Sewing thread can be used for embroidery, but it is not recommended. Embroidery thread is glossier and stronger, designed to withstand high-speed stitching and repeated washing. Sewing thread may cause breakage, dull results, or fabric puckering, especially in dense or decorative embroidery designs.
In this article, I’ll explain what nobody tells you about using sewing thread for embroidery – when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to get the best results if you decide to try it.
Can you use sewing thread for embroidery?
The simple answer is yes, you can use sewing thread for embroidery in certain situations. Although embroidery thread is specifically designed for decorative stitching, regular sewing thread offers a practical alternative for many projects.
When it works and when it doesn’t
Sewing thread works beautifully for embroidery when you’re working on:
- Simple or small designs where the thinner nature of sewing thread won’t affect the overall look
- Practice projects or temporary embroidery where investment in specialized thread isn’t necessary
- Projects requiring precise details in tight spaces where thinner thread is advantageous
Conversely, sewing thread may not be ideal for projects requiring vibrant colors or a distinctive sheen. Regular sewing thread tends to be matte compared to embroidery thread’s characteristic luster, which affects the final appearance of your work.
Additionally, certain embroidery techniques adapt better to sewing thread than others. Techniques like backstitch, satin stitch, and French knots can be successfully executed with sewing thread, whereas techniques requiring more texture or shading might demand embroidery-specific thread.
For fabric considerations, sewing thread works effectively on medium-weight fabrics. Nevertheless, delicate fabrics like silk typically require lighter, embroidery-specific threads, while heavier fabrics such as denim can accommodate regular sewing thread with appropriate needle adjustments.
Common beginner questions answered
Beginners often wonder about thread weight and needle selection. For a thickness similar to embroidery thread, consider using a 40 or 50 weight sewing thread paired with an appropriate embroidery needle. A size 7 or 9 embroidery needle typically provides good balance between ease of use and precision.
Regarding tension and durability, maintaining consistent tension is crucial for even stitches. Since sewing thread is generally thinner than embroidery thread, you might need multiple strands to achieve desired thickness. Furthermore, use shorter lengths to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
Despite being designed primarily for strength rather than decoration, sewing thread—particularly in 28wt thickness—can produce surprisingly attractive results with a smoothness and sheen similar to perle cotton but less chunky.
Embroidery thread vs sewing thread: What’s the difference?
Understanding the differences between embroidery thread and regular sewing thread helps explain why certain projects demand specific materials. Let’s explore the technical distinctions that set these threads apart.
Fiber content and ply
Embroidery threads often consist of mercerized cotton, rayon, polyester, or silk, providing vibrant colors and specialized finishes. Most notably, embroidery threads typically come in a 6-strand construction that allows you to separate and use fewer strands for delicate work. Regular sewing thread, on the other hand, usually consists of polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester in a single strand designed for durability rather than separability.
Thread weight and thickness
Thread weight works inversely—the higher the number, the thinner the thread. Embroidery threads typically come in 30-40 weight range, making them thicker and more visible for decorative purposes. Meanwhile, all-purpose sewing thread generally falls in the 50-60 weight category, appearing thinner and less pronounced. This fundamental difference explains why embroidery thread creates more substantial, eye-catching designs that stand out from the fabric surface.
Sheen and texture
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable difference lies in appearance. Embroidery threads—particularly rayon and silk varieties—possess a distinctive luster that catches light beautifully. This quality creates dimension and visual interest in decorative projects. Contrastingly, standard sewing thread typically has a matte finish designed to blend into seams rather than stand out. The texture also differs significantly; embroidery thread feels softer and more pliable, whereas sewing thread has a smoother, sometimes stiffer quality.
Durability and strength
Ironically, despite being thinner, sewing thread often surpasses embroidery thread in tensile strength. This makes perfect sense considering its primary purpose—holding garments together under constant stress. Embroidery thread prioritizes esthetic qualities over structural strength, though it still needs adequate durability to withstand washing and wear. For this reason, polyester embroidery threads typically offer better longevity than rayon varieties, even though rayon provides superior sheen.
When is it okay to use sewing thread for embroidery?
While embroidery thread is the traditional choice, there are several situations where regular sewing thread works perfectly well for embroidery projects. In essence, knowing when to use sewing thread can save you money and still yield satisfying results.
Simple or small designs
Naturally, sewing thread excels when working with:
- Delicate details and outlines where thinner thread creates precise lines
- Basic patterns that don’t require thick coverage or dimensional effects
- Small embroidery areas where regular thread can easily navigate tight spaces
For simple designs, a 28Wt sewing thread provides a finish comparable to fine weight perle cotton. This makes it ideal for creating crisp outlines and clean backstitching that defines your design without overwhelming it.
Practice or temporary projects
First thing to remember, if you’re just beginning your embroidery journey, using sewing thread makes practical sense. It’s an economical way to:
- Experiment with different stitches and techniques before investing in specialized threads
- Practice your embroidery skills without worrying about wasting expensive materials
- Create temporary embroidery for specific purposes like fabric marking or short-term decorative elements
As your confidence grows, you can transition to embroidery-specific threads for more complex projects while keeping sewing thread for practice work.
Matching thread to fabric type
Equally important is matching your thread choice to your fabric. When considering sewing thread for embroidery:
For delicate fabrics like silk, lighter embroidery-specific threads are generally better Heavier fabrics like denim can handle regular sewing thread with appropriate needle adjustments Medium-weight fabrics work well with standard sewing thread for most basic embroidery techniques
If you’re uncertain about thread color matching, remember that a shade darker than your fabric often blends better than lighter options. For patterned fabrics, choose a color closest to the background or most prominent color in the pattern.
Above all, don’t feel constrained by perfect matching—a small collection of neutral threads (mid-tone tans, grays, black, white, navy, and brown) will work with most fabrics.
Tips for better results with sewing thread
Getting the best results when using sewing thread for embroidery requires attention to several key technical factors. Naturally, with a few adjustments to your approach, you can achieve impressive results even without specialized embroidery thread.
Use the right needle and stabilizer
Selecting the appropriate needle makes a tremendous difference in your embroidery outcome. A 75/11 embroidery needle works perfectly for most machine embroidery projects, particularly when using 40-weight polyester or rayon threads on cotton fabrics. For knit fabrics like t-shirts, subsequently switch to a ball point needle that separates fabric threads without cutting them. Sharp needles are better suited for woven fabrics.
Needles should be replaced approximately every 8 hours of stitching to prevent thread breakage. Old or dull needles can cause even high-quality thread to break repeatedly.
In addition to the right needle, proper stabilizer selection prevents thread breakage. As a general guideline, use cutaway stabilizer for stretchy fabrics and tear-away for stable fabrics. Incidentally, over-stabilizing can be just as harmful as under-stabilizing.
Keep stitches small and even
Maintaining consistent tension is crucial for creating clean, professional-looking embroidery. To check if your thread is still in good condition, take a 12-inch piece, wrap it in your hands, and pull – if it breaks easily, it’s time to replace it.
For precision with sewing thread, focus on creating smaller, more controlled stitches. This approach compensates for the thinner nature of sewing thread compared to embroidery floss.
Match thread weight to fabric
Thread weight works inversely – the higher the number, the thinner the thread. A 28wt sewing thread (which is thicker) compares favorably to fine weight perle cotton and works beautifully for detailed embroidery.
Consider fabric weight when selecting thread: lighter fabrics need finer thread, while heavier fabrics can accommodate thicker thread. Cotton fabrics typically work best with medium or fine thread, whereas polyester fabrics can handle superfine thread without issues. Denim and other heavy fabrics require thicker thread for durability.
Avoid low-quality threads
Low-quality threads cause multiple problems:
- Frequent breaking and uneven thickness
- Tangling and knotting during stitching
- Poor colorfastness that fades in sunlight or washing
- Fuzzy texture that makes your embroidery look dull
Testing thread quality is straightforward – if it breaks easily when pulled or feels rough to the touch, it’s likely to cause problems. Ultimately, investing in quality thread saves time and frustration, producing embroidery with smoother texture and attractive sheen.
Conclusion
While many crafters assume you need specialized thread for every project, the truth about using sewing thread for embroidery lies somewhere in the middle. Throughout this article, we’ve seen that regular sewing thread certainly works for specific embroidery applications, particularly simple designs and practice projects.
Undoubtedly, embroidery thread offers distinct advantages with its thickness, vibrant colors, and characteristic sheen. However, sewing thread provides a practical alternative that shouldn’t be dismissed. The key difference comes down to purpose – embroidery thread prioritizes decorative qualities while sewing thread focuses on structural strength.
Remember that fabric type significantly influences your thread choice. Heavy fabrics like denim accommodate regular sewing thread well, whereas delicate fabrics might require specialized embroidery threads. Additionally, matching thread weight to your fabric ensures balanced, professional-looking results.