Updated at: 08-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Understanding which of the six essentials on your sewing kit is the best thread for sewing is a matter of looking through each of those items in turn. The list includes wool, silk, cotton, nylon, rayon, and polyester.

We’ll also be able to tell different kinds of thread apart by their construction and end result. In theory, you should be able to get all the information you need about threads for sewing here.

If you want to tackle tough undertakings, you should probably familiarize yourself with which threads are the most durable.

Sewing Thread Types

Some threads belong at a county fair, others in the workplace, still others in the world of fashion and the rag trade, still others in the world of the arts and some in the world of glitz and glamour.

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I was wondering how many distinct varieties of needle and thread there actually are. Lots! The options for sewing thread are not limited to those listed below.

  • Threads made from cotton and other natural fibers.
  • Rigging elastic, also known as shirring elastic, is a type of elastic thread.
  • Often referred to as “all purpose” thread, polyester is a versatile textile material.
  • Decorative thread for embroidery
  • High-strength Upholstery Thread
  • Thread made of metal, used for embellishment.
  • Denim is the thread of choice for jeans and other denim products.
  • Threads made of nylon and rayon, including invisible thread
  • A silk thread suitable for use on silk’s delicate fabric

Brands Of Sewing Thread

Brands of high quality thread will be manufactured to be more durable and uniform in appearance, reducing the likelihood of thread breaks, skipped stitches, and other types of irregularities.

Look for reputable brands like Gutterman, Rasant, Coates and Clark, and Mettler when purchasing any type of sewing thread.

When working with difficult fabrics like silk, wool, or Lycra, it is extremely important to use high-quality sewing thread.

What Do Specialized Sewing Threads Allow The Seamstress To Do?

Which sort of thread you need for your needle and thread depends on the project at hand.

Do you intend to use the thread for:

  1. Restoration, fixing
  2. Dressmaking
  3. needlework, especially embroidery or tapestry
  4. Upholstery
  5. Quilting
  6. Maybe you’ve been curious about tatting and decided to give it a shot.

To find out what kind of thread is needed, look at the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most varieties of thread used in sewing machines can be found here.

Sewing Thread Types

  • Cotton is a versatile thread that may be used for a wide variety of sewing and craft tasks.
  • When embroidering, it is helpful to separate the thread into individual strands. The standard number of available options is 6. (For a primer on embroidery, see here.)
  • Even if it’s not possible to separate cotton perle, it’s still an embroidered thread, just like “coton a broder,” which is used for cut work. If you need cotton for a more specific project, you can choose from a variety of weights.
  • Cotton used for tatting is a specialty fiber best suited for use with luxury textiles like linen.
  • Waxed quilting thread slides easily between the quilt top and batting.
  • Polyester/cotton blends can be made into any sort of fabric, even stretchy ones, and have a universal weight of 50. You’ll be using this thread for the vast majority of your needlework projects. Select one that is of high quality and has a sturdy core.
  • The heavy-duty thread used in upholstery (40) is a blend of cotton and polyester.
  • Whether you’re doing embroidery or flat stitching, rayon thread will leave you with a polished result.
  • Nylon is a durable fiber that works well for lightweight to medium-weight textiles.
  • Silk is a strong thread that can be used with both silk and wool, making it ideal for needlework. Furthermore, there is silk thread, silk yarn, and silk strands. As in (stitch silk)
  • Wool threads can be found in heavy materials like canvas and embroidered blankets. Persian wool, tapestry wool, and crewel are some more examples. Please substitute “sewing wool” for your intended use.
  • Invisible thread is a type of sewing thread that is similar to fishing line and is intended to create a seamless, unnoticeable end result.
  • A metallic thread of gold, silver, and copper is woven into the mix.
  • Incorporating a thread with a variety of colors and patterns into your next sewing project is a great way to spice things up.
  • Elasticized shirring thread can be used to sew rows of fabric together at the waist or chest. (Learn the ins and outs of using elastic thread for sewing by reading here)

What Sewing Thread Type Is Best?

Although the answer to this question can vary from project to project, a good general-purpose sewing thread will be a cotton/polyester blend. You may have heard these referred to as “universal threads.” Picking the right brand ensures a smooth, knot-free end result.

Best Thread for Upholstery | OFS Maker's Mill

The Best Thread for Fabric-Based Artworks

1. Gutermann Sew-All Thread

This polyester thread (50 weight) is ideal for a variety of projects due to its high quality and adaptability. Available in extra-large 1,094-yard spools, this high-quality thread is ideal for use with any fabric and any sewing machine. It provides a long-lasting, low-lint finish with superior stitch security because of its use of long-staple polyester, which makes it exceptionally robust and less likely to break than other threads.

2. Mettler Silk-Finish Cotton Thread

This thread, made from luxuriously soft and silky 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton, is perfect for sewing cotton and a great option for quilting. This 50-weight, 547-yard spool of thread is perfect for hand or machine stitching thanks to its mercerized finish, which makes it less prone to snagging, knotting, and breaking. Being resistant to fading and shrinking, it makes a great coating for projects that will be passed down through the generations.

3. American & Efird Serger Thread

Serger thread is used to create seams and finish raw edges, therefore its flexibility, strength, and lack of bulk are essential. This highly durable polyester thread (40 weight) has uniform strength and is designed for machine usage, but is excellent for all kinds of sewing and embroidery tasks due to its finer than usual diameter. Each cone of thread contains three thousand yards and a rainbow of hues to choose from.

4. Coats & Clark Inc. Dual Duty Heavy Thread

Denim, canvas, and leather all benefit from the added strength provided by a core-spun polyester thread of 15 weight. This smooth, colorfast, and weatherproof thread can be used both indoors and out. The 125 yards of thread on the spool can be used by hand or machine, and it maintains a constant tension with minimal breaking.

5. Singer Polyester Hand Sewing Thread

This bundle of three needles and a needle threader, along with twenty-four little spools of thread in assorted colors, is ideal for household repairs and minor craft endeavors. Having 10 yards of polyester thread per spool is sufficient for many routine mending tasks. This thread should only be used by hand and not in a sewing machine.

Can You Sew Leather With Linen Thread?

The use of linen thread is recommended for hand stitching leather. Typically, this type of thread can be found in leather goods like boots, holsters, saddles, and totes.

In spite of the fact that linen is constructed from cotton fibers, it may be suitable for leatherwork. However, you should count on linen thread not being as long-lasting as the best leather thread.

Instead, if you’re sewing leather for looks, linen thread is your best bet. Linen thread, with its natural look and feel, complements leather exceptionally well.

How Do You Sew Leather Thread?

  • When stitching along a leather seam, it is important to conceal the first knot of the needle and bobbin thread between the layers of leather. This will give the seam a more professional and seamless appearance.
  • To avoid thread breaking, it’s important to use the right size needle for the leather you’re working with (e.g., lighter weight threads for decorative stitching and heavier weight threads for areas that will be worn quickly)
  • Nylon thread in sizes #46 and #69 are commonly used for sewing leather goods, while size #138 thread is often used for upholstery.
  • When sewing, make sure you’re using a needle that’s appropriate for the size of thread you’ve chosen.
  • To avoid shredding the leather due to unequal tension, use a longer stitch length when working with thick leather threads.

What Do You Use To Sew Leather Together?

The leather can be stitched using nylon, polyester, or linen thread. When sewing leather, however, there are two additional considerations.

What size of thread for sewing leather

Leather thickness determines the appropriate thread size. Therefore, heavier leather, or leather that will get worn fast, will need to be sewed using a larger size thread to ensure it can handle the pressure.

Keep in mind that not all threads are created equal in terms of their diameters. However, if you want a quick idea, just think about the thread’s measurement in millimeters and keep in mind the chart below:

  • Thread sizes between 46mm and 138mm are suitable for sewing the thin leather used for many wallets and handbags.
  • Thread sizes between 138mm and 554mm are suitable for sewing the medium-weight leather used for bags.
  • The thick, boot-quality leather typically utilized for its stitching may accommodate a thread size of 207 mm or more.

What color of thread for sewing leather

For leather, the choice of thread color is purely aesthetic. While a darker shade may be preferred by some, a lighter one may be more functional and prevent the item from becoming dirty. A contrast may be preferred when it comes to highlighting details, such as the white thread on leather.

Black or brown threads are usually a safe bet, but ultimately the choice is up to the sewer. Think about the overall feel and design of your leather project, or test the thread out against the leather to see how it looks.

What Size Needles For Hand Sewing Leather?

When working with heavyweight materials like leather, however, using a sewing machine is the quickest and most efficient option. However, hand sewing leather is still doable for minor repairs and DIY projects.

Differences In Sewing Thread

Leather needles range in size from 2 to 10, and finding the right one for your project is entirely dependent on the sort of leather you’re working with. A leather needle, which can also be used for pleather, suede, and vinyl, can be recognized by its triangular shape and its ability to cut and enter the material.

Conclusion

Finally, the end! The type of thread being used is an important factor in determining the optimal thread for sewing.

Threads can be further categorized according on their construction and finish and can be crafted from either synthetic or natural fibers. Pick a thread size and color that complements your needle and fabric.