Can You Use Embroidery Thread In a Sewing Machine?

Image embroidery thread but Can You Use Embroidery Thread In a Sewing Machine? Embroidery threads come in handy when you want to enhance your designs and add value to sewing projects such as bordering pockets. However, they are not ideal for sewing, and you have to finish the main sewing gig before you pick the threads for the finishing designs. Also, you may want to complete your pattern with an embroidery thread, and it may lead to the question, Can You Use Embroidery Thread In a Sewing Machine?

Yes. It is okay to use embroidery thread in a sewing machine. Although the yarn is light and can easily cut when on heavy fabrics, you can use them to create designs and patterns. Bobbin thread, rayon thread, silk thread, cotton embroidery thread, and polyester embroidery thread are some of the threads you can comfortably use in a sewing machine and get excellent finishes.

You should never use embroidery thread in place of a sewing thread, but you can use it to complete the project design. As you work with the threads, ensure that you choose the needle that will work best. Also, consider if the thread requires a lubricant because you cannot use some sewing machines with lubricants.

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Is Embroidery Thread the Same as Sewing Machine Thread?

When you think of sewing and embroidery threads, you may not automatically develop any differences because they seem similar, especially for someone who has no sewing experience. However, the two threads are different as they have different textures and perform varying functions.

The primary difference between these threads is their texture, as the embroidery one has a unique sheen that makes it perfect for embroidery work. On the other hand, a sewing thread does not have a luster and works on general or regular sewing applications.

Difference Between Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread

Threads are thin, long strands that people use in sewing projects. We have various fibers that a person can choose from, Thisotton and nylon are such, depending on project requirements. Also, these threads are in categories such as sewing and embroidery threads.

This section will go through each category to help us understand the differences between the two threads.

First, you may ask the question, what is embroidery thread? An embroidery thread is a unique thread type that sewists use for embroidery projects. It has a looser twist which makes it a high sheen thread and originates from cotton, silk, polyester, and rayon materials. However, threads that experts recommend for machine embroidery are from polyester and rayon.

Embroidery thread sizes range from 30 to 60, and you can pick whichever suits your job. However, we have stronger threads that you may want to consider, such as trilobal polyester threads that are not colorfast or weaker than rayon threads.

Next, let us understand the sewing thread in detail and answer any questions about them.

Sewing threads are long thin yarn strands we use for sewing but are different because the manufacturer designs them to pass through a sewing machine rapidly. As a result, they make patterns such as shirts and dresses.

Finally, let’s venture into the differences between these two threads.

The sewing and embroidery thread vary based on their purpose, machine embroidery versus sewing, and sheen.

Purpose. The purpose of the thread or why you get it is a significant consideration when analyzing it. For example, the sewing thread is most suitable for sewing projects, whereas the embroidery yarn works best with various embroidery applications.

Sheen. The texture of the threads shows the main difference as embroidery threads have a sheen, while sewing threads do not have it.

Machine embroidery versus sewing. Whether you prefer machine or hand sewing, a sewing thread will work perfectly. However, if you are using a device to embroider, you need to use either rayon or polyester threads.

Can You Use Any Thread on a Sewing Machine?

If you want a successful sewing experience, you should pay attention to the thread as it determines the project’s outcome. Also, you cannot just blindly pick a thread and expect it to perform excellently. Instead, you need to assess your sewing machine and fabric and determine the most suitable thread to use.

A polyester thread is preferred as it works well on most fabrics, but it would be best to get the same thread type for your fabric as some materials are heavyweight and stretch. For example, if you are working on a material that is 100% cotton, then you should consider a yarn that is also 100% cotton.

The sewing pattern also determines the type of thread as they advise on what will give an exact color match or a darker shade to the fabric.

Choosing the right thread is as important as choosing the correct sewing machine and fabric, and you should put some thought into it. You may also experience some challenges picking the best one as we have lots of them in the market. However, this aspect should not discourage you from doing your thing because once you read the thread spool, you will get sufficient information to help you.

The thread spool shows multiple threads attributes such as the color number, the manufacturer, the fiber content, the number of twisted strands, and its weight. I recommend that you read the spool carefully as it will help you assess if the thread is suitable for your fabric, sewing machine, and project.

The technicality of using a regular sewing machine with embroidery thread is another consideration to make as you choose a yarn. However, the following tips will help you get better with practice; please read on!

Ensure that you lower the feed dog when working with an embroidery cotton thread.
Do not keep the bobbin empty. Therefore, always check the bobbin before you insert it.
Please avoid old threads as they compromise the excellence of the results.
Consider using a thick and smooth to run on sewing machine thread to give a soft feel. The recommended threads for machine embroidery include cotton, silk, metallics, rayon, and polyester.
For hand embroidery projects, the stranded embroidery cotton yarn will give the most desirable results. It has six threads, and you can choose to use them separately or the entire lot, depending on the work or material.
Use short thread lengths when working with rayon embroidery flosses as they get tangled easily. You can also dampen them for smoother finishes.

Threads are split into categories based on their fiber, thickness, and pliers, and having this knowledge will help you make better choices. Therefore, I have listed various threads below as a bonus!

Polyester/Nylon threads. They have a silicone or wax finish and slip through materials with little friction. In addition, nylon threads have some stretch and are strong, making them an excellent choice for stretch fabrics such as knits and synthetics.
Cotton threads. They are perfect for delicate projects with sheers or cotton fabrics. Cotton yarns go through a series of chemical processes, leading to a luster increase that makes them more dye and water absorbent. Therefore, they are less likely to run.
Specialists threads. These threads are from multiple materials such as silk, and you should match them to your fabric’s thread content.
Topstitching threads. They have a good stretch and a silk-like gloss that makes them a top pick for decorative finishes. Topstitching threads also use a giant needle as they are thicker than ordinary polyester threads.
Polyester sew-all threads. They are excellent for all-purpose threading, as to whether you are machine or hand sewing, they will offer fantastic results. The threads are also suitable for knit fabrics as they are strong and have a stretch.
Jeans threads. These threads are your ideal choice for sewing denim or hemming jeans, whether by machine or hand. They are heavier weight, and you can work straight seams, topstitches, or overlock hems. Additionally, they are available in jeans colors and blend with denim perfectly.
Silk threads. Naturally, silk is smooth, strong, and delicate, and therefore, you can expect nothing less from these threads. They are solid and soft, making them ideal for wool and silk. Also, the threads won’t leave holes in your material, and their luster will give you a superb decorative topstitch.
Metallic threads. They are decorative yarns and suitable for machine embroidery. Metallic threads are a blend of artificial polyester materials such as polyamide. Also, you can use them for ornamental stitches as they are available in multiple finishes and colors.

Can You Use Embroidery Thread as Bobbin Thread?

Yes! You can use embroidery thread as bobbin thread. It is just a unique thread type that is different from the ordinary embroidery threads you use but will give you similar results. Even so, ensure that the bobbin thread matches the top thread as it is visible in your hem.

Also, you need to know that a machine embroidery bobbin yarn varies from a regular thread as it is thinner and offers a higher weight number.

If you ask why the thread is thinner, I am here to give you the reasons, so stay put!

A machine embroidery bobbin is thinner than a regular one because the manufacturer designs it to hem out a design without bulking it up. Therefore, it would seem odd and off if the thread weight between the bobbin and the top thread were uneven. You may also reason that the inconsistent weights would mess up the tension on the machine.

However, these unintentional, uneven weights work to your favor as the imbalance enhances the beauty of the finished pattern or design. Besides that, the weight imbalance causes the top embroidery thread to move to the wrong side of the print, making the bobbin thread invisible on the design’s front side.

Another reason for the bobbin thread being thinner is that it is durable, as you can wind a lot of yarn on one bobbin compared to the regular thread. However, you may have to spend more time than usual winding it because it is a lot of bobbin thread!

Is Embroidery Thread Thicker than Regular Thread?

Generally, the embroidery thread is thicker than regular thread, and their sizes range from 30 to 60, where 60 is the thinnest one and 30 the widest. These sizes make the threads suitable for different purposes.

For example, embroidery rayon threads are ideal for various sewing projects such as blackwork, cross-stitch, hand needlework, and ribbon embroidery. On the other hand, regular sewing threads are suitable for general sewing purposes.

The thickness of these two thread types requires you to choose the respective needles carefully. Furthermore, the needles vary as they have different eyes and scarves.

Therefore, if, for instance, you want to embroider, you need to invest in an embroidery needle, which has a giant eye. Such a needle prevents the thread from fraying or breaking as it avoids production delays and ensures less pressure on the thread.

What is the Difference Between Bobbin Thread and Regular Thread?

The bobbin thread is usually more lightweight than the regular thread because of the purpose it serves. It keeps the dense embroidery from being more rigid and thicker than the fabric. Therefore, it helps you keep the pattern more pliable than it may have been with a regular thread in the bobbin.

Additionally, the bobbin thread is strong, and even though it adds some bulk to the fabric, it secures the stitches.

On the other hand, a regular thread will not give you a thicker and shinier finish when it comes to embroidery projects but will do an excellent job in sewing applications.

Since the application and results associated with the bobbin and regular thread are different, it is up to you to choose what works for you. For example, the primary strengths of the bobbin thread make it an excellent option when you are working on patterns, and you want a glossy and shinier finish.

On the other hand, a regular thread performs essential sewing functions and may not offer much value when you attempt to use it in embroidery projects.

What is the Best Machine Embroidery Thread to Use?

Image of an embroidery machine We have so many different machine embroidery yarns that you may not know which one to pick for the job. However, one factor that should always be constant in your search is the thread quality.

Selecting an incompatible or poor-quality thread will compromise your project as it leads to fraying, shredding, and breaking. Therefore, it would be best to spare some time to check out different threads before settling on one.

Below are some of the top-notch machine embroidery threads. Have a look!

Rayon Machine Embroidery Thread. It provides a lustrous, lovely, and reflective sheen, making it a best-loved thread for embroidery professionals. In addition, the yarn is shinier and strong and has an impressive color range. It is also soft to touch and made from organic cellulose.
Polyester Machine Embroidery Thread. The thread has an attractive luster and sheen that makes it popular among embroidery enthusiasts. In addition, it has a large color variety and is resistant to shredding from needle friction. Although the polyester machine embroidery thread is similar to the Rayon thread and can be used interchangeably, the polyester thread is more elastic and more suitable for stretchy fabrics.
Silk Embroidery Thread. It is a popular thread because of its solid yet luxurious qualities. The thread also pairs well with delicate materials such as satin and silk, but you will have to part with some extra coins!
Glow-In-The-Dark Machine Embroidery Thread. The thread comes in multiple colors, which glow in different greenish-yellowish shades. However, some colors are brighter than others, and you need to choose the one that meets your project demands.
Variegated Embroidery Threads. These threads combine multiple color threads and are from cotton, rayon, silk, or polyester. Users commend the threads as they are easier to use than specialized embroidery machine yarns like metallics.

What Is the Best all Purpose Thread?

An all-purpose thread combines the strengths and qualities of polyester with a sheen and soft touch similar to cotton. It is single-stranded and differs from embroidery thread which is usually six-stranded.

However, it would be expedient if you avoid it for embroidering because it is thicker and thus may pile up on your fabric: but before you give up on it, know that it gives you more coverage than you would with ordinary embroidery engagements.

Sometimes you are working on multiple garments and may need multi-purpose threads to make your work easier and faster. The threads can be of cotton, nylon, silk, or polyester materials but you may have limited options when choosing colors.

However, we have common all-purpose threads in the market that are suitable for machine and hand sewing. They include:

Coats & Clark Dual Duty General Purpose Thread Set. The thread set is durable and strong and available in single and multi-colors. It also works well for all knits, fibers, and wovens, and you can use it when machine or hand sewing.
Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Sets. The thread is sturdy and smooth and available in multiple colors. You can use it for seaming, quilting, hand and machine sewing, and topstitching. Additionally, it gives superior results on heavyweight fabric as it is longer and smoother than other threads.
Sew Complete by Superior Threads All-Purpose Polyester Thread. The all-purpose thread performs general hand and machine sewing, crafting, and quilting. In addition, it is durable and smooth, which makes it suitable for home decor sewing.

The tips for choosing an all-purpose thread are similar to those for selecting any other sewing or embroidery thread, but it is good to give some reminders.

NB: The thread should always match the fabric in weight and size. For example, if you are sewing thicker and heavier materials, then you need heavier yarn. Furthermore, heavier threads will give you more visible hems that will assist in beautifying a heavier fabric.

Also, note that the heaviest size that experts recommend for sewing machines is V-69.

What Are the Three Basic Types of Threads?

The three basic thread types are coarse threads, fine threads, and metric threads. They are different based on their pitch. For example, coarse threads have a larger pitch, whereas fine threads have a smaller angle.

However, fine threads are more potent than coarse threads as they have a larger stress area and minor diameter. Also, they allow finer adjustments in projects, thanks to their smaller pitch!

On the other hand, metric threads also use a thread pitch, which determines the distance between the threads.

Coarse threads work better with brittle materials and will not cross-thread. They also make thicker coatings and paintings, and you may not need to make thread adjustments once you finish the work.

When you compare coarse threads and fine ones, you will observe a more excellent stipping resistance and provide low cross-threading chances. The coarse threads are also more durable than fine threads and have a great thread flank engagement.

Fine threads also have their advantages as you can easily tap them into thin-walled tubes and hard materials. In addition, they require less torque and have a lower tendency to loosen since they are small.

However, as you sew and embroider, the most critical step is to determine your fabric weight and choose a thread that will do you justice.

Conclusion

As you engage in various sewing and embroidery projects, convenience and versatility is an added advantage, and it is determined by the threads you use. We have discovered that the thread quality, size, and type will affect the embroidery or sewing job, and you should be careful as you choose the best thread to use. However, you may want to add some embroidery to already sewed garment, and thus the question,