Can I Use Embroidery Thread for Sewing? Pros, Cons & Expert Tips Revealed (2024)

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Yes, you can use embroidery thread for sewing, but it’s not always the best choice. While it adds shine and works well for decorative stitching on sheer fabrics, there are drawbacks.

Embroidery thread is thicker and requires larger needles and higher tension in your machine. It’s also more expensive and less durable than regular thread, making it unsuitable for garments that’ll see a lot of wear and tear.

If you decide to use it, test on scrap fabric first, adjust your machine settings, and consider the project’s needs. For everyday sewing, stick to regular thread.

But for that extra pizzazz? Embroidery thread might just be your secret weapon. Let’s explore when and how to use it effectively.

Can I Use Embroidery Thread for Sewing?

Yes, you can use embroidery thread for sewing, but it’s not always the best choice. Embroidery thread is thicker and more decorative than regular sewing thread, making it suitable for certain projects like topstitching or embellishments, but it may not be ideal for everyday garment construction or items that will undergo a lot of stress.

Embroidery Thread Vs Sewing Thread

You’ll notice a significant difference in thickness and weight when comparing embroidery thread to sewing thread. Embroidery thread is typically thicker and heavier, designed for decorative stitching, while sewing thread is thinner and lighter, made for constructing garments and withstanding everyday wear and tear.

Differences in Thickness and Weight

When you’re comparing embroidery thread to sewing thread, you’ll notice significant differences in thickness and weight. These variations can impact your stitch quality and fabric texture.

Thread weight plays a key role in determining how your project turns out. Different thread brands offer various options, from lightweight cotton embroidery thread to heavier alternatives.

Understanding these distinctions is essential to choosing the right thread for your sewing machine and achieving the desired results in your projects.

Embroidery Thread is Thicker and Heavier

You’ll notice that embroidery thread is substantially thicker and heavier than regular sewing thread. This bulkier nature affects how it behaves in your machine.

You’ll need to adjust your needle size and thread tension to accommodate its heft. While this thickness can create beautiful, eye-catching stitches, it may impact seam strength.

Sewing Thread is Thinner and Lighter

You’ll notice sewing thread is much thinner and lighter than its embroidery counterpart. This slender profile allows it to glide through cotton fabrics with ease, using smaller needle sizes.

Whether you’re working with polyester, cotton, or rayon thread, it’s designed for everyday garment construction.

While embroidery thread shines in decorative applications, sewing thread’s strength and versatility make it the go-to choice for most stitching tasks. It’s the workhorse of your sewing kit!

Using Embroidery Thread in a Sewing Machine

When using embroidery thread in your sewing machine, you’ll need to make some adjustments for ideal results. Pay attention to needle selection, tension settings, sewing speed, thread organization, and always test on scrap fabric before starting your project.

Needle Selection

When using embroidery thread for sewing, opt for "embroidery" or "topstitching" needles. These have larger eyes, making threading easier. Choose a needle that can handle the thicker thread. Remember, proper needle selection is essential for achieving smooth stitches and preventing thread breakage.

Tension Adjustment

When using embroidery thread, you’ll need to adjust your machine’s tension. It’s different from regular thread, so experiment until you find the ideal setting. Test on waste cloth to guarantee proper stitch quality. Remember, thread strength and decorative effects depend on correct tension.

Sewing Speed

After adjusting tension, consider your sewing speed. Embroidery thread’s thickness affects machine performance. For desirable results:

1. Slow down your pace
2. Monitor stitch quality closely
3. Adapt speed based on fabric compatibility

This approach ensures smooth stitching and prevents thread breakage or tension issues.

Thread Organization

As you slow down for embroidery thread, keep your spools organized. Use a wire stand or storage solutions to prevent tangles. Proper thread management guarantees smooth sewing and helps you switch between colors effortlessly, whether you’re doing machine embroidery or hand stitching.

Testing Before Use

After organizing your thread, it’s essential to test embroidery floss before embarking on your project. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Use scrap fabric
2. Adjust tension settings
3. Try different stitch lengths
4. Check for thread breakage or skipped stitches

This guarantees a smooth journey on your embroidery thread adventure.

Advantages of Using Embroidery Thread for Sewing

You’ll find that embroidery thread can add a beautiful shine and luster to your stitches, making it ideal for decorative elements like topstitching, coverstitching, and buttonholes. It’s also an excellent choice for working with sheer or semi-sheer fabrics, as its thicker texture can create visually appealing accents without overwhelming delicate materials.

Adds Shine and Luster to Stitches

You’ve mastered threading your machine with embroidery thread, now let’s explore its dazzling potential. This specialized thread adds an alluring shine and luster to your stitches, transforming ordinary seams into eye-catching decorative accents.

Whether you’re working with sheer fabrics or creating vibrant buttonholes, embroidery thread – including metallic and silk varieties – offers a rainbow of colors to elevate your project.

It’s like adding a touch of magic to every stitch you make.

Can Be Used for Topstitching, Coverstitching, and Buttonholes

You’ve seen how embroidery thread adds shine, but it’s also versatile for decorative stitching. Use it for:

• Topstitching with contrasting colors for eye-catching details
• Coverstitching to create professional-looking hems
• Buttonholes that pop with added flair

For special occasions or heirloom sewing, embroidery thread elevates your projects. When gift-making, consider using SimThread or 40 wt polyester embroidery thread for superior tensile strength. Remember, bobbin thread choice matters too – pair it wisely for best results.

Suitable for Sheer or Semi-sheer Fabrics

When working with sheer or semi-sheer fabrics, embroidery thread can be your secret weapon. Its fine texture and lustrous appearance complement delicate materials beautifully.

You’ll find it excels in topstitching, coverstitching, and creating buttonholes on these light fabrics. For a matte look, opt for rayon embroidery thread.

Disadvantages of Using Embroidery Thread for Sewing

While embroidery thread can add visual appeal to your sewing projects, it comes with several drawbacks. You’ll find that it’s more expensive and less durable than regular thread, making it unsuitable for high-stress garments and requiring extra care to prevent shredding, especially with rayon varieties.

More Expensive Than Regular Thread

You’ll find embroidery thread costlier than regular sewing thread, impacting your budget for:

• Colorful quilting projects
• Intricate machine quilting designs
• Fabric-matching challenges
• Nylon or wool thread alternatives
• Specialized care requirements

Despite the expense, its unique properties often justify the investment for specific applications.

Not as Strong as Regular Thread

You’ll find embroidery thread isn’t as robust as regular sewing thread. While it’s great for decorative embroidery work, it lacks the tensile strength needed for construction seams. Rayon thread, in particular, can be delicate and prone to breakage under stress.

Not Suitable for Garments That Will Receive Stress

While embroidery thread lacks the strength of regular thread, it’s also not ideal for high-stress areas. You’ll want to steer clear of using it in garments that face constant wear and tear. Here’s where you should avoid it:

1. Jeans seams
2. Waistbands
3. Armholes
4. Active wear

Requires Extra Gentle Care

When using embroidery thread for sewing, you’ll need to handle your garments with extra care. Rayon and polyester threads are delicate, so avoid rough handling or harsh washing. For topstitching and coverstitching, treat your creations gently to maintain their beautiful appearance.

Can Shred Easily (rayon)

Rayon embroidery thread can shred easily, especially on delicate fabrics. You’ll need to handle it with extra care to prevent fraying. Here’s why it’s prone to shredding:

1. Weaker fiber structure
2. Sensitivity to friction
3. Vulnerability to moisture

Keep this in mind when sewing with rayon thread.

Considerations When Using Embroidery Thread for Sewing

When using embroidery thread for sewing, you’ll need to take several precautions to attain successful results. Test seams on scrap fabric, use a smaller stitch length with a finer needle, and opt for polyester thread for strength, especially in high-stress areas like waistbands and hips.

Test Seams Before Constructing Entire Garment

Before embarking on your project, test embroidery thread on scrap fabric. You’ll get a feel for how it behaves in your machine and on your chosen material. This important step helps prevent headaches later, especially when considering waistband and hip strain.

Use Smaller Stitch Length and Finer Needle

After testing seams, adjust your machine for embroidery thread success. Use a smaller stitch length to prevent puckering and improve seam durability. Opt for a finer needle that’s compatible with your thread’s weight. This combo ensures smoother stitching and reduces fabric damage.

Consider Waistband and Hip Strain

When using embroidery thread, consider the strain on waistbands and hips. These areas endure constant stress, which can cause rayon threads to shred. Opt for extra gentle care and think twice before using embroidery thread in high-tension zones of your garments.

Use Polyester Thread for Strength

When strength matters, opt for polyester embroidery thread. It outperforms rayon in durability and overall performance. You’ll get the best of both worlds: the decorative appeal of embroidery thread and the robustness needed for garments that demand a bit more resilience.

Avoid Using for Garments With Heavy Activity or Stress

While polyester embroidery thread offers strength, it’s still not ideal for garments facing heavy stress. You’ll want to avoid using it on active wear or areas that take a beating. Stick to regular thread for high-stress seams to guarantee durability.

Alternatives to Using Embroidery Thread for Sewing

If you’re hesitant about using embroidery thread for sewing, consider some practical alternatives. You can buy a cheap or used machine for regular thread, test regular thread for color matching, use embroidery thread solely for embellishments, or opt for hand-stitching with embroidery thread for delicate finishes.

Buy a Cheap or Used Machine for Regular Thread

If you’re hesitant about using embroidery thread for regular sewing, consider buying a cheap or used machine specifically for standard thread. This way, you’ll have the flexibility to switch between machines for different projects. It’s a practical solution that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Test Regular Thread for Color Match

Instead of buying a new machine, you can test regular thread for color matching. It’s often easier to find and more budget-friendly. Consider these factors:

• Availability of thread colors in your area
• Thread weight compatibility with your fabric
• Fabric type and its interaction with regular thread
• Seam strength requirements for your project

Use Embroidery Thread for Embellishment Only

If color matching proves challenging, consider using embroidery thread solely for embellishments. This approach lets you enjoy its vibrant hues and sheen while avoiding potential construction issues. Here’s a quick guide to using embroidery thread for decorative purposes:

Technique	Best Uses	Tips
Topstitching	Visible seams	Use lighter tension
Appliqué	Fabric attachments	Choose contrasting colors
Buttonholes	Decorative closure	Test on scrap fabric
Monogramming	Personalization	Slow machine speed
Decorative stitches	Pattern enhancement	Select appropriate stitch

Consider Hand-stitching With Embroidery Thread for Delicate Finishes

When machine sewing isn’t suitable, consider hand-stitching with embroidery thread for delicate finishes. This technique allows for precise control and intricate decorative embellishments. You’ll create stunning hand-sewn accents that elevate your project. It’s perfect for adding that extra touch of elegance to hems, necklines, or cuffs.

Examples of Using Embroidery Thread for Sewing

You can use polyester embroidery thread for topstitching Tencel skirts, achieving a polished look with added shine. Commercial embroidery machines often use strong polyester thread, and you’ll find embroidery thread suitable for decorative applications like table runner bindings.

Tencel Skirts Can Be Topstitched With Polyester Embroidery Thread

You’ll find that polyester embroidery thread is a great choice for topstitching Tencel skirts. It offers excellent color matching options and adds a subtle sheen to your garment.

When using this thread, adjust your tension settings carefully and choose the right needle size.

Always test on scrap fabric to guarantee proper fabric compatibility and stitch quality.

Commercial Embroidery Machines Use Strong Polyester Thread

While Tencel skirts benefit from polyester embroidery thread, commercial machines take it a step further. They rely on strong polyester embroidery thread for a reason.

It’s durable enough to withstand high-speed stitching and frequent use. You’ll find this thread in decorative applications on mass-produced items like logo shirts and intricate designs on bags.

The strength of polyester embroidery thread makes it a go-to choice for professional-grade work.

Embroidery Thread Can Be Used for Table Runner Bindings

While commercial embroidery machines use strong polyester thread, you can also put embroidery thread to work on your home projects. Table runner bindings are a perfect example.

You’ll find that embroidery thread adds a decorative touch to these household items. Its sheen and color variety make it ideal for enhancing the edges of your table runners.

Even if you’re using an overlocker, embroidery thread can create stunning, durable bindings that’ll make your table runners stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)