How to Choose a Sewing Thread

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Rebecca and I'm going to talk about how to choose a thread for sewing on a sewing machine. In general, its really quite straightforward. You don't so much need to worry about which thread as actually which color and that one's up to you. So the basic rule is that sewing machines like all-purpose thread. A lot of all-purpose thread is made out of 100% polyester and that's just fine. It has good strength. Even if you like natural fibers and sewing lots of cotton, polyester thread is going to work quite well for you. The thing you can do to test a thread is to pull it apart and see the strength of it. If you can pull it apart that's OK, but if you have for example an old thread or a 100% cotton thread and you're not sure about it, if it almost falls apart in your hands, its probably not going to be a durable thread for you. Personally I haven't noticed a huge difference in quality and performance between a large bolt of thread that is designed to use on a sewing machine or just your regular spool in the individual colors. These tend to be a lot more expensive per length of thread, but these work just as well. If you're a good sewer and you use good sewing techniques, that's going to be where the strength of your garment is and not in your thread. So for a sewing machine, pick the all-purpose thread in the color of your choice."