SEWING THREADS
There are many types of sewing threads, each designed for specific uses, materials and sewing techniques. Threads vary by fibre content, weight/thickness, finish and stretch.
By Material (Fiber Content)
Cotton Thread is made natural fibre and has soft and matte finish. It is best for light to medium-weight cotton fabrics, quilting, natural fibres. Cotton threads are not very stretchy; may break with elestic fabrics.
Polyester thread is synthetic, strong and slightly stretchy. It is best for all-purpose sewing and works well with most fabrics including stretch. It displays good resistance to shrinking, UV and abrasion. Often used in ready-to-wear clothing.
Nylon thread is very strong and elastic and has smooth finish. It is best for heavy-duty sewing, leather, upholstery and activewear.
Silk thread is considered to be luxury, fine, strong and flexible. It is best for delicate fabrics, high-end tailoring and hand sewing. Great for invisible hems or hand-finishing.
Rayon thread is soft, shiny, and smooth, used mostly for machine embroidery. Not as strong as polyester and serves mainly decorative purposes.
By Thickness/Weight
Thread weight is often shown as a number where higher number equals finer thread. 50 wt is finer than 30 wt.
100 wt – Very fine fabrics, bobbin thread, delicate embroidery
50 wt – General sewing, quilting, garment construction
30–40 wt – Embroidery, topstitching, decorative work
20 wt and lower – Heavy-duty sewing, leather, upholstery
Choosing the Right Thread
Cotton – Cotton or polyester thread, Stretch/knit – Polyester or wooly nylon (serger)
Leather or canvas – Heavy-duty polyester or nylon
Silk or fine fabric – Silk or fine polyester thread
Embroidery – Rayon or polyester embroidery