The thread you use for your embroidery project is very important – it determines how the project is going to look and how durable it’s going to be. There are many different brands and types of thread available, so for a beginner, it can be difficult to tell which option is the best. In particular, if you’re using a machine, you need a thread that is highly durable and resistant to tears and fraying, because it will be put through more wear and tear during the creation process than hand embroidery thread will. Here are some of the things you’ll need to look for when shopping for embroidery thread.
Machine vs. Hand Embroidery – As previously mentioned, the type of embroidery you are doing will make a big difference when it comes to the type of thread you should use. There are plenty of types of thread that are designed specifically for machine work, while others are intended for more delicate handcrafted designs. Be sure to get a thread that is designed for the correct purpose.
Thickness – Threads come in different thicknesses, and the thickness you choose will affect the way your embroidery looks. A very thin thread will create soft, delicate lines, while thicker thread creates texture and depth. When shopping for thread, consider the project you are doing and what type of thickness would work best. You should also consider the sizes of the needles you like to work with and what would be most appropriate.
Durability – You’ll want your threads to last a long time, so it’s important that you choose products that are highly durable. If you can, examine the threads closely in-store to see how prone they are to fraying or breakage. You may also want to talk to other embroidery enthusiasts to see what brands they think are the most durable, or even read reviews online.
Color – Vibrant color is what makes a great embroidery project so appealing, so it’s important to find thread that has bright, appealing color to it. There are threads available in virtually every color of the rainbow now, so you can choose very specific shades that fit the project you are currently working on. There are even threads that come in metallic or duochrome shades, which give you tons of choice. If you can’t find the color you need in-store, you’ll likely be able to find it online.
Material – Embroidery threads come in a variety of different materials, such as cotton, rayon, and polyester. Many people find that they have a preference for a certain type of material over others. If you are just getting started with embroidery, it may help to try out several different types of materials to find the one that you like best.
Brand – There are a variety of brands of embroidery thread that are very popular, and many people find that they like one brand over another. Over time, you may find that you tend to go back to a particular thread brand most often.
In addition to traditional embroidery thread, you can also use embroidery floss or bobbin thread for certain projects, which are thinner and more delicate than traditional threads. This allows for much more detailed work to be completed. When in doubt, it’s better to have more thread on hand to experiment with and determine what will be the best option for the project you are working on. Playing around with colors and textures is what gives your work more detail and dimension and makes it appealing to the average viewer. Building up a great thread collection is a goal of many new embroiderers, and is a great first step to producing better projects.
