Embroidery is a delicate craft that requires precision and patience. Transforming a simple piece of fabric into a stunning work of art is no easy task. For example, the selection of embroidery thread is not an easy job. The knowledge involved is extensive. In this blog, you’ll be exploring different types of embroidery threads and some suggestions to selecting threads for embroidery machine.
1. What is Embroidery Thread
1.1 What is Embroidery Thread?
Embroidery thread is the type of yarn designed specially for decorative stitching. Come in various thicknesses, they are used to create intricate designs on fabrics. They are made from a variety of materials, including rayon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. Embroidery threads often differ widely, but they share some common characteristics, such as colorfastness and sheenness. As the core component of embroidery, threads have a significant impact on the final appearance of the embroidery product.
1.2 Is embroidery thread the same as sewing thread?
No, they’re not the same. Despite their great resemblance, their differences are quite obvious, particularly in terms of texture and strength. For one thing, embroidery thread usually has a unique sheen, adding special embellishments to the fabrics.They are meant to be eye-catching on fabric items, such as bags and banners. While sewing thread is designed to be as invisible as possible due to the need to hiding the seams of garments. Their main job is to hold seams together or secure the untrimmed fabric sides. For another, sewing threads are often more durable and of greater strength. Because they have to hold the materials together and endure a higher strength.
In short, remember not to use them interchangeably. Though it can be managed, it's strongly advised against.
2. What's the Characteristics of Embroidery Thread
Characteristics of embroidery thread can be divided from the following aspects:
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Material:
Each material has its own unique properties, such as luster, strength and texture. Embroidery threads are made from a wide variety of materials. Cotton, polyester, rayon and silk are the four types that are most commonly-used. The rest materials include: nylon, metallic, linen, wool, viscose rayon, acetate fiber and other synthetic materials.
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Color & Texture:
Embroidery threads come in a large variety of colors. And as what are mentioned above, embroidery threads have a higher sheen. Therefore, no matter it’s glossy and shiny finishes you want, or matter finish threads you’re looking for, your requirements can be satisfied. Besides, they’re often colorfast, enabling the colors not fade away easily. 
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Weight & Size:
The two dimensions are both referring to the thickness of the thread. The thicker the thread, the lower the number of weight. A 40 wt thread is thicker than a 60 wt thread. With different weights, embroidery products will have a different overall look. Lighter threads are more often used for detailed work, while heavier threads are often used for robust work, which creates prominent stitches that stand out.
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Strength:
The strength of thread is important for durability of the projects. Threads made from silk and polyester are known for their resistance to breakage. Cotton-wrapped polyester are also favored for superior strength. The way the thread is twisted affects its strength as well, a higher twist can make it stronger.
3. What's different types of embroidery threads
Embroidery threads can be classified in many different ways. Here are several common types of embroidery threads classified by material.
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Cotton thread
Cotton threads are a commonly-used option for both machine embroidery and hand embroidery.
Come with a matte look and a medium sheen, cotton threads are ideal materials to be used on low-key clothes. They’re also very user-friendly to beginners due to its large variety of weights. Numerous thick and thin cotton threads are in the market and you can always pick a suitable one. Its super soft texture makes them ideal materials for children’s clothes and nightwear. Good water absorption is another great advantage of it. However, there are reasons why it’s less popular than rayon and polyester threads in machine embroidery. A huge downside of it is that they’re lack of elasticity, thus easier to break when being stretched too much. Besides, they can shrink quite easily, so it’s advisable to wash and dry these threads before using them.
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Rayon thread
Rayon thread is an artificial synthetic fiber that closely resemble silk threads while with a lower price. It’s one of the most popular threads used in machine embroidery.
The reasons behind its popularity are conspicuous. Known for its high sheen and luster, it can add some shiny effects to your artwork. Many people use them as an alternative to silk threads. The heat resistant feature enables them to keep their luster under high temperatures. But its biggest benefit is the capacity of performing well in constant movements. A perfect match to embroidery machines! It has shortcomings, too. Frequent washing will make them lose color. They cannot withstand bleaching and constant exposure to moisture neither. So in order to keep a good maintenance of your embroidery designs, remember to store them somewhere away from humidity.
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Silk thread
Unlike rayon and polyester threads, silk threads are made 100% from natural fibers. Thus they are a bit more expensive than any other embroidery threads.
Their aesthetically-appealing appearance makes it a sought-after item. People love to use silk threads as an embellishment to needlework. With a luxurious sheen, they are suitable for decorating garments and items on special occasions, such as wedding and other big events. Being finer and thinner than majority of embroidery threads, silk threads are born to create intricate embroidery designs. Their lightweight also allows them to be compatible with light fabrics. The rare problems you might encounter are that they can fade quickly. They can also bleed sometimes, so one advice for you: keep your fabrics with silk threads away from other clothing.
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Polyester thread
Polyester embroidery thread is getting popular throughout the world. Being used interchangeably with rayon thread in many occasions, they are more durable and has multiple amazing characteristics as well. Polyester threads are ideal choice for heavy use, and can withstand washes, bleach. They’re quite colorfast, too. It is suitable for embroidery works that require frequent cleaning, such as garments and home textiles.
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Metallic Thread
Metallic threads are one of the newly-introduced items in the market. Made from metal, they have a sparking look. They’re frequently used for decorating clothes and accessories. However, this type of thread has a big downside. It is notorious for breaking, and the re-threading can be irritating. Luckily, there are some ideas for you to fix this problem, such as to adjust your spooling technique.
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Wool Thread
Wool threads are one kind of yarn, derived from animals like sheep and lambs. The original animal fiber is called wool, which is often spun to make wool threads. They be used to knit and weave. Wool thread has a warm texture, and is often used for embroidery works that require a bit of 3-D effect.
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Nylon Thread
Nylon thread is made from synthetic fibers, known for its strength and durability. It can withstand frequent use and washing without losing its shape or color. Nylon thread is less prone to fraying, thus often utilized for specialized applications like outdoor fabric that needs high quality. Thanks to its smooth characteristic, it’s often used in machine embroidery as well.
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Perle Cotton Thread
Perle cotton is a type of thread that is used in embroidery, cross stitch and crochet. Being famous for its sheen and silky texture, the thread is reputedly referred as the most beautiful floss in the world. As a single two-strand twist, it’s non-divisible. This elegant twist adds depth to your stitching, which is suitable for a wide range of crafts.
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Synthetics/Novelty Thread
This is a vague category of threads. Glow-in-the-dark, reflective, faux metallic... All types of fancy threads, which really add artistic flair to a project. 
Characterized by its distinctive patterns, colors, and structures, it can dramatically transform the appearance of knitted, crocheted, or woven items. They are perfect choices to embellish not only your garments but stylish home decor. They may require specific care, making them a perfect choice for seasoned embroiderers.
4. How to choose embroidery thread
Choosing the right thread can be a daunting task. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you make the best choice for your next embroidery project. Firstly, the material of the thread plays a crucial role in the final look and feel of your embroidery. High-quality threads, like those made from cotton or polyester, greatly enhance the texture. Secondly, thread weight is a significant factor in determining the precision of your projects. Lighter threads are better for intricate work, while heavier threads are ideal for bold designs. If you’re a starter without any experience, a 40 wt thread is a good starting point. Next, sheen and texture can affect the overall appearance. Select higher quality threads will give your work a professional and polished look. What’s more, ensure your thread is colourfast. If the manufacturer doesn't specify colourfastness, look for reviews. At last, consider your fabric when choosing a thread. Lighter fabrics suit medium or fine threads, and heavier fabrics like denim can handle thicker threads. All in all, choosing embroidery thread is all about balancing the material, weight, sheen, and compatibility with your fabric and project. Take the time to understand these factors, and you'll be well on your way to creating embroidery pieces. Happy stitching!
5. What brand of embroidery thread is best?
There is no best brand of embroidery thread, only top options. Embroidery floss shopping is fraught with many pitfalls. Choosing embroidery threads from well-know brands usually ensure higher quality and consistency for your projects. In this part, some renown thread brands will be introduced to help you have a enjoyable purchase.
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DMC
Many embroiderers use DMC thread. It goes without saying that DMC is an industry-leading brand. Favored by both hand embroidery hobbyists and machine embroiderers, you can easily find them in almost all craft shops. DMC threads used to be well-priced, but now it defined itself as high-end products.
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Simthread
Simthread may not sound familiar to many people, but it has been manufacturing high-quality products for decades. It’s highly regarded for its quality products. Simthread comes in a range of beautiful colors and doesn’t break easily. It is a brand of reliability. Now those threads are available in a “factory-direct” way, you won’t need to pay a mark-up to others.
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Anchor
Anchor is a high-end embroidery thread brand that produces premium thread. The pricing of it is even slightly higher than DMC. Originated from Scotland, the company has been producing 100% cotton embroidery threads for over 250 years.
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Madeira
Madeira is another name with great reliability in the industry. Famous for its rayon threads, Madeira is compatible with majority of embroidery machine. Those threads do not fray easily nor break quickly during the embroidering of needlework, which makes them a good choice to make embroideries on any type of textile.
Conclusion
Now that you are equipped with some necessary knowledge of embroidery threads, pick wisely. You can’t make a random choice as embroidery technique requires great precision with details. The machine asks for it too. The unmatched threads won’t cooperate to get your desired results. Embarking on the journey into machine embroidery can be daunting. May this guide serve as your compass, aiding in your exploration. For more information on machine embroidery, you’re welcome to leave comments or contact us. We’re glad to answer any of your questions. You can also watch our videos on YouTube or join our Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram Community. We specialize in making high-quality magnetic hoops and tubular hoops for both domestic and industrial embroidery machines. Sew Tech embroidery hoops are compatible with a variety of machine brands like Janome, Brother, Baby lock, and Melco. Thanks for your support!