As there are different kinds of sewing machines as well as other sewing-related accessories, there are also different types of sewing threads. Because due to the need of time, we now have different variations, which is why I outlined some threads for sewing and their functions so you know when to use them.
Let’s get started.
Different types of sewing threads – a comprehensive guide of 2023
1. Silk Thread
Silk threads are silky, shiny, soft, and lightweight yarn made naturally and artificially. Mostly silk threads are made from the cocoons of insects named Silk Moths. Every sewist can use silk thread with different sewing machine brands and hand sewing.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- You can use silk thread for tailoring and decorating in fabric work.
- Moreover, if you plan to give your beloved ones an ornamental piece of cloth, sew it with silk thread to make it look more aesthetically appealing.
- You can use it for delicate sewing fabrics or for giving a finishing touch to invisible hems and seams.
2. Cotton Thread
Cotton threads are made from cotton and are among the most durable after passing through the process. All types of sewists, whether beginners, intermediates, or advanced, can use it for stitching different fabrics.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- Cotton threads are used to sew various fabrics, such as jeans, cotton clothes, yoga wear, t-shirts, and sportswear.
- You can use it for sewing natural fiber fabrics.
- You can use cotton threads for quilting projects and machine embroidery works.
3. Metallic thread
You can use metallic thread to make different designs from sewing machines and handmade sewing. As the name implies, these sewing machines look metallic and are driven by a combination of silver, gold, or other metals with some other fibres to make them long-lasting and able to pierce tough fabrics.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- If you sew metallic thread fabrics, they will look shiny and pleasing.
- Along with hand and embroidery sewing, you can use it even in quilting.
- You need to have a specific needle so that this thread can tolerate it.
4. Nylon Thread
These threads are synthetic, thin, lightweight, and used to sew fabrics such as vinyl, canvas, leather, etc. When comparing Nylon thread with polyester threads, I found Nylon ones are more sturdy and reliable, which is why sewists use it in tricky sewing.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- Mainly Nylon threads are used to sew different fabrics such as leather footwear, leather bags, sportswear, luggage and travel goods, and outdoor goods,
- You can use a type of Nylon thread named Wooly nylon for rolled hems on knits.
- You can also use Nylon threads to produce stretchy seams of bathing suits, etc.
- Bonded nylon is used for sewing more rigid materials like a purse, parachutes, tents, etc.
5. Quilting Thread
Quilting thread is primarily used for quilting works, and it has a waxy coating on its upper surface to make it able to slide. They are usually made from cotton or polyester for visible sewing lines on quilting patterns.
General properties
Where to Uses ?
- Many sewists use quilting thread to stitch visible seams on quilted patterns.
- You can use this type of thread to make garments or upholstery.
- Quilting threads leave minor marks on the binding layers where they are sewn, giving a distinctive look to the fabrics.
6. Glazed Cotton Thread
These cotton threads are modified in industries by adding sodium hydroxide while increasing their luster and dyeability. You can use them for hand sewing and quilting because they are thick and sturdy.
Using these threads in any sewing machine is not recommended, as the glaze coating will rub off, causing jams in sewing machines.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- The main application of this class of thread is hand-quilting.
7. Heavy-Duty Thread
Generally, this sewing thread is used to sew rigid fabrics such as canvas, tents, shoes, denim, leather, and other single or multilayered materials. They are a common thread strengthened with artificial fibres and chemicals to pass through thicker fabrics without breaking thread.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- The primary use of Heavy-duty thread is to sew rigid materials such as canvas, tents, denim, leather, etc.
- Don’t use it on light fabric, as these threads will tear it apart.
8. Embroidery Thread
Embroidery thread is a specialised thread that is hand-spun and used mainly for embroidery thread. Embroidery thread is specific for embroidery work and cannot be used with regular sewing works; however, one of its characteristics is that it has extra sheen compared to some other threads.
General characteristics
Where to Uses ?
- Some projects we can stitch with it are cross-stitch, counted thread, needlepoint, smocking, crewel, applique, etc. embroidery thread is specific for embroidery work.
Other common sewing threads
- Rayon threads
- Polyester threads
- Linen threads
- Extra strong threads
- Topstitch thread
- Denim threads
- Upholstery thread
- Extra fine thread
- Tacking thread
- Serger thread
- Bobbin fill thread
- invisible/clear thread
Sewing thread colors
There are 250 colors of thread to choose from, but the most common ones are:
- White
- Yellow
- Black
- Red
- Pink
- Green
- Orange
- Violet
You can combine these colors to make other colors.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of this article, where I explained the different types of sewing threads, each with its uses. All sewing machine threads are not the same. Therefore you need to read them all to differentiate one from another.
So thanks for reading.