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Can I Use Sewing Thread for Embroidery?

It’s not a secret that embroidery thread is limited when it comes to color, compared to sewing thread. Have you ever seen the perfect color sewing thread for your embroidery project, but can’t find the same color in embroidery thread? You’ve probably wondered if it would be okay to just use the sewing thread instead.

So, can you use sewing thread for embroidery? Yes you can! You will be pleased to learn that it is possible to use sewing thread in place of embroidery floss. The process is almost exactly the same and the outcome will look extremely similar. When you use sewing thread instead of embroidery floss, your end product will look extremely unique to other embroidery you’ve done.

Using sewing thread for embroidery will have a unique look because, unlike embroidery thread, they have different weight options. The weight of the sewing thread will impact what your design looks like when you are finished with your project.

Is Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread the Same?

Embroidery thread and sewing thread are not the same. There are plenty of differences between the two, but the main difference is in the texture. Since embroidery thread is specifically designed to be used for embroidery, it has a special sheen to it. Sewing thread does not have a sheen.

The sheen of embroidery thread comes from having a looser twist than other threads. The looser twist allows them to be stronger, as the thread has to repeatedly go back and forth through the fabric. Embroidery threads are most commonly made from materials like silk, polyester, cotton, and rayon.

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Sewing thread is just a very thin, long strand of yarn that is used for sewing. There are several different materials that sewing thread can be made out of including cotton, wool, and polyester to name a few. The material of the thread needed will depend on what fabric you are sewing.

The purpose of embroidery thread and sewing thread are different. Embroidery thread was specifically designed with the thought in mind that it will be passed through fabric several times to create a picture or design. Sewing thread was designed to be used to sew pieces of fabric together.

Can I Use Regular Thread for Embroidery Machine?

Imagine running out of embroidery thread in the middle of your project and it is too late to run to the store to grab more. You could wait until the next day to finish, or you can use sewing thread as a replacement. You can use regular sewing thread in an embroidery machine without any damage to your machine.

The only problem with this method is sewing thread is usually thicker than embroidery thread, which can cause it to bunch up while you embroider. You will also likely get more coverage with regular thread than you would with embroidery thread, so be sure to keep that in mind.

It will also be beneficial to slow down the stitching on the embroidery machine. This will help prevent abrasions to the fabric. You will also want to make sure you are using the right size needle on the embroidery machine for the size of the thread you are using.

What Is a Good Quality Embroidery Thread?

When you are embroidering, you want to make sure that you have the best quality possible. The better the quality of the thread, the better it will hold up during the process. There are tons of different embroidery thread brands to choose from, so how can you be sure you’re choosing the best?

One of the most important things to consider about the quality of a thread is the weight. The weight of thread is going to be the thickness. A lower number means the thread is going to be thicker. For example, 30 weight is going to cover more surface than 40 weight.

My favorite embroidery thread to use is this set here. It’s amazing quality, and comes with tons of colors to choose from!

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The most common weight for embroidery thread is 40. This is because it is thin, making it easier to focus on the details of your design. The material of the thread also impacts the quality of the thread. The most popular material for embroidery thread is rayon.

Rayon is the most popular because it is the easiest to find, most affordable, and is available in hundreds of different colors. There is one major problem to consider when using rayon thread. Although rayon fibers are made from organic cellulose with a beautiful sheen, they are prone to fading.

Polyester is another popular thread for embroidery. Polyester is one of the strongest threads and they are quickly becoming a favorite to embroiders. Similar to rayon, polyester has a nice sheen to it and is easy to use. However, polyester is synthetic and has the added benefit of being resistant to fade and bleach.

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Cotton is the least popular thread for embroidery. This thread is made with natural fiber, but it is thicker than the other materials. The most common weight for cotton embroidery is 30, making it thicker than the recommended embroidery thread. Cotton will also lack the sheen that other embroidery threads have.

Silk threads are completely unmatched when it comes to how they function and how they look. Silk is natural with the stability found in cotton threads and the strength found in polyester threads. The shine that silk has is not comparable to any of the other embroidery threads available.

How to Use Embroidery Thread in Sewing Machine

Using embroidery thread for sewing is a great way to add a decorative touch to your sewing. The good news is you can use an embroidery thread in a regular sewing machine. To use the embroidery thread in your sewing machine, you will want to lower the feed dog a little before you do anything else.

When you place the embroidery thread in your sewing machine, you will want to make sure the bottom is full of thread before you put it into place. This will ensure that you don’t run out of thread in the middle of your sewing project. 

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If you are using your regular sewing machine to create a design with the embroidery thread, you might need to use a stabilizer. This is important for keeping the fabric supported during the sewing process to prevent stretching or puckering.

You are also going to want to use an embroidery hoop if you are creating a design with the embroidery thread. The hoop will help keep the fabric stretched out and smooth, making it easier to move the fabric around as you are sewing on it.

Final Thoughts

If you are wondering whether you can use sewing thread for embroidery, the answer is yes. Regular sewing thread can be used for embroidery if you don’t have embroidery thread, or you can’t find embroidery thread in the color you want. 

Embroidery thread and sewing thread are not the same thing. Embroidery thread is designed to stand up to being passed through the fabric multiple times. The embroidery thread will also be better for intricate designs on your embroidery. 

When choosing an embroidery thread, you are going to want to make sure you have the best quality thread possible. The most common thread is rayon, but the best thread is going to be silk. Silk has an unmatched appearance that you will love.

Make sure to follow my tips and recommend products to ensure your sewing project turns out amazing! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your sewing Q&A’s. Happy sewing!

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