Understanding Thread Types & Weights

Understanding Thread Types & Weights

Choosing the Right Thread for Texture, Durability, and Stitch Quality

Threads are more than just color—they’re the backbone of your embroidery’s texture, finish, and longevity. Different threads behave differently depending on the technique (hand vs. machine), the fabric, and the desired look. In this article, we’ll explore common thread types and weights, and when to use each.

 

1. Common Embroidery Thread Types

Cotton Floss

·       Made of 6 divisible strands

·       Soft, matte finish

·       Ideal for hand embroidery

·       Brands: DMC, Anchor

Rayon Thread

·       High sheen and vibrant color

·       Slippery and delicate

·       Great for machine embroidery or decorative accents

Polyester Thread

·       Durable, colorfast, and strong

·       Slight sheen

·       Ideal for machine embroidery and garments

Silk Thread

·       Luxurious, smooth texture

·       Soft sheen

·       Best for fine detail and special projects

Wool/Perle Cotton

·       Heavier texture, twisted

·       Not divisible

·       Adds raised texture; used in crewel or folk embroidery

 

2. Understanding Thread Weight

Thread weight refers to the thickness of the thread. However, the numbering system can be confusing, as lower numbers mean thicker threads.

Weight

Description

Common Use

12 wt

Very thick

Bold accents, topstitching

30 wt

Medium thickness

Textured fill, detail stitching

40 wt

Standard machine embroidery

Everyday embroidery

50 wt

Fine thread

Quilting, thin designs

For hand embroidery, floss strands act as a weight control—use more or fewer strands depending on desired thickness.

 

1.     Matching Thread to Project

 

Project Type

Recommended Thread Type

Heirloom hand embroidery

Cotton floss or silk

Machine embroidery logo

Polyester 40 wt

Children’s clothes

Polyester (durable, washable)

Textured designs

Wool or Perle Cotton

High-sheen art pieces

Rayon or silk

 

4. Specialty Threads

·       Glow-in-the-dark threads – Fun for kids’ designs

·       Metallic threads – Add sparkle but require slow stitching

·       Variegated threads – Color shifts within one spool

Tip: Specialty threads may require special needles or reduced tension on machines.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right thread type and weight helps you balance beauty and function. Always test unfamiliar threads on scrap fabric before stitching your full project, and keep thread charts nearby for consistency.

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