If you want to create unique embroidery designs, you will need more than inspiration and skills to do it.
You will need the proper tool – embroidery thread. No matter if you are into computer-aided designs or free motion embroidery designs, your focus should be on the embroidery thread that you will be using!
If you were looking for the best embroidery thread on the market, you are in the right place. Throughout this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the top-rated products on the market and how to pick the right embroidery thread in the ocean of embroidery threads. Let’s dive into the subject!
Contents
- What is Best Machine Embroidery Thread Brand?
- What is the Best Embroidery Thread to Use?
- Buying An Embroidery Machine Thread Near Me
- Top 20 Best Embroidery Threads You Should Definitely Consider
- Best Embroidery Threads Reviews: 20 Top-Rated Products Available in 2021
- Madeira Incredible Threadable Embroidery - Editor’s Choice
- Sulky Embroidery Slimline Rayon Dream Assortment
- 40 Spools Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread – Budget’s Pick
- Simthread Embroidery Machine Thread for Brother Machine – Best for Beginners
- Threadnanny Polyester Embroidery Threads for Janome, Brother, Babylock, Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna, Bernina Machines
- 144 Prewound Bobbins for Brother Embroidery Machine Size A (156) – Best Bobbin Thread
- 63 Brother Colors Embroidery Machine Thread
- Mega Kit Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread - Best Value for Money
- Newbro Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
- Simthread Polyester Embroidery Thread for Brother, Babylock, Janome, Singer, Husqvarna, Bernina Embroidery and Sewing Machines
- New brothreads Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
- Newbro Polyester Embroidery Machine
- 63 Brother Colors Embroidery Machine Thread for Brother, Babylock, Janome, Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna, Bernina Machines
- 25 LARGE Cones Variegated Embroidery Machine Thread
- Premium 100 Polyester Embroidery Thread Brother Babylock Machines for PE-700 PE700II PE-750D PE-770 PE-780D SE270D SE400 Innovis 1000 1200 1250D PC-6500 PC-8200 PC-8500
- ThreadNanny Polyester Embroidery Threads
- Threadart Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
- 20 Metallic Embroidery Threads for Computerized Machines
- Newbro thread Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
- 100 Spools Embroidery Machine Thread
- What Type of Embroidery Machine Threads?
- How to Pick The Right Embroidery Thread?
- What’s The Difference Between Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread?
- Types of Embroidery Fabrics
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
What is Best Machine Embroidery Thread Brand?
Since using embroidery designs has become a popular trend in the clothing and fashion industry, brands that produce embroidery threads started to appear. However, how to determine the greatest machine embroidery thread brand on the market? What’s their best product and why? How can you trust them?
Check out our comparison chart and you will notice different brands such as Newbro, Madeira, Thread Nanny, and so on. They all have quality products! Compare their threads and pick the right one for you!
See also:
- Top 12 Best Scissor Sharpener Reviews
- Top 14 Best Quilt Batting Reviews
- Top 22 Best Seam Ripper Reviews
- Top 24 Best Embroidery Hoops Reviews
- Top 26 Best Dress Form Reviews (Recommended)
- 18 Best Rotary Cutter For Fabric & Quilting (Recommended)
- The 27 Best Professional Sewing Kit Reviews - (Kids & Adults)
- Top 28 Best Sewing Machine Light Reviews (Recommended)
What is the Best Embroidery Thread to Use?
Making unique embroidery designs requires high-quality thread that will boost your inspiration and skills. I have put some of the best embroidery threads to the focus in order to help you pick the best one for you.
- Best Overall: Madeira Embroidery Thread
“A great selection of vibrant colors, nice packaging, great for outdoor fabrics and machine embroidery.” - Runner Up: Sulky Embroidery Thread
“Great quality, simple to use, a lot of colors, perfect for felt, applique and embroidery projects, cheap.” - Best Budget: Embroidex 40 Spools Embroidery Machine Thread
“High-durability embroidery threads, great tensile strength, long-lasting color, affordable, versatile.” - Best for Bracelets: 25 LARGE Cones Variegated Embroidery Machine Thread
“100% colorfast, no running in normal washing, compatible with household and industrial machines.” - Best for Beginners: Simthread Embroidery Machine Thread
“Resistance color fading, 100% trilobal polyester yarn, higher sheen and tenacity, vibrant, nice colors.” - Best for Bernina: Simthread Polyester Embroidery Thread
“100% polyester thread, free tear-away stabilizer, pre-wound bobbin thread, comparison color chart.” - Best Metallic: 20 Metallic Embroidery Threads
“A total length of 1,100 yards per spool, the best metallic thread for machine embroidery a great price.” - Best Brand: ThreadNanny Polyester Embroidery Threads
“Suitable for both domestic and industrial machines, will not break in high-speed units, 100% colorfast.” - Best For Brother Machine: Radiant Threads Embroidery Threads
“High tenacity, 100% polyester, resistant to fading, affordable, simple to use, perfect for beginners.” - Best for Babylock: Premium 100 Polyester Embroidery Thread
“100 Mini-King spools with perfect weight and length, high tensile strength for high-speed embroidery.” - Best for Janome: Newbro Embroidery Machine Thread
“Bleach-resistant, great tensile strength, super colorfastness, a total length of 550 yards and 40 weight.” - Best for Clothes: 63 Brother Colors Embroidery Machine Thread
“A great selection of colors, a polyester thread of 40 weight, 550 yards, a great start ready-to-go set.” - Best For Pfaff: Threadart Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
“Excellent tensile strength, exceptional shine, 40 spools of polyester thread in vibrant colors, affordable. - Best for Tassels: 100 Spools Embroidery Machine Thread
“A great deal for the price, ideal weight and length, a nice selection of colors, a total of 100 big spools.” - Best for Husqvarna: Threadnanny Premium Embroidery Threads
“Vibrant, nice colors, high strength for high-speed embroidery, 1,100 yards per cone, 100% colorfast.” - Best For Singer: ThreadNanny Embroidery Machine Thread
“Harsh chemical-resistant, perfect weight and length, 63 beautiful vibrant colors, a total of 550 yards.” - Best for Denim: New brothreads Embroidery Machine Thread
“Three large spools at the price of one, a total of 5,500 yards of thread per cone, super versatile, cheap.” - Best for Hand Embroidery: Mega Kit Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
“Great value for the price, durability, 260 great spools of 100% polyester embroidery machine thread.” - Best Polyester: Newbro Polyester Embroidery Machine
“Bleach-resistant, a wide variety of colors, perfect weight and length, cheap, excellent tensile strength.”
Buying An Embroidery Machine Thread Near Me
If you are buying an embroidery thread for the first time, choosing the right one can be a bit challenging.
You might be wondering: Where do I start? Where do I purchase an embroidery thread? How to pick the best one? Firstly, you can buy online! Secondly, you can check out our comparison chart for suggestions.
If you want, you can pursue your own online research and check other reviews and comparison charts.
Just write something like ‘where to buy an embroidery thread near me’, ‘best embroidery threads near me’, ‘best quality embroidery threads’, ‘images of embroidery threads’ or ‘embroidery threads’ and look around. If you do not have time for fast research, use this map to find what you have been looking for!
Take note of their working hours, best products and prices and visit when you can. And if you do not like what you find, you can always come back and check our reviews again! We review top-rated embroidery threads only! You do not have to worry about purchasing outdated products that are not checked in full.
Top 20 Best Embroidery Threads You Should Definitely Consider
Here is the latest version of the 2021 comparison chart, containing the best embroidery thread out there. This is the single piece of information you’ll need to make a quick and smart choice when buying an embroidery thread:
Best Embroidery Threads Reviews: 20 Top-Rated Products Available in 2021
Read our honest reviews of the best embroidery threads available in 2021, check their pros and cons, customer comments and brand, and decide which product meets your needs and requirements in full.
Madeira Incredible Threadable Embroidery - Editor’s Choice
First on our list of best embroidery threads is the Incredible Threadable Embroidery Box with 80 spools along with a customized embroidery design CD with 42 customized designs by Anita Good, a full printed color card, and a handy carry strap. You get a great number of rayon threads in different amazing colors.
This box is great for outdoor fabrics and machine embroidery. Each spool has a total length of 220 yards except for the 2 spools with a length of 1650 yards bobbin thread. Let’s summarize all the pros and cons.
Pros
- A great selection of vibrant colors
- Nice and transparent packaging
Cons
- Smaller spools than you expect
Sulky Embroidery Slimline Rayon Dream Assortment
Second, on our embroidery machine thread buying guide is the Sulky Size-40 Embroidery Slimline Rayon Dream Assortment. No matter if you are looking for the best embroidery thread for Brother machine or the best thread for Bernina embroidery machine, this assortment has your back with 101 spools inside.
It is perfect for embroidery, applique and felt projects! You can make hair wraps, friendship bracelets, love bracelets and so much more! If you decide to purchase this assortment, you can choose between pastel and earth tones. However, most of the colors are bright! The case you receive can be hung on a wall or freestanding. It is all up to your taste! Now: let's summarize the main pros and cons of this set!
Pros
- Great quality
- Simple to use
- A lot of colors
Cons
- Poor quality storage case
40 Spools Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread – Budget’s Pick
If you want a wide variety of polyester threads that will help you personalize your creations like no other product, this set is perfect for you! If you deliver this assortment, you will get 40 spools in different vibrant colors. Their numbering is similar to the Brother Embroidery Thread Colors just to make it easier for you!
Embroidex is best known for affordability and quality! You can never go wrong with this box! They offer the perfect length and weight (550 yards each and 40 weight). Their threads will fit any Brother, Janome, Babylock, Pfaff, Bernina, and Husqvarna sewing and embroidery machine available on the market today.
Pros
- High-durability embroidery threads
- Great tensile strength and long-lasting color
- Affordable price and a wide variety of colors
Cons
- Possible thread breaking issues
Simthread Embroidery Machine Thread for Brother Machine – Best for Beginners
Next on our best thread for embroidery machine is the Simthread 63 Brother Colors Polyester! If you were looking for the best thread for Brother embroidery machine, this is the one! If you order this set, you will get 63 spools and a color chart! A cheap start ready-to-go kit for professionals and beginners.
The spools contain their matching Brother colors number! Each spool has a total length of 550 yards and 40 weight – standard weight for machine embroidery. With this set of threads, you can say ‘goodbye’ to breakage! These threads are made of 100% trilobal polyester yarn and have a higher sheen and tenacity.
Pros
- Resistance color fading
- 100% trilobal polyester yarn
- Higher sheen and tenacity
- Vibrant and beautiful colors
Cons
- Faulty cone design
Threadnanny Polyester Embroidery Threads for Janome, Brother, Babylock, Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna, Bernina Machines
Fifth on our list of threads produced by one of the best embroidery machine thread brands is the New Super Deal. It has 80 cones of polyester embroidery thread! Each cone has a total length of 1,100 yards. However, the length is not the greatest part but the price. You pay less than $1 per cone of 1,100 yards.
You usually get 550 yards per cone for this price. However, this product offers double! And you would be a fool not to seize the opportunity! You get 78 vibrant colors of embroidery thread and 1 cone each of black and white bobbin thread. They are great for both commercial and home embroidery machine.
Pros
- 100% colorfast and no running in normal washing
- You will get 1,100 yards per cone for less than 1 dollar
- Work with home and industrial embroidery machines
- Vibrant colors and high strength for high-speed embroidery
Cons
- Thread shreds easily
- The thread might be too thin
144 Prewound Bobbins for Brother Embroidery Machine Size A (156) – Best Bobbin Thread
If you order the Prewound Bobbins for Brother Embroidery machine, you will get 144 cones of polyester thread in white! Each cone has a total length of 140 yards. It is the best thread for Brother embroidery machine that you will absolutely adore. However, keep in mind that it might not work with all machines.
Still, they fit any Brother sewing and embroidery machine well and run great. You cannot go wrong with a product by Brother – they produce high-quality products only. However, just like any other product on the market, this too has advantages and disadvantages. It does not come with any casing around them!
Pros
- 100% polyester
- High tenacity
- Resistant to fading
- Affordable
- Simple to use
Cons
- No casing included in the packaging
- Might not work with every machine
63 Brother Colors Embroidery Machine Thread
Next on our list is the Brother Colors Embroidery Thread – another best embroidery thread for Brother machine made to impress you! You will get 63 beautiful vibrant colors matching the Brother colors of 40 weight! Each spool has a total length of 550 yards! It is the ideal thread set for Disney Designs crafters!
Pros
- A great selection of colors
- A polyester thread of 40 weight
- A total length of 550 yards
- Great start ready-to-go set
Cons
- No rack included
Mega Kit Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread - Best Value for Money
No matter if you are looking for the best thread for Janome embroidery machine or the best embroidery thread for Brother pe770 or any other Brother machine, the Mega Kit has your back. It has 260 spools of 100% polyester embroidery machine thread of 40 weight! And each spool has a full length of 550 yards!
There is not much to say about this mega kit, except that it is a great deal for the price you pay. You will get a great selection of colors you can choose from. Add a personal touch to your embroidery creations!
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Good quality and durability
- A great selection of colors
Cons
- Finding the starting place is very difficult
- The thread might be too thin for some crafters
Newbro Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
Another polyester thread kit that will definitely impress you is the set – Newbro thread Brother colors Polyester Embroidery Machine thread. As you can notice, you can use this thread on Brother sewing and embroidery machine since it comes with a similar color chart as the one's Brother and Madeira provide!
Each spool has a total length of 550 yards and 40 weight which makes these spools of polyester thread perfect for any embroidery project you have in mind. It has excellent tensile strength preventing fraying and breaking. The tenacity and elasticity of polyester also decrease the risk of looping and puckering. It also has super colorfastness. Meaning, your crafts will not lose color when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Bleach-resistant
- Great tensile strength
- Super colorfastness
Cons
- No rack included
Simthread Polyester Embroidery Thread for Brother, Babylock, Janome, Singer, Husqvarna, Bernina Embroidery and Sewing Machines
As we have noticed by the countless Simthread embroidery thread reviews online, this brand has one of the best products on the market! It is the amazing kit of 40 spools Polyester Embroidery Thread that will match any sewing machine brand starting from Brother, Janome, Bernina, Singer, Husqvarna and so on!
It is a great deal for the price since you get 40 spools of polyester thread in bright beautiful colors. Each spool has a total length of 550 yards. And you also get free pre-wound bobbin thread and a tear away stabilizer. Oh, not to forget about the free conversion color chart that comes along with this great box!
The threads have superior quality, higher sheen, vibrant color and you can use it on commercial and home serger machines! It is lead-safe, non-toxic, BPA-safe, Phthalates-safe and has a 100% money back guarantee! What more could you ask for? Now: let’s summarize and review the pros and cons together.
Pros
- 100% polyester thread
- Free tear away stabilizer
- Free pre-wound bobbin thread
- Free comparison color chart
- Lead-safe, non-toxic and BPA-safe
- 100% money back guarantee
- A great selection of vibrant colors
Cons
- Inconsistent thread quality
New brothreads Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
If you decide to purchase this kit, you will get a value pack of three big spools of polyester thread with a length of 5,500 yards. You will pay for 1 pack and you will get three spools. How cool is that? They have high strength, exceptional luster and colorfast! And they have a perfect weight (40) and large cones.
You can use these spools on all embroidery machines including industrial, semi-industrial, commercial and household machines. However, if you use them on a household embroidery machine, keep in mind that you should use a thread stand to help feeding threads to machine properly. You are free to sew up to 800 stitches per minute. If you encounter a breaking issue, slow the speed to 600 stitches per minute.
Pros
- Three large spools at the price of one
- A total length of 5,500 yards of thread per cone
- They can be used on most embroidery machines
- They can hold up to 800 stitches per minute
Cons
- Does not hold spools
- Does not seem to trim properly
Newbro Polyester Embroidery Machine
Another set by Newbro that is worth checking out is the 25 Colors Variegated Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread. It comes with 25 spools of vibrant variegated colors that will give charm and embellish your projects! They have a perfect weight (40) and length (550 yards per cone) which is quite incredible.
These threads have excellent tensile strength. Meaning, you face lower risks of fraying and breaking, while tenacity and elasticity of polyester reduce the risk of puckering and looping. You do not have to worry about your creations getting in touch with harsh chemicals. These threads are bleach-resistant.
Pros
- Bleach-resistant
- • A wide variety of colors
- Perfect weight and length
- Excellent tensile strength
Cons
- Not the best color combos
- Not the best thread quality
63 Brother Colors Embroidery Machine Thread for Brother, Babylock, Janome, Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna, Bernina Machines
Another great deal that we have for you today is the 63 Brother Colors Embroidery Machine Thread Set – the ultimate set of 63 vibrant colors that you will fall in love with immediately! You can now decorate and customize your projects with these perfect embroidery threads with a great weight (40) and length.
Each spool has a total length of 550 yards and suits almost every sewing and embroidery machine such as Brother, Babylock, Husqvarna, Bernina, Pfaff, Singer, Janome and so on. They have a high amount of strength. Meaning, they will not break easily! And they are bleach-resistant which is very important too.
Pros
- Harsh chemical-resistant
- Perfect weight and length
- 63 beautiful vibrant colors
Cons
- Spool rack not included
25 LARGE Cones Variegated Embroidery Machine Thread
Another set of 25 large cones variegated embroidery machine thread that is definitely worth your time and money is this one! A set of 25 amazing spools of polyester embroidery threads. And each has a total length of 1,100 yards, which is pretty awesome. Also, they have the perfect weight just like all the other sets on the list. They come in variegated colors. And they have high strength for high-speed embroidery.
Pros
- 100% colorfast and no running in normal washing
- Work with both household and industrial machines
Cons
- No solid colors in this set
Besides the cotton machine embroidery thread that we recommend for machine embroidery, polyester thread is great and strong as well. And if you are searching for the best set of 100 polyester threads then look no further than this one – the premium set of polyester embroidery thread spools, 550 yards each!
You will get Mini-King spools with a perfect width (40) compatible with almost every Brother, Singer, Babylock, and other sewing and embroidery machines available. They will not run or bleed in cold or hot water since they are 100% colorfast. They have high tensile strength for faster embroidery. However, the best part about this great set is that each spool is individually wrapped to stay protected from dust!
Pros
- One of the best embroidery thread for Brother PE770
- 100 Mini-King spools with perfect weight and length
- Compatible with almost every embroidery machine
- High tensile strength for high-speed embroidery
- Each spool is individually wrapped for protection
Cons
- The thread might snap and jam your machine
- Some buyers complain about the poor quality
ThreadNanny Polyester Embroidery Threads
Thread Nanny is the name of the brand that we will represent next! They have this super amazing set of 50 polyester embroidery threads placed on the market. And you will absolutely adore it because they all come in vibrant colors and have a perfect weight (40) and length (1,100 per cone). They work with any embroidery machine and they have high strength for faster embroidery. What are you still waiting for?
Pros
- 100% colorfast and no running in normal washing
- Suitable for both household and industrial machines
- Will not break in high-speed embroidery machines
- The set comes with a free color conversion chart
Cons
- Possible thread breakage issues
Threadart Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
If you want to purchase something that will boost your creativity and take your skills to the next level, this is the set for you! Threadart set of 40 spools of polyester thread will bring out the best out of your creations and help you add your personal touch like no other embroidery thread on the market today.
If you decide to order this baby, you will get 40 spools of embroidery polyester thread in vivid and nice colors! They will fit most standard sewing and embroidery machines including Brother, Babylock, Pfaff, Husqvarna, Singer, Bernina, and so on. If you are new to machine embroidery this is the best starter kit.
These threads have the ideal weight (40) – the standard for machine embroidery. And they are created for high-speed household and industrial embroidery machines! They provide exceptional shine, tensile strength, and colorfastness. The excellent tensile strength reduced thread breaks and frying for sure!
Pros
- Excellent tensile strength and exceptional shine
- 40 spools of polyester thread in vibrant, nice colors
- They fit most of the standard embroidery machines
- One of the best starter kits for beginners
Cons
- No spool rack included
20 Metallic Embroidery Threads for Computerized Machines
If you were looking for the best metallic thread for machine embroidery, congrats! You have just found it – the ultimate set of 20 Metallic Embroidery Threads! You will get new, super shiny metallic threads in 20 of the most popular colors. Each cone will have a total length of 1,1000 yards, which is outstanding.
Add a sparkly dimension to your creations and order this set today! You cannot go wrong with this set if you are after metallic threads! They are one of the best on the market. Now: let’s summarize the cons!
Pros
- A total length of 1,100 yards per spool
- The best metallic thread for machine embroidery
- Great deal for the price you pay
Cons
- Breaks and fries easily
Newbro thread Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread
The last product by Newbro that we have for you today is the 63 Brother Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread. It comes with 63 professionally assorted spools in beautiful vibrant colors! They have the power to embellish and brighten your embroidery projects and creations like no other product available today!
Just like all of the products we have presented and reviewed for you today, this too had the best weight (40) and the perfect length of 550 yards per cone. An excellent tensile strength that lowers the potential risk of frying or breaking, while tenacity and elasticity reduce the potential risk of puckering and looping.
Pros
- Excellent tensile strength
- 63 spools (550 yards per spool)
- Super colorfastness
Cons
- Possible thread breakage issues
100 Spools Embroidery Machine Thread
Last but certainly not least is the set of spools that will definitely blow you away. If you purchase this set, you will get a total of 100 big spools of polyester embroidery machine thread with a total length of 550 yards per cone. They also have a perfect weight (40) and they will help you add a personal touch to your creations. There is not much to say about the set, except that it is an amazing deal for the price you pay.
Pros
- A great selection of colors
- Perfect weight and length
- A great deal for the price
Cons
- Possible thread breakage issues
What Type of Embroidery Machine Threads?
What’s the best threat to use for machine embroidery depends on your taste and project. Let’ review all the embroidery thread types, so you can pick the proper thread according to your personal preferences.
Rayon
This is the most popular and cheap machine-embroidery thread on the market! It is very easy to find and even easier to use. You have hundreds of hot colors to choose from when it comes to rayon embroidery. Made of organic cellulose, rayon threads have a smooth touch and a luxurious sheen but lose shine fast!
Polyester
We have mentioned in our best sewing machine threads article that polyester threads represent one of the strongest threads. Besides, they are easy to use, shiny and vibrant! However, they will NOT fade fast as rayon threads. On the contrary, they will last more, since they are bleach-resistant and fade-resistant.
If you are embroidering something that will require constant washing like towels, clothing or linens, buy a polyester thread. Trilobal polyester threads are the strongest – they are made of numerous filaments. And their triangular form boosts their light even more than the rayon and polyester embroidery threads.
Cotton
Cotton threads represent the ultimate natural fibers! And the best cotton thread is made of long-staple Egyptian cotton that is nearly free of ling and exceptionally strong! Most cotton threads provide better matte finish than rayon and polyester. They are great for redwork, quilting, cross-stitch and bean stitch.
Silk
Another natural fiber that you need to know about when it comes to embroidery threads is silk – stable and strong. It has a unique shine and provides a luxurious finish. It is favorite of crafters who prefer hand and machine-embroidered decorative designs at 100 wt (extremely fine) – the stitches nearly disappear.
Specialty threads
Specialty threads have the power of making every embroidery project spectacular. If you are into stitch painting, crafting textile art or quilting you should definitely keep these threads in mind. You can choose between metallic, variegated, clear nylon monofilament, and light-sensitive or solar-activated threads.
Metallic embroidery threads: They look stunning but can also be fussy. Some threads remain flat rather than round, while others contain holographic fibers. Lowering the stitching speed, using a large topstitch needle and reducing the tension are some of the many ways to avoid a headache with a metallic thread.
Variegated embroidery threads: You have hundreds of color combos to choose from when it comes to these threads. “Variegated” stands for stepped color change. Some threads are distinct and bold while others are dyed in fine repeats. If you want tone-on-tone designs and patterns, this is the type for you.
Clear nylon monofilament threads: They work amazingly for invisible quilting and decorative designs.
Solar-activated or light-sensitive threads: They are often used for astrological designs and Halloween patterns. Although they appear white under normal conditions, they glow in the dark – magical effect.
How to Pick The Right Embroidery Thread?
To pick the right embroidery thread, you have to pick your thread weight first! This measurement works differently than you probably assume. The bigger the thread-weight number – the thinner and finer the thread. On the other hand, a low thread-weigh number represents a heavy, thick embroidery thread.
A sewing thread has a 50 wt. while an embroidery thread has a 40 wt. – it is finner. A thread with a 30 wt. is common as well. Almost every digital machine embroidery designs are set up for 40 wt. threads.
An 80 wt. or 100 wt. thread is great for heirloom embroidery, 30 wt. thread is excellent for redwork, and blanket stitching with a 12 wt. thread will provide excellent, almost like hand stitching results. Amazing!
What’s The Difference Between Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread?
As you can notice by the section where we talk about the weight of embroidery threads, regular sewing threads remain stronger and durable unlike embroidery threads – finer and thinner but offer impressive decorative look! Embroidery threads come in hundreds of colors and textures, and present more shine!
They have a higher sheen than standard sewing threads which is often cotton wrapped polyester. They are made to work on high-speed machines. And you have to try out different products to find the brand that works for your machine! Embroidery thread is not the best choice for seaming since it is not strong!
Sewing threads, on the other hands, can be used in heavier and larger projects such as quilts! Polyester and 100% cotton sewing threads can be used for quilting because they are the strongest sewing threads.
Now: let’s dive into the chart and see how the best embroidery threads compare to each other in 2021.
Types of Embroidery Fabrics
Now that you know everything about the best embroidery threads, let’s review the types of embroidery fabrics that you can choose from. You can choose between cotton, linen and blend fabrics. It all depends on your taste. Toweling cloth, Aida cloth, silk, and wool are some of the most common types out there!
Also, what type of thread you will use for your fabric matters as well. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton, rayon, and linen require cotton threads. A 50 wt. thread is best for applique, and a 28 wt. is for quilting. If you work with materials such as wool and silk, you should use a silk thread for the best ending results!
Final Verdict
Identifying which type of thread you need for a specific project in mind is very important, if not the most important part in choosing the best embroidery thread. We hope that our reviews and comparison chart will help you find a match and determine which embroidery thread is suitable for you and your projects!
Make sure to check the thread type and weight before you make your final purchase, so you do not get the wrong one. Happy machine embroidering! Now: let’s answer some of your most common questions.
Nanzy ChandlerBrown
Can different brands be mixed? how do Isacord and Floriani compare to the other brands of thread?
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Nancy,
Thanks for your question.
Mixing or switching between brands can affect one’s thread tension.
It’s best to keep with the thread type and brand that you use most on your machine as much as possible, as it’s easier to maintain a more consistent, even tension. Hope this helps!
Have a lovely day and stay safe.
Love, Mary.
Betty Taylor
my nq1400e came with 90 wt. spool for bobbins, can I use the 60 wt. embroidery threads that I have, with the the 90 wt. bobbins?
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Betty,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, you can use your 60 wt embroidery threads with the 90 wt bobbins.
Have a lovely day and stay safe.
Love, Mary.
Alice Slaughter
I noticed that you do not compare Isacord or Floriani. I personally use Madeira but I am having looping and thread break issues.
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Alice,
Thank you for your comment and note.
I haven’t heard much about these brands. And I usually review brands recommended by my readers or companies I have had experience with.
Since you mentioned Isacord and Floriani, I will do my research and learn more about these brands so you can expect their reviews in the future.
Unfortunately, you’re not the only one having issues with this thread. Other buyers have similar issues. Please, check this troubleshooting guide.
Also, watch the following video:
Hopefully, my reply can help you solve your issue. Again, thank you for your comment and suggestions. Have a wonderful day and stay safe.
Love, Mary.
Eileen
Does anyone know where we can get a colour conversion charts from?
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Eileen,
Thank you for your comment.
Please, check out this website.
Hopefully, my answer can help you with your issue.
Have a nice day.
Love, Mary.
Sandy
This was such a great help to me with my embroidery. There is so much controversy out there in embroidery land. You helped with many of my questions and I Thank You very much.
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Sandy,
Thank you for your comment and kind words.
You made my day a lot better. Yes, there is a lot of controversies out there but I try to be as honest and clear as I possibly can with my articles. My goal is to help both absolute beginners and advanced sewers.
Stay with me for future updates and reviews.
Have a nice day.
Love, Mary.
Binn
Did any one try Simthread embroidery thread? They are selling very well.
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Binn, thank you for your comment.
Yes, Simthread makes some of the best threads on the market. And yes, they are selling very well.
They deliver quality products at acceptable prices. Simthread makes great products for new users. If you think about buying an embroidery thread for your first project, look no further than Simthread threads.
Love, Mary.
Nanzy ChandlerBrown
Where does Floriani fit into the mix? I am relatively new to machine embroidery and was wondering? The local sewing stores in the Seattle area carry a considerable amount of Floriani but it is reasonably spendy.
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Nanzy,
Thank you for your question.
Floriani gives excellent results – rarely if ever shreds (and if it does, it has never been the fault of the thread) and has an amazing sheen. This is why it’s expensive!
Have a lovely day and stay safe.
Love, Mary.