Sewing vs. Embroidery Thread: What’s the Difference?

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A lack of thread means that all you have are a few pieces of cut fabric and no method to connect them all together. However, not all thread is the same; there are tiny distinctions in different types so that any sewer may make their next sewing or embroidery job seem even better.

The two types of thread differ only in the most minute details. Cotton thread is a little thicker and slightly glossier than embroidery thread. Because of this lack of size, embroidery thread is better suited for applications requiring a lot of thick stitching.

Continue reading this post to understand more about the differences between embroidery thread and normal thread. It provides all the details you’ll need to use the proper thread on your projects.

Is Embroidery Thread the Same as Sewing Thread?

 

Is-Embroidery-Thread-the-Same-as-Sewing-Thread

Although cotton, silk, polyester, rayon, and other common textile fibers can be used to make both types of thread, there are slight distinctions between them. Because of these distinctions, each type of thread is ideal for its intended usage.

If you need stitches that can resist a lot of wear and tear on seams, for example, ordinary thread is a great choice. One difference to consider is the function of each thread.

When it comes to stitching designs that demand a lot of stitches close together, ordinary thread is not the best option. As a result, one of the most important factors affecting the final outcome of any sewing project is the reason for which it is intended.

However, other than that, the threads are extremely similar in that they are easy to work with, they perform well, and they produce excellent stitches. Colors and fibers are available in a wide spectrum, so you have a lot of possibilities.

If you’re going to dye your product in the near future, you might want to avoid using synthetic embroidery thread. That’s a different matter entirely.

Differences Between Embroidery and Sewing Thread

There are a lot of tiny distinctions and similarities between the two threads that you can see in this comparison chart.

Weight is available in a wide range of sizes and weights.

Needlepoint, cross stitch, hardanger, blackwork and whitework, shadow work, ribbon embroidery, and so on can all be utilized for darning, sewing and strange needlework projects using this needle.

The price varies, but it’s often less expensive than ordinary thread.

The price of your thread will be determined by where you purchase it. The price of embroidery thread was $1.95 at one store, whereas the price of normal thread was $4.50. The price difference is negligible.

Embroidery Thread vs Sewing Thread

 

Embroidery-Thread-vs-Sewing-Thread

The goal of the thread’s use will determine this. In addition to ornaments, embroidery thread can be used for ornamental lettering and appliques. These portions of sewing receive less abrasive or harsh treatment than other parts of sewing, which necessitates a lower-quality thread.

Embroidery thread is not the ideal choice for strong stitching regions such as seams and hems since each type of thread serves a certain purpose. It just isn’t strong enough to stand up to that kind of pressure.

Regular thread is the finest choice for hems and other sections of clothes since it is sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear they experience. You can use normal thread for embroidery, but it lacks the sheen of embroidery thread, so the finished product may not be as dazzling as you’d like it to be.

In addition, because normal thread is larger than embroidery thread, it is a poor choice for a densely embroidered product. When used for their original function, each thread is at its best. Unless used for their intended purpose, they’re just as good as the competition.

Is Embroidery Thread Thicker Than Regular Thread?

Not at all; it isn’t true. Stitching thread is a little thicker than normal thread. You can’t use ordinary thread for particularly dense needlework projects because of this difference in diameter. It’s just way too thick to be of any practical use.

The smaller the thread, the higher the weight number, such as 30 wt, 40 wt, or 50 wt When quilting, for example, a 50 wt thread may be used instead of the standard 40 wt thread.

The second number on some thread spools, for example, may look like this: 50/2. It’s easy to tell how many strands of thread there are by looking at the first two numbers.

The stronger the thread, the greater the second number. The greater the number, the more likely the thread is to withstand normal wear and conditions. If you’re an experienced seamstress who does a lot of topstitching, you’ll likely use 12 and 18 thread.

A 28-wt thread is available, as is a 60-wt thread, but both are rumored to be quite rare. Ordinarily, just the bobbin is given access to the 60 wt.

Is Embroidery Thread Strong?

 

Is-Embroidery-Thread-Strong

The answer is no. The treatment the thread receives, as well as where it is applied, will have a significant impact. There are certain exceptions to this rule, though. For one thing, embroidery threads are created from a different sort of material than normal threads.

While some rayon embroidery thread is strong when dry, it loses its elasticity when wet. That means that if you used the thread in a trouser leg hem and your child spent a lot of time in puddles, the thread would most likely deteriorate and fall apart.

Some embroidery threads are composed of polyester because cotton threads can shrink. However, this fiber is resistant to both shrinking and dying. Despite the fact that your clothing may change color, your polyester thread retains the same color it was originally given.

Also, the heat issue that is associated with polyester fibers persists when using polyester embroidery threads. Threads could melt if they are subjected to too much heat. Cotton thread will hold up better to the heat and look nicer as a result.

In general, the stronger the thread, the thicker the better. It’s merely denser, so it can resist greater abuse than a thread that’s any thinner.

Can I Embroider With Sewing Thread?

The answer is a resounding yes, and it may be wise to do so if the stitched decoration will be subjected to rough usage for some time. Embroidery can be done with standard thread, despite the fact that different types of thread serve distinct functions and have subtle variances.

However, each style performs basically the same thing with a thread. If your embroidered project is going to be extremely dense, you should avoid using normal thread. Fine and thinner than conventional sewing thread, embroidery thread was designed specifically for these kinds of applications.

Additionally, it’s easier to work with than conventional thread, and if your sewing machine likes the thread, you’ll have fewer issues with it. If your sewing machine doesn’t like the thread you’re using, you’re going to run into some complications while stitching that will cause your progress to slow.

What this implies is that you need to keep an eye out for the brand label on the thread spools. Some sewing machines have a preference for certain brands. It’s possible that the outcome of this game will come down to pure chance.

How to Embroider With Sewing Thread

 

How-to-Embroider-With-Sewing-Thread

When it comes to stitching, you don’t have to use embroidery thread to do so. You can use a different type of regular thread in its place. Regular cotton sewing thread is an alternative.

Sewing your replacement will necessitate some alterations to your current technique. The thickness of the thread is the first thing that has to be tweaked. If you use normal thread instead of embroidery thread, the fabric will be covered more completely.

As a second step, you will need to slow down your sewing pace so that the stitches are perfectly aligned. If you’re using ordinary thread, keep an eye on the ply count because 2-ply lies flatter than other higher-ply thread counts.

Finally, you’ll need to switch needles to accommodate the thicker thread. Check your tensions and make any necessary modifications there as well.

Machine embroidery with normal thread is virtually identical to embroidery with embroidery floss. The recommended stitch pattern is a zig-zag stitch, but you are free to use any stitch pattern that you like.

Using serger thread in place of embroidery thread is also something we’ve written about. We may have missed some important details if we hadn’t read the piece.

Seeing if you’re getting too much or too little coverage while using normal thread instead of embroidery thread is critical. Because of this, you’ll probably have to adjust your sewing technique.

Tips for Embroidering With a Regular Sewing Machine

To justify the cost of a dedicated embroidery sewing machine, some sewers may not embroider enough. As a result, they revert to utilizing a standard home sewing machine. Here are a few pointers to help you get the job done without a hitch:

  • Take time to trace the letters, as the image will serve as a guide for the rest of your job. Use a washable marker or pen to make cleanup a breeze. If you want to be more creative, you can use any of the countless typefaces that are readily available and/or that you can download from the internet, depending on your computer.
  • Keeping an eye on the correct needle size for the thickness of the thread is essential because conventional sewing machines can handle embroidery thread. Thread breaking is a possibility if you don’t use a strong thread.
  • Make sure to check your sewing machine’s owner’s handbook for information on how to adjust the needle if this feature is available on your machine. Adjusting the feed dogs can also assist alleviate needle-related difficulties.
  • In order to see the pattern and embroider on the correct side of the material, you must place the cloth in the correct position. The cloth should now be placed beneath the needle as soon as it is positioned correctly. Ensure that the needle is pointing up at this time.

Stitching can begin after the cloth is in place. To ensure that the design is completely stitched in, shift the cloth as you sew. This is a challenging stage that necessitates practice before moving on to the actual design.

  • Delay being creative until you’ve mastered the two most important components of embroidery: clarity and precision. Your needlework must be expressive and easy to read in order for it to be successful. After you’ve mastered these first two steps, you’re ready to be creative.
  • The old adage goes, “First you get good, then you get fast.” This is a solid rule to follow. When you’re a newbie embroiderer or sewer, such words are critical. As soon as you’ve learned how to embroider on an ordinary sewing machine, speed doesn’t matter.

Types of Embroidery Thread+

With embroidery thread, it’s important to make sure the thread is matched to the machine. This may be a challenge at first because there are so many different types of embroidery threads and sewing machines to choose from.

Scraps of cloth can be used as a starting point to discover the ideal match.

  • Polyester – This type of thread has become the norm in the embroidery industry. The reason for this is that this thread is robust, long-lasting, resistant to chlorine bleach, and durable. Embroidery thread should have a shine, and this one does, as well as being resistant to breakage. However, this type of embroidery thread isn’t appropriate for all projects.
  • There are more hues available in rayon than in polyester, which is why it is so popular. When compared to polyester, this thread type has a lower tensile strength and is more susceptible to tangling when wet. However, it is a good choice for high-speed machines and is softer than polyester.
  • If you’re looking for a style that doesn’t have the high sheen of rayon or polyester, cotton is a great option. To top it all off, this thread can be found in a wide range of textures and weights, and it works with a wide range of sewing machines. This design is available in a variety of thicknesses as well.
  • One of the most luxurious embroidery threads is silk. Strength and softness are superior to rayon and polyester, which are also made of synthetic fibers. The sheen on it makes it stand out amongst the rest of its competitors as well. For needlework, this thread style has a severe detriment in terms of cost.
  • This type of thread may elevate your embroidery to an entirely new level of elegance and panache. There is nothing more luxurious than silk in gold, silver, or bronze.

This type of embroidery thread does have one major flaw: it breaks quite readily. Your machine may require frequent re-threading, which can be time consuming.

The thread can easily come apart if you aren’t careful, which is part of the difficulty. However, if you utilize it correctly, your embroidered design will be beautiful.

Some Final Words

If you don’t have an embroidery machine or the necessary equipment and tools, embroidering can be tough. The right thread, on the other hand, may make any pattern appear to be high-end, imaginative, and well-executed.

To ensure the greatest outcomes, select the appropriate thread for the task at hand. Once you’ve honed your stitching skills, it’s time to unleash your imagination.

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