Embroidery Thread

The most common embroidery thread weight is 40wt, which works well for most machine embroidery projects. For finer details, 60wt thread is ideal, while 30wt or lower creates bolder stitches.

Rayon thread has a natural sheen and soft drape, making it ideal for decorative embroidery on garments and delicate fabrics. Polyester thread is stronger, colorfast, and resistant to chlorine and UV fading. Choose rayon for projects that prioritize appearance, like dress embroidery. Choose polyester for items that need durability and frequent washing, like towels, bags, and children's clothing.

Not recommended. Regular sewing thread (typically 50 weight cotton or polyester) is designed for construction, not decoration. Embroidery thread is thinner, has a higher sheen, and is engineered to run smoothly through high-speed embroidery machines. Using sewing thread can cause tension problems, thread breaks, and dull-looking designs. For best results, use thread specifically made for machine embroidery from brands like Madeira or Floriani.

Common causes of thread breakage and fixes:

• Incorrect tension: Loosen upper tension slightly for embroidery. Most machines need lower tension than regular sewing.
• Wrong needle: Use embroidery needles (size 75/11 or 90/14) with a larger eye and special scarf to reduce friction.
• Poor quality thread: Old or cheap thread frays and snaps. Store thread away from sunlight and humidity.
• Incorrect threading: Rethread completely, ensuring thread flows smoothly through all guides.
• Burrs on needle plate or hook: Inspect for damage and replace if needed.

Metallic thread adds sparkle and shine to embroidery designs. It works well for holiday projects, formal wear embellishments, and decorative accents. Metallic thread requires slower stitching speeds, a metallic or topstitch needle, and reduced upper tension. Use it sparingly as an accent rather than for full coverage designs. The KingStar Metallic Thread Kit includes popular colors for getting started.

40 weight thread is the standard for most machine embroidery. It works with built-in designs and purchased patterns without requiring tension adjustments. Use 12 weight thread for bolder, more textured designs with fewer stitches. Use 60 weight thread for fine detail work and small lettering. Most embroidery designs are digitized for 40 weight thread.