A Guide to Embroidery Threads: Types, Uses, and More

If you're diving into the world of machine embroidery, one essential component you can’t overlook is your embroidery thread. While machines, digitizing software, and stabilisers get plenty of attention, your finished result can only be as good as the thread you feed into the needle. Whether you're crafting logos, monograms, or detailed images, the type of embroidery thread you choose plays a crucial role in colour vibrancy, stitch durability, and the overall finish of your design.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most popular types of embroidery thread—polyester, rayon, cotton, metallic, wool, and more—along with their pros, cons, and ideal uses. You’ll understand not just which threads are available, but how to pick the best embroidery thread for your project and machine.

Why Thread Choice Matters

All embroidery threads aren’t created equal. Each has its own qualities that affect:

• How well it runs through your embroidery machine
  

• How it holds up to washing, stretching, or ironing
  

• The look and feel of the final product

The best thread for embroidery depends on your design, fabric type, and the kind of wear and care your finished piece will experience.

Embroidery Thread Types

1. Polyester Embroidery Thread

Polyester embroidery thread is the workhorse of machine embroidery. Its strength, flexibility, and colour retention make it a go-to for many embroiderers, especially those running commercial setups.

Pros:

• Extremely strong and durable
  

• Resistant to bleach and UV rays
  

• Maintains colour vibrancy over time
  

• Less likely to break at high speeds

Cons:

• Slightly less sheen than rayon
  

• May feel slightly synthetic to the touch

Best For:
High-volume commercial embroidery, sportswear, uniforms, kids’ clothes, and any project that will be laundered often.

2. Rayon Embroidery Thread

When elegance matters, rayon delivers. It’s one of the most visually appealing threads, but it does require more careful handling and is best suited for garments that won’t undergo heavy wear.

Pros:

• Has a beautiful, natural sheen
  

• Softer texture, ideal for decorative stitching
  

• Runs smoothly in most machines
  

Cons:

• Less durable than polyester
  

• Not as colourfast—can fade or bleed with washing
  

• More prone to breakage, especially at high speeds
  

Best For:
Decorative embroidery, fashion pieces, and light-duty applications where aesthetic appeal matters more than rugged durability.

3. Cotton Embroidery Thread

Cotton offers a warm, classic appearance that complements natural fabrics. It’s also easy to dye, but it’s more delicate than synthetic threads.

Pros:

• Natural look and matte finish
  

• Great for heirloom-style or vintage embroidery
  

• Readily available in various weights

Cons:

• Can fray or break if not monitored
  

• May not be ideal for fast-paced machines

Best For:
Quilting, traditional embroidery styles, and projects where you want a softer, non-glossy look.

4. Metallic Embroidery Thread

Metallic threads can elevate an ordinary design, but they demand attention. You’ll need to slow down your machine, adjust tension, and use the right stabiliser to avoid frustrating snags.

Pros:

• Adds sparkle and luxury to designs
  

• Excellent for festive or ornamental work

Cons:

• Can be difficult to work with (prone to breakage)
  

• Requires specific machine settings or slower speeds
  

• May need special needles

Best For:
Holiday designs, formalwear, monograms, or anything that needs to stand out.

5. Wool & Acrylic Embroidery Thread

While not commonly used in high-speed machines, wool or acrylic threads can be used in specialty applications or with multi-needle machines for bold, artistic textures.

Pros:

• Thick and textured, adds dimension
  

• Ideal for hand or slow machine stitching
  

• Stands out on larger fabric areas

Cons:

• Not compatible with most standard embroidery machines
  

• Can be too bulky for detailed designs

Best For:
Chenille-style embroidery, hand embroidery, or decorative borders.

6. Specialty Threads (Glow-in-the-dark, Variegated, Matte)

• Glow-in-the-Dark: Great for novelty items or kids’ designs, but may require special handling.

• Variegated Threads: These shift colour across the spool, producing a unique gradient effect. Excellent for abstract or freeform designs.

• Matte Threads: Provide a soft, chalky look for a contemporary or understated finish. Ideal for tone-on-tone embroidery.

Best For:
Statement designs, special collections, or experimental embroidery projects.

Matching Thread Type to Project

Before you begin any large run, always test your thread on a sample swatch using your intended fabric and design. This helps you confirm the durability, sheen, and stitch performance.

Thread Weight and Thickness

Most embroidery threads fall into the 40-weight range, which is the standard for machine embroidery. However, here’s a quick rundown:

• 30wt: Thicker, good for bold outlines or lettering
  

• 40wt: Standard thread for most embroidery designs
  

• 60wt: Finer thread, perfect for small text or high-detail work

Make sure your needle size matches your thread weight for optimal results.

Storage and Handling Tips

Even the best embroidery thread will degrade over time if not stored properly. Follow these tips:

• Keep threads out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
  

• Store in airtight containers to avoid dust and moisture
  

• Use thread nets or spool caps to reduce tangling
  

• Label and sort by material or project use

Thread can dry out, become brittle, or lose colour over time, especially rayon and cotton. Always inspect older spools before use.

Final Thoughts: Good Threads Deserve a Great Machine

Choosing the right embroidery thread is just one piece of the embroidery puzzle—but it’s a big one. Whether you’re creating logos, monograms, or one-of-a-kind garments, using quality thread matched to your material and design ensures crisp results, long-lasting wear, and happy clients.