Embroidery Thread Choices

It used to be that embroidery thread came in white, black and finally red, if one wished to use cotton thread. That’s because those were the only colorfast colors available. Today, one can easily say that the choices are actually endless, for there are an endless amount of different fibers one may use, and an endless amount of weight too.

Depending on many reasons, some fibers are better for some jobs, and some for others. Material density as well as thread density will be influential in your choice of course.

One of the most common threads used in embroidery machines is rayon. Rayon has a lot going for it, such as low cost, simple utility in embroidery machines, as well as having a durable high sheen. No matter which machine you use, chances are that you will have an excellent run with rayon. 40 weight is the most widespread and familiar one used, although it does come in 30 weight as well. It may come in variegated colors as well as hundreds of other choices. One big problem with rayon thread is that it is not colorfast and unless kept in a humid area, it tends to deteriorate over time.

Polyester thread is also commonly used in embroidery machines. It too has a lot going for it, as it is extremely strong, also inexpensive and best of all it is colorfast. It also lasts longer than the rayon thread does. It will have a bit less sheen than the rayon thread, but certainly more so than cotton thread. It too comes in variegated colors and hundreds of other choices. 40 weight is common, although it does come in 30 and 50 weight too.

Cotton thread is next, but one must realize that cotton is now mercerized. Mercerization is a process that is done to cotton thread that will give it a lustrous appearance. It makes the fibers swell too, enabling it to retain dye more easily. Of course cotton thread is easier to break, and shrinks when washed and worst yet it will fade when exposed to the sun. Cotton thread runs from 8 weight all the way to 100 weight.

Silk thread is of course the most beautiful thread possible, and is the type of thread that was used by the Chinese in their incredible embroidery for their various dynasties, and it is still regarded as the best embroidery thread possible. Silk was used for thousands and thousands of years as it is a stunning, tough, flexible fiber. Of course, high density projects do not call for silk. Silk threads come in ultra fine 30 denier which would be used for miniature embroidery work, and then that goes up in size to the very thick 1200 denier.

One of the best tips that I have run into regarding thread is that when you finish a project, you should attach to one of those items, your notes regarding any problems you had, and most importantly the type and size of the thread used. That’s what professional embroiders do!