What kind of embroidery thread should I use? This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer is simple, and difficult, at the same time.
The first thing to decide is what fiber to use. Rayon, polyester, cotton, silk, or metallic? All have their pros and cons, but basically it comes down to personal preference. I believe in using whatever threads work for your project. If it works well in your machine, and you like the effect you get while using it, then don't hesitate, enjoy it! Don't let the embroidery "police" tell you what you should or should not use in your project. As odd as it sounds, embroidery machines have preferences too. So experiment, and don't be afraid to use a particular thread just because it's not "made for that".
Rayon Thread
Rayon embroidery threads are currently the most popular threads used in embroidery machines. They perform consistently well in high-speed embroidery machines with very little breaking or fraying. Rayon is a high sheen thread, and often used as a lower cost alternative to silk threads.
Most Rayon embroidery threads are available in 40wt, though 30wt can be found without effort. A wide range of colors and shades are available, including variegated colors.
Though some brands can be, rayon embroidery threads are not generally colorfast. It is best to avoid using any bleaching agents, including those made for colors.
Stitches sewn with rayon threads are very smooth and consistent, leading to a higher quality embroidery project.
Rayon threads do deteriorate over time, so attention should be paid to how it is stored. In low humidity regions, rayon threads can be stored in the refrigerator to extend thread life for a long as possible.
Polyester Thread
Polyester is rapidly catching up to the popularity of Rayon threads for embroidery. It is a very strong and economical thread. Polyester embroidery threads won't fade or shrink in the wash.
The luster, or sheen, of polyester thread falls between that of cotton and rayon.
Polyester threads do have some give or stretch to them.
Polyester embroidery threads are available in a wide range of solid and variegated colors. Like Rayon, the most popular thread size is 40wt, but 30wt and 50wt can be easily found.
Cotton Thread
Cotton embroidery thread is available in a wide range of weights, and is suitable for most embroidery projects. 40wt and 50wt are the most common, but cotton threads range from 8wt to 100wt.
Cotton thread does not stretch a great deal, and will break if pulled too tightly. Cotton thread will fade with the sun, and shrink in the wash, so treat it as you would cotton fabrics.
Most cotton threads sold now are mercerized. This is a chemical and heat process that increases the luster of the thread. During the mercerizing process, fuzzy threads are burned off, creating a smoother surface. This smooth surface reflects light, increasing the luster of the thread. It also has the effect of increasing water absorbency, making the thread easier to dye.
Long staple cotton is finer and stronger than regular cotton. Most high quality threads are made with long staple cotton, creating a softer, stronger, higher luster thread. Long staple threads tend to have fewer slubs, lumps of lint spun into the cotton threads.
Silk Thread
Silk is an elastic, though very strong thread, and is among the most beautiful of natural fibers. It has a high sheen, and creates a distinctive look when used in embroidery projects.
Pure filament silk is the highest quality silk, as the fibers do not need to be spun; they come naturally in long strands from the silkworm.
Spun silks are made of shorter fibers. They come from broken cocoons or the beginning and end of cocoons.
Silk thread, and projects created with silk thread, can be gently washed in the washing machine with a mild soap. Bleaching agents should not be used as they can damage the threads.
In most cases, when it comes to thread, you get what you pay for. Good embroidery thread will stand up to high-speed embroidery machines without breaking or shredding. Bargain bin threads are inexpensive, but of poor quality, and will cost you in time and frustration.
Have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with thread.
Your first choice to make will be the fiber that you are going to use. Each fiber has its pluses and minuses, so you may need to experiment in order to find the perfect fiber choice. You will have to consider thread density and the material that you are embroidering, and which type of thread works best in your embroidery machine. Sometimes the less obvious choice of thread will produce the best results, don't be afraid to try something different.
Rayon Embroidery Thread
Rayon thread is the single most popular fiber used for embroidery. Rayon combines a durable high sheen, good usability in virtually every embroidery machine, and low cost. Rayon thread runs so well in so many machines that chances are high that you will love the smooth results that it creates. The most common size of Rayon embroidery thread is 40 weight, although 30 weight is also available. Some lines of rayon embroidery thread have hundreds of colors to choose from, and variegated embroidery thread
On the downside, rayon thread is not normally colorfast, and you should avoid using bleach, even bleach for colors, when washing rayon thread. Rayon also deteriorates over time, so store your thread in a humid area, like a refrigerator, if you live in a dry area.
Popular brands of rayon embroidery thread include Robison Anton, and Sulky.
Polyester Embroidery Thread
Polyester thread is the second most popular type of embroidery thread, and the gap in popularity between the two is small. Polyester embroidery thread is strong, inexpensive, and colorfast. It also stores more easily and last longer than rayon embroidery thread. They have a little less sheen than rayon thread, but more than cotton thread. Polyester thread will stretch when pressure is applied.
Polyester thread is also available in hundreds of solid colors and in variegated as well. 40 weight polyester thread is the most popular size, but 30 and 50 weight can be also be purchased.
Popular brands of polyester embroidery thread include Isacord, Mettler, Robison Anton, and Floriani.
Cotton Embroidery Thread
Most modern cotton threads are created from long staple, mercerized fibers. That means that they start with the long staple thread, which tends to have fewer lumps of lint spun into the thread and it's also stronger and finer; and then the manufacturer uses the mercerization process to increase the luster and gloss of the cotton thread.
Cotton thread can break when pressure is applied, and it can fade in the sun. All cotton can shrink when washed, so be careful.
Cotton embroidery thread is available in a wide range of sizes, from 8 weight to 100 weight.
Aurifil, YLI and Gutermann are just three of the prominent manufacturers of cotton thread.
Silk Embroidery Thread
Silk embroidery thread is a beautiful, strong, flexible fiber that can be the most beautiful thread available when it is used right. Silk is usually the most expensive thread that you can embroider with, so it may not be right for high density projects.
You need to be careful when washing silk, use a gentle soap and avoid all bleaches.
Manufacturers of silk thread include Tire Thread from Clover, Gutermann, and YLI.
When you have found the right thread you should keep a sample of a successful project stashed in your project drawer, with notes attached, so you can avoid starting all over in your search for the perfect embroidery thread.
Both Stacy Mcdougall & Anne Carlson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stacy Mcdougall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Crafts, Shopping and Web Development. Stacy McDougall's company, , Red Rock Threads, sells quilting, sewing and embroidery thread online. View the. Stacy Mcdougall's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
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