Sewing Machine Thread: What Is It and How Do You Choose the Right One?

What Is Sewing Thread?

Sewing thread is a fine cord used to stitch fabrics and materials together, typically made up of multiple strands twisted together. It’s the invisible hero behind every piece of clothing, home textile, and craft project. Most threads are made from polyester, cotton, nylon, or silk, and they vary in thickness, twist, and finish depending on the type of fabric and machine used. The number of plies (strands twisted together) in a thread affects its strength and thickness, making it important to choose the right thread construction for your specific sewing needs.

What Are the Main Types of Sewing Thread?

Threads come in several categories based on fiber type, construction, and intended use. Choosing the right kind of thread is essential for different fabrics and projects to ensure the best results.

By Fiber:

• Polyester thread: Versatile and strong, suitable for most sewing projects, and especially recommended for sewing on knits due to its stretch and durability.

• Cotton thread: Ideal for natural fabrics, quilting, and general sewing; also works well with knits for a softer finish.

• Silk thread: Preferred for delicate fabrics and fine finishing.

• Nylon thread: Used for heavy-duty applications and upholstery.

• Linen thread: Best for sewing linen fabrics and other natural fibers, especially when high-quality, suitable threads are required for durability and appearance.

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• Polyester thread – strong, durable, slightly stretchy, ideal for everyday sewing.

• Cotton thread – soft and heat-resistant, best for natural fabrics.

• Nylon thread – smooth and strong for upholstery or bags.

• Silk thread – glossy and gentle for delicate or luxury garments.

???? Explore more about Sewing Machine Cotton Thread for natural-fiber sewing.

How Is Sewing Thread Made?

The production process includes:

1. Spinning or extruding fibers (depending on fiber type).

2. Twisting multiple filaments to reach desired strength and smoothness.

3. Dyeing and finishing for colorfastness and texture.

4. The finished thread is wound onto spools or cones for machine use.

MH, for example, is a manufacturer of polyester sewing threads, utilizing advanced twisting and dyeing technology to ensure consistent tension, strength, and color accuracy.

What Type of Thread Should I Use for My Sewing Machine?

Different sewing machines perform best with specific threads:

Choosing the right thread helps your machine sew efficiently and prevents issues during your sewing projects.

Always match the thread weight to the needle size and fabric thickness. Using the correct needle and thread combination for the job helps ensure smooth sewing and avoids problems like skipped stitches or tangled bobbins.

What’s the Difference Between Sewing Thread and Embroidery Thread?

• Sewing thread is designed for strength and durability.
• Embroidery thread focuses on sheen and smoothness for decorative stitching.
• Sewing threads can usually be used for embroidery, but embroidery threads aren’t ideal for seams that need strength.

How Do I Know Which Thread Weight to Choose?

Thread comes in different weights (Tex or Denier), which affect its thickness, stitch visibility, and suitability for various projects:

• Lightweight thread (Tex 18–30) for delicate fabrics.
• Medium thread (Tex 40–60) for general garment sewing.
• Heavy thread (Tex 80–135) for denim, canvas, and leather.

For best results, use the manufacturer’s recommendations or check your machine’s manual. Choosing the right sewing thread weight is essential to ensure optimal stitching quality and durability for your specific project.

What Are Spools in Sewing Machines?

A spool holds the sewing thread and feeds it to the needle during stitching. The bobbin is a crucial component that holds the lower thread for machine sewing, ensuring smooth and precise stitching.

There are different types — plastic, metal, cone, and mini-king spools — depending on machine model and speed.

 Learn more about Sewing Machine Spool and Spools of Sewing Machines for better setup.

Using matching bobbins with your sewing threads makes color coordination easier and helps keep your sewing area organized.

Can I Use Any Thread on Any Sewing Machine?

Not always. While most modern machines handle all-purpose polyester thread well, older or specialized models may require brand-specific options (e.g., Singer, Brother, Janome).

Many sewists have heard advice about only using certain brands, but it's important to remember that thread quality matters more than sales tactics or strict brand restrictions. Some stores may try to sell only specific brands, but your purchase decisions should focus on proven thread quality and compatibility with your machine. When shopping for thread, choose reputable brands and feel confident using your existing stash if it works well for you. Customer reviews and feedback show that many customers are happy with their thread choices—quality thread saves time and effort by preventing breakage and rethreading. Using good quality thread also helps keep your sewing results clean and professional.

If you’re unsure, start with a high-quality polyester core-spun thread — it performs well across most machines and fabrics.

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What Are the Best Threads for Beginners?

If you’re new to sewing, choose:

• Polyester all-purpose thread – versatile, easy to handle, fewer breaks.

• Cotton thread – perfect for quilt projects and soft garments.

• Avoid cheap or old spools that can weaken and break during stitching. Check the date the thread was purchased to ensure you’re not using aged or brittle thread.

How to Store Sewing Threads Properly?

Keep threads:

• Away from sunlight (UV weakens fibers).

• In airtight containers to prevent dust.

• With silica packs to avoid moisture.

• Organized by color and weight for convenience.

• For better management of your thread stash, label each spool with the date and place it was purchased to track thread age and ensure optimal quality.

Why Choose MH Sewing Threads?

MH provides high-quality polyester sewing threads in 800+ colors, compatible with all major machine brands. We take pride in delivering threads known for their durability, colorfastness, and consistent quality, ensuring customer satisfaction with every order. Customers are often pleasantly surprised by the vibrant colors and smooth finish of MH threads, making them ideal for special projects. We value customer feedback and continually strive to meet customer needs through product excellence and attentive service. MH ships orders promptly and ensures reliable delivery to support your production timelines.

• Uniform twist and smooth finish.

• Excellent colorfastness.

• Factory direct supply, competitive prices.

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