Can You Sew With Embroidery Thread?

Sewing enthusiasts think that embroidery thread is a special type of thread designed for use in embroidery projects only which is right to an extent. Since It is made from a variety of materials, including cotton, rayon, silk, and polyester and each one comes with its own unique properties. Embroidery thread is usually much thicker than regular sewing thread, which allows it to create bold and intricate designs.

Can you sew with embroidery thread? As It comes in a wide range of colors and shades that make it easy to match the thread to the fabric and the final desired outcome depends on the accurate selection of embroidery thread to end up your suspense, it is completely fine to use it but you must know before about the basics, what qualities you should look for, how would you identify the ideal one, and other information to successfully complete the sewing process with embroidery thread.

Key Takeaways

• There are various kinds of embroidery threads depending on the usage.
• Before you pick out your thread look for the basic criteria for them.
• You can sew different types of clothing with embroidery threads.
• Take note of the fundamentals and differences between embroidery threads that are available.

5 Types of Embroidery Thread

When it comes to the type of embroidery thread there’s no fixed one since it has hand embroidery & machine embroidery threads individually, however, there are a few major ones that are used by most embroidery experts around the world.

1. Rayon embroidery threads

As a result of their consistent performance in high-speed embroidery machines with very little breaking or fraying, rayon embroidery threads are the most popular thread used in embroidery machines today. It is a high-sheen thread and is frequently used as a cheaper alternative to silk threads. Most rayon embroidery threads are available in 40wt, though 30wt is very easy to find. Colors and shades of rayon thread include variegated colors. In general, rayon embroidery threads aren’t colorfast, although some brands may be. It is best not to use bleaching agents, including those specifically designed for colors, on the embroidery threads. With rayon threads, stitches are smooth and consistent, leading to a higher quality embroidery project. Rayon threads do deteriorate over time, so it is important to store them properly. In low-humidity regions, rayon threads can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their life.

2. Polyester embroidery thread

There are many colors available in polyester embroidery thread, and the results will be similar to rayon thread. Polyester threads are available in a wide variety of colors, and their benefits include not shrinking, fading, or bleeding. A polyester thread is strong and won’t easily break or fray, as rayon thread is. It is made of polymer resins. It can be made matte to resemble cotton, medium sheen to resemble rayon, or high sheen to mimic silk or rayon. Polyester trilobal is a high-quality polyester thread that has the same sheen as rayon and is lint-free. They are fast becoming one of the most popular embroidery threads due to their strength and color fastness.

3. Nylon embroidery threads

Occasionally used as a monofilament clear thread or as a fuzzy thread that looks like wool, nylon has many negative effects that overweigh the positives. Avoid using nylon unless absolutely necessary.

4. Cotton embroidery threads

It is the only thread made from 100% natural fibers for high-speed machines. It comes in various finishes and provides different results. Automatic embroidery machine users often overlook cotton embroidery thread. Even so, the cotton thread performs wonderfully in embroidery machines and has a lovely, soft sheen, and is available in weights up to 100 g. It is more common for cotton-wrapped poly threads to have poly characteristics than cotton ones since they are approximately two-thirds poly and one-third cotton. A mixed-fiber thread isn’t necessary. If cotton is too weak, use poly. If poly is too strong, use cotton.

5. Silk embroidery threads

Silk is an elastic, though very strong thread, and is one of the most beautiful natural fibers. Using filament silk in embroidery creates a distinctive appearance since the fibers are naturally in long strands from the silkworm; they do not need to be spun. Spun silk, on the other hand, is made up of shorter fibers. They are made of broken cocoons or the beginning and end of cocoons. You can gently wash silk thread, and projects made with silk thread, in the washing machine with mild soap. Bleaching agents should not be used since they can damage the thread.

7 Characteristics to Consider for Embroidery Thread

Some of the key characteristics of embroidery thread that make it suitable for sewing projects are:

1. Your fabric choice will determine the type of thread you need for your project.
2. You should use thread that matches the fabric’s size, weight, and properties.
3. For natural fiber fabrics, some sewists recommend cotton thread; for synthetic blend fabrics, polyester thread.
4. There are plenty of all-purpose polyester threads in the right colors that will produce great results most of the time.
5. The right color depends on what you choose. You can choose one that matches your fabric or one that contrasts.
6. You should always choose the best thread you can afford. Cheap thread performs poor, and the lack of quality will ultimately show on your garment.
7. Look for strands with smooth, nub-free surfaces that don’t twist easily and are mostly fuzz-free when machine sewing.

Can You Sew With Embroidery Thread?

Yes, It is possible to sew certain fabrics and projects with embroidery thread. Embroidery thread is usually made of cotton or polyester and is thicker than regular sewing thread. For decorative stitching, such as embroidery, appliqué, and topstitching, it is ideal. For embroidery thread to be able to accommodate its thickness, use a larger needle such as a universal or embroidery needle when sewing. In order to ensure that the needle size and tension are suitable for the project, it is recommended to test stitch on a scrap of fabric. Although embroidery thread can produce unique and beautiful results, it may not be the best choice for every sewing project. Embroidery thread may not be strong enough for lighter fabrics, and heavier fabrics may require a different type of thread for strength.

For example, you can sew clothing with embroidery threads, but be careful when using them. Rayon threads, for instance, will become less durable than regular threads when exposed to moisture. It is not advisable to wear rayon threads during rain storms. When selecting the thread for embroidery, it is important to keep in mind that embroidery threads are not intended for everyday clothing. They are designed for sewing patterns. It is important to consider a few things before using embroidery thread for sewing clothing if it is thinner than ordinary thread.

What Else Can You Sew with Embroidery Threads?

To your wonder, yes, it is even possible to sew more than just normal clothes with embroidery threads, and here is what and how of them at a glance:

Applique

If you’re thinking of using embroidery thread to create your appliqué sewing, simply relax and do such: you should make sure that your sewing machine is in good working order and tidy if you have the right configuration for it.

Your sewing machine needs a brand new needle, which you should make sure is sharp enough for sewing. Third, you need to file your bobbin with 60 weights of thread. You need to thread your needle using 60-weight sewing threads. Threading the thread with care and speed is also important. When the width of the zigzag stitch is set to 1/8 inch and the length is about the length of the silk stitch, you may move your needle down and begin stitching at half-speed.

Quilting

It is possible to use embroidery while quilting. Just make sure of things like this: as you thread through the fabric over and over again, the longer thread might begin to break up. You should move the needle downwards on the thread so that you don’t create any weak spots.

It is always a good idea to use a thread conditioner when sewing. This will help to prevent tangling. Color bleeding can be prevented by washing the load with vinegar. If you have the time, test your threads to see if they fade or flow. If they do not, avoid using them.

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4 Things That Make Embroidery Thread Suitable for Sewing

Are embroidery threads suitable for sewing? Even though the majority of embroidery threads are intended to be used for embroidery, they can still be used for sewing. Here are a few criteria that make them suitable:

• Due to the fragility of simple sewing thread, embroidery thread seems to be more elegant and glam when regularly used in sewing. Especially when quilting, embroidery thread borders can be beautiful and fashionable. With a sewing machine, silk thread is perfect for quilting. It comes in many shades, and because of its length, it won’t need to be changed often.
• When the material is slippery or silky then it is recommended to employ silk-based embroidery thread. The reason for this is that it’s the same but cotton embroidery thread is more likely to leave vibrant stains on the material. The main aspect we will see with silk threads is the sparkle and texture of the silk thread. It has regular stitches. It can be used by joining three or two strands.
• The most important thing to know is what reasons we select threads for embroidery. We use silk and polyester threads for embroidery because they are durable and long-lasting threads. Sewing with durable threads is increasingly important. Compared to normal needles and thread, embroidery maintains its color and quality for a long time.
• Consider your sewing machine’s needle when considering embroidery. Is the thread of embroidery a good fit for the hole? You may need to use two or more needles, so use a large-hole needle to prevent discomfort.

Is Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread the Same?

Embroidery threads are finer than sewing threads and are used for delicate work such as lace and hemming. There is no typical difference between the two but there are some gaps that enable you to discern them on the spot.

Compared to standard threads, sewing threads are thicker and stronger, so they’re more suitable for making buttonholes or making clothing repairs. Fabric can be sewn together with either type of thread, but embroidery stitches look more beautiful with a fine needle while sewing quilts or blankets with a heavy-duty needle works best.

It’s also important to know which thread type you need if you’re working with delicate materials that could be damaged by too much heat when sewing through fabrics because thread types can affect how much heat they produce. Embroidery threads contain finer fibers than sewing threads, so they are ideal for delicate stitching jobs.

Unlike embroidery thread, sewing thread can be used for more complex projects like quilting or repairing clothes because it’s stronger. Fabric stores usually offer embroidery thread in bulk, while craft stores or online retailers usually sell sewing thread in individual packs. When stitching, make sure the right type of thread is used so your project looks professional and doesn’t come undone later.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So after we cleared out the discussion over the query of whether you can sew with thread or not it is certain that you can do it not only with the typical dress but also for other clothes too. Before you jump right into your sewing project to experiment with it or seriously start, get the tools and equipment and do some prior warm-ups even if you have the right skills for the execution of this venture. Experts suggest that you take notes of each essential piece of information to smoothen the whole process.

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