
The Thread Fusion: Can Embroidery Thread Be Used For Sewing?
If you are an enthusiast about sewing, you should know about embroidery and sewing, while we are discussing about embroidery and sewing, you should also know about various kinds of embroidery threads and sewing threads and if you can use embroidery threads for sewing.
As we all know, embroidery is more of a decorative craft which is done by top-stitching, whereas, sewing is done for small alterations as well as for dressmaking. Both of these threads have different uses and purposes. While we are facing this question, whether we can use embroidery thread for sewing, we should know that, embroidery thread can be used for sewing. Embroidery threads have wide range of colors and contrasts with a sheen outlook which always results in bright and shiny appearance. In this article, we will try discuss if it is possible to work with embroidery thread for sewing for a better result, we will discuss uses of embroidery threads in hand embroidery and also in sewing machine.
Key Takeaways
- Different kinds of embroidery threads and sewing threads.
- Difference between embroidery thread and sewing thread.
- Ways of using embroidery thread for sewing.
Embroidery Thread

Embroidery threads have a high sheen. The higher sheen has a looser twist. The threads should have the strength of going out of the fabric several times. The threads are made from rayon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. For machine embroidery, you can use rayon and polyester thread. Embroidery threads are made of soft 2-ply threads. Embroidery threads are numbered differently. The sizes are between 30 to 60 ranges, a thread of size 40 is a more finer thread than others.
Different Types of Embroidery Thread
Embroidery thread can be used for sewing and it can also be used for hand embroidery, for that, you need cotton, silk, fabric, and metallic thread and fabric, and you might not get good stitching, too. Embroidery thread can be used for machine embroidery, you have to find the right brands for your projects. Embroidery thread is thicker than regular embroidery thread.
Sewing Thread

Different kinds of threads are made of different materials and they also have different applications. A sewing thread is a yarn of thin strands that is used for sewing machines. Different kinds of threads are used for different kinds of sewing. There are some different kinds of threads:
- Darning: Repairing rips and holes in clothing.
- Sewing: Making a dress, shirt, etc.
- Embroidery: It has some sewing techniques, such as cross-stitch, needlepoint, Hardanger, ribbon embroidery, blackwork, whitework, etc. You can choose threads depending on your embroidery work.
Below there are some different kinds of threads that are made from various materials:
- Cotton
- Silk
- Polyester
- Metallic
- Rayon
- Wool
Embroidery Thread On Regular Sewing Machine
Embroidery thread can be used on the regular sewing machine, before using this thread run a test on a scrap of fabric to see how the thread looks and if this is the project you want. Because of the thickness and strength of embroidery thread, they are compatible with the machine, you may need to change the tension. When working on a machine, put a spool to avoid your thread getting tangled.
Embroidery Thread to Sew Clothes
Embroidery thread can be used to sew clothes. Given their strength, you can use embroidery threads that are made of cotton, silk, polyester, rayon, and a mix of all of them. However, before starting your project you can run a test on a scrap of fabric to see how this looks, and also you can set up your sewing machine accordingly. Moreover, as these threads are not designed to make dresses, you might face some problems when you try to sew with them. If the thread is thin, the stitching on the seams will be weaker.
Embroidery Thread for Hand Sewing

You can use embroidery thread for hand sewing, but if you have sewing thread, then use it for your hand stitching project. You can use embroidery thread, but you have to consider a few things before you start working on a project.
- When you start hand sewing with embroidery thread, your threads might lock up, which will cause you to stop stitching to untangle your thread.
- Embroidery thread ends may slip from your needle, which will result to work longer on your project.
Different Types of Embroidery Thread for Hand Sewing
- Embroidery Floss: There are plenty of colors and tones to be used for this project, more stands will make your stitching strong enough.
- Perle Thread: The thickness of the thread is to be made right to get a professional finish from this thread.
Difference Between Sewing and Embroidery Thread
Sewing threads are typically made of cotton, silk, or synthetics. Embroidery thread is made of rayon which looks like cotton. Embroidery thread is thicker than sewing thread. Embroidery thread has many color options. Embroidery thread has better durability, which means it can be better when it is used for cross-stitch or embroidery.
Purpose
- Embroidery Thread: it is used for embroidery.
- Sewing Thread: it is used for sewing.
Use of Thread
- Embroidery Thread: Rayon and polyester thread are usually used for embroidery thread.
- Sewing Thread: Any kind of thread can be used for sewing.
Sheen
- Embroidery Thread: Embroidery thread has a sheen.
- Sewing Thread: Some sewing threads do not have a sheen.
Using Embroidery Thread On a Regular Sewing Machine

Some embroidery threads are used for the regular sewing machine. Some special embroidery threads made of cotton, rayon, and polyester offer better performance. For example, if you want a finished project with a unique style, use rayon embroidery threads. This thread adds strength and durability to the garment.
If you want embroidery thread on the sewing machine, follow the following steps.
- Step1: Lower the feed dog to place the thread on the needle.
- Step2: Place the thread in the bobbin and set up the machine with embroidery thread.
- Step3: use an embroidery hoop for a quick result.
- Step4: you can start sewing with your thread.
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Embroidery Thread On a Regular Serger
For an old sewing machine, using an embroidery thread on a serger will be difficult. But a machine that has good quality and a serger will give you the best results. For example, when you use a brother sewing machine, you have no problem using the embroidery thread. If you have old models, such as Viking 936, then you will face problems from breaking threads. Embroidery threads are best used for hem with a roll and similar projects. However, if you want to use embroidery thread on a serger, find the best thread for you. If you use rayon embroidery thread, the result will be weaker. While you are using serger, you can combine threads, such as, you can use multiple yarns of cotton and polyester to combine them to make a thick strand and use them for various styles.
Embroidery Thread for Applique
Embroidery thread can be used for applique sewing style. Check your machine to see if it is in the right order. Then check your needle if your machine needs a new needle. Fill your bobbin with 60wt embroidery thread. Use 60wt embroidery thread to the needle. Set 1/8 inch width for the zigzag stitch with stitch length. Set the machine at half speed to sew the applique.
Embroidery Thread for Cross-Stitch
You need a plan, if you want to work with your 14 or 16-count Aida. For cross-stitching, use two-stranded embroidery thread of cotton. Choose variations while choosing the thread. Choose a wide – range of embroidery threads for cross-stitch projects. Based on your projects, choose your embroidery threads that will be strong. For a decorative touch, choose from a wide variety of colors. Use a needle that is sharp and thick to cross-stitch.
5 Types of Embroidery Thread for Regular Sewing

There are a few kinds of embroidery threads that you can choose for your sewing projects.
They are given below:
1. Stranded Embroidery Cotton Thread
This is the most common thread, it is known as embroidery floss. This thread is known for cross-stitch projects. It has six strands of threads. So, you thread the needle with six strands of thread or separate and insert them the way you want to work with.
2. Pearl Cotton Embroidery Thread
This thread is thicker than single-strand cotton thread. The single-strand thread is made with two-twisted fibers. This thread has many weights.
3. Rayon Embroidery Thread
This thread is a good option for bright and attractive colors. They have silk–like sheen with a shiny outlook. This thread knots and tangles quickly. You can avoid this by using short – lengths. Additionally, for moisturization dampen the thread.
4. Silk Embroidery Thread
For beautiful and bright embroidery craftworks, use silk embroidery threads. While using this thread, use iron. Gently press the back of your work with the low steam iron. You will have a sheen appearance from it.
5. Crochet Embroidery Thread
You can use crochet thread or yarn thread. You can use special yarn for crochet purposes.
FAQs
Is sewing thread the same as embroidery thread?
Embroidery thread and sewing thread are two different kinds of thread that are used for sewing. Both have different purposes, embroidery thread is used for embroidery and has a sheen to it, while sewing thread is used for sewing, it does not have a sheen to it.
Can I use embroidery thread for my regular sewing machine?
You can sew with embroidery thread and also use it in your sewing machine. Embroidery threads can be used for topstitching and quilting, but they should not be used in seams.
Which is the best thread for sewing?
For all-purpose sewing, polyester threads are the best, they do not produce lint, and they do not fade when they are washed, which makes them the best choice for sewing.
Which embroidery thread is best?
The best embroidery thread is pearl cotton. It is used to add extra texture. You can choose your floss accordingly, depending if you want a more delicate or raised effect.
What is the difference between embroidery thread and yarn?
Thread is a thin layer of yarn that is used for sewing and embroidery, yarn is a thicker strand of natural or synthetic fibers that is used for knitting and sewing.
Final Thoughts
As we have discussed in this article, embroidery thread can be used for sewing, although, embroidery threads are different from sewing threads. Sewing threads are only used repairing or mending, while embroidery threads can be used both for embroidery which will add finesse to your work and also as sewing thread which may result in poor quality. While we are using a sewing machine to embroider, use the right attachment for a more polished end work. Various colors and contrast will always give you a radiant end result.
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