more colors.
When choosing bobbin thread, consider the type of project. High-quality polyester threads are a good choice because they are strong and smooth. Some recommended brands are Superior Threads Bottom Line, Sulky Bobbin Thread, and Fujix Bobbin Star.
In short, using the right bobbin thread is important for making neat and strong stitches in your embroidery. It helps keep the back of the design clean and ensures the stitches stay in place, making it a key part of any embroidery machine setup.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Machine Embroidery Thread
Choosing the best embroidery thread can make a big difference in your projects. Here are important things to keep in mind:
- Material Type: Choose the thread material based on your project needs—cotton works well for traditional looks, polyester adds durability, and silk gives a luxurious finish.
- Color Selection: Pick colors that either complement or contrast with your fabric to enhance the design. Make sure they are colorfast to prevent fading over time.
- Thread Weight: Match the thread weight to your fabric type—use lighter threads for delicate fabrics and heavier ones for sturdy materials to avoid puckering.
- Sewability and Performance: Ensure the thread sews smoothly through your machine, has good strength, and performs well with different stitching techniques.
- Budget and Availability: Consider your budget and ensure the thread is easily available for future use to maintain consistency in your projects.
Popular Brands of Machine Embroidery Thread
When it comes to machine embroidery, choosing the right thread is essential, and knowing the popular brands can help you make the best choice for your projects.
- Madeira Embroidery Thread
- Sulky Embroidery Thread
- Isacord Embroidery Thread
- DMC Embroidery Thread
- Gunold Embroidery Thread
Madeira Embroidery Thread
Madeira is a renowned brand in the embroidery world, known for its high-quality threads. Their threads are available in a wide range of colors and types, including rayon, polyester, and specialty threads.Â
Madeira threads are celebrated for their strength, smoothness, and shine. The best thread for machine sewing embroidery from Madeira is their Classic Rayon embroidery thread series, known for its exceptional sheen and smooth finish.
Sulky Embroidery Thread
Sulky threads are popular for their smooth finish and bright colors. They are great for detailed embroidery work and are widely available. Their Sulky Rayon thread is the top choice because it offers a shiny appearance and excellent strength.
Isacord Embroidery Thread
Isacord is a favorite among professional embroiderers due to its reliability and high-quality standards. Its polyester thread is known for its strength and vibrant colors, making it suitable for both commercial and personal embroidery projects. It offers excellent tensile strength, reducing the chances of thread breakage.
DMC Embroidery Thread
Embroidery threads DMC offers a variety of threads, including cotton and polyester. They are easy to use and perfect for both beginners and experts. The most recommended thread from DMC is their Coton Perlé thread, known for its smooth texture and vibrant colors.
Gunold Embroidery Thread
Gunold threads are appreciated for their high tensile strength and brilliant colors. They are ideal for complex embroidery designs. The best thread from Gunold is their Poly 40 thread, which is strong, colorfast, and perfect for intricate designs.
Our Recommendation: We recommend Madeira Embroidery Thread because we have tested many brands, and Madeira threads are the best. They are durable and provide a smooth, professional finish to all embroidery projects. This makes them perfect for both beginners and professionals.
In addition to these brands, there are many other great threads available in the market, such as Robison Anton Thread, Happily Ever Threads, Hobby Lobby Embroidery Thread, Floriani Thread, and Joann’s Embroidery Thread. These brands also offer good quality and a variety of options for your embroidery needs.
Tip: Many of you often wonder where to buy embroidery thread of all these brands. The answer is simple: you can purchase embroidery thread from Walmart or Amazon at affordable prices.
Embroidery Digitizing & Vector Art Services
Looking for embroidery digitizing and vector art services that are affordable and reliable? We offer fast turnaround time, guaranteed quality, and the option to preview your design before payment, we make sure you get exactly what you need. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to delivering the best results. Don’t wait—try ZDigitizing today and see the difference in quality and service!
Embroidery Digitizing & Vector Art Services
Looking for embroidery digitizing and vector art services that are affordable and reliable? We offer fast turnaround time, guaranteed quality, and the option to preview your design before payment, we make sure you get exactly what you need. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to delivering the best results. Don’t wait—try ZDigitizing today and see the difference in quality and service!
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Machine Embroidery Thread
Now that you know how to choose the best thread for sewing or embroidery machine, you can start creating stunning designs with confidence. Remember, the quality of your thread can significantly impact the outcome of your embroidery projects. But before selecting your thread, make sure you have a well-digitized design to work with.
Using poorly digitized designs is a common reason for thread breaks and other issues. That’s why it’s crucial to use high-quality designs when experimenting with new threads on your machine. But now, there’s no need to worry.Â
At ZDigitizing, we are here to help you. We ensure that every design we digitize is of the highest quality, helping you avoid unnecessary frustrations and achieve the best results. And here’s a special offer for you: get 50% off on your first order with us! So, hurry up and place your order today.Â
Happy stitching, and let us know which thread type works best for you in the comments below!
FAQs
Yes, you can use embroidery thread in a sewing machine for decorative stitches. However, since embroidery thread is often finer and more delicate than regular sewing thread, you should adjust your machine’s tension settings accordingly.
Store embroidery thread in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. You can use thread organizers, boxes, or racks to keep them neat and tangle-free.
For Brother machines, high-quality polyester or rayon threads are recommended. Brands like Madeira, Sulky, and Brother’s own line of threads are popular choices for their strength and vibrant colors.
For machine embroidery, a 60-weight bobbin thread is commonly used. This finer thread helps reduce bulk on the underside of your embroidery and ensures smooth stitching.
If the bobbin thread is showing on top of your embroidery, it usually means there’s an issue with the machine’s tension settings. Adjust the top thread tension to be slightly tighter or the bobbin tension to be looser.
Yes, embroidery thread can be used in a sewing machine for decorative stitching and embellishments. Just ensure to adjust the tension and use the correct needle to accommodate the finer, more delicate thread.
