Types of Thread for Sewing

Don't use just any thread for your project

Walk into any fabric store and you'll be faced with numerous displays of different kinds of thread. Many are labeled for specific uses, like quilting or applique. Some are labeled for all-purpose use. There is cotton, cotton-coated polyester, silk, rayon and monofilament nylon thread.

Determining which thread is right for your sewing project depends on the fabric you are using, as well as the type of project you are working on.

Cotton

Cotton is the most popular thread Among Quilters

Cotton is the most popular thread among quilters. It is easy to use and readily available. You want to look for mercerized cotton thread. Mercerization is a process that makes the thread smoother and more able to take dye, so the color of the entire spool will be consistent.

Cotton thread comes in different weights. Each spool will be labeled with two numbers. The first refers to the size of the thread and the second refers to how many strands are twisted together to make the thread. The more strands, the stronger the thread. The less strands the smoother the tread. So a number of 50/3 means that the thread is 50 weight with three strands. This thread can be used on light to medium weight linens, rayons and cottons. It is not suggested for any kind of stretchy fabrics like knits.

Cotton-coated Polyester thread

Cotton-coated polyester is good for most projects

Cotton-coated polyester thread, otherwise known as all-purpose thread, has a polyester core that makes the thread very strong and stretchy. It is the correct thread for sewing on blends, natural fibers or knits; for hand or machine sewing. Its stretch makes it less desirable for quilting because it can wear away the cotton fabric beneath your stitches.

100 Percent Silk

Silk thead adds elegance to projects

Silk thread comes in a variety of colors and weights, and has a distinct sheen that can enhance the look of any project. It is strong and has elasticity. It is also one of the most trouble-free threads. This fine thread is appropriate for sewing on any type of knit, silk or wool. It is also a good basting thread since it doesn't leave holes once your basting stitches are removed.

Monofilament Nylon Thread

Nylon thread is a must for beginners

Monofilament nylon thread is very strong, but better yet, it is invisible. It is popular among beginning quilters because less-than-perfect stitches are, well, virtually invisible. It comes in two different colors, clear and smoke. You use the clear for light fabrics and the smoky tone for darker fabrics.

Metallics

Metallic threads

Metallic threads come in a variety of eye-popping colors and its shine can enhance the look of any project. They are trouble free threads if you treat them right. These threads have a tendency to build up static electricity, so you need to lower the top tension setting on your machine and sew at a slower speed.

References

• "Easy Machine Quilting;" Jane Townswick; 1998
• Allfreecrafts: How Do You Know If You're Using The Right Thread?