- All-purpose sewing threads is made of synthetic, cotton or cotton covered polyester. This type of thread is used for sewing garments and projects.
- Embroidery thread is made of various fibers; rayon, polyester, acrylic or metallic. These threads create a smooth glossy appearance for embroidery and other decorative stitching. When embroidering, always use embroidery thread in the bobbin area as well. The thread is finer in weight and less likely to build up under the embroidery.
Note: When using a metallic or a flat film thread for embroidering, you may need to use a needle with a larger eye and lower the embroidery speed. Thread the sewing machine with the spool in the vertical position.
- Transparent thread, also called monofilament thread, is single clear synthetic thread. It is used for quilting and other decorative sewing. Thread the sewing machine with the spool in the vertical position.
When winding a bobbin, wind at slow speed and wind the bobbin half full.
- A general rule of thumb is to use a needle whose eye is 40% larger than the diameter of the thread.
- If you find your thread to be shredding or skipping stitches, try a new needle and go up one size.
- Whenever changing thread weight, you'll likely need to adjust tension as well.
- Generally, thread weight is directly related to thread diameter. Sewing machines use this diameter to control tension by compressing the thread.
- If the tension is too high, it may damage or even break the thread. If it is too low, the thread may loop on the back of the fabric.
- Most embroidery designs are created for 40 wt thread. This ensures adequate coverage for the design.
- If a 30 wt or smaller thread is used, the increased diameter of the thread may cause the design to present poorly/clumpy or make your fabric pucker. The thread may also shred on itself which will can cause breakage or machine jams.
- Remember to reduce stitch density, increase design size and/or increase stitch length if using thicker thread.