Unraveling the Truth: Can Sewing Thread be Used for Embroidery?

Embroidery is an art form that has been practiced for centuries, with intricate designs and vibrant colors adorning fabrics and clothing. While embroidery requires precise stitching and careful attention to detail, the question often arises: can you use sewing thread for embroidery? The idea of using standard sewing thread for embroidery may seem appealing, but is it practical? In this article, we will delve into the world of embroidery and discuss whether or not sewing thread can be a suitable alternative for creating beautiful embroidered pieces. Whether you are a beginner looking to expand your craft supplies or an experienced embroiderer curious about new techniques, this article is sure to provide valuable insights on this commonly asked question. So let’s unravel the truth behind using sewing thread for embroidery and whether it can truly stand up to the demands of this ancient art form.

The Difference Between Sewing Thread and Embroidery Thread

When it comes to sewing and embroidery, choosing the right thread is crucial for achieving quality results. While both sewing thread and embroidery thread may seem similar at first glance, there are some distinct differences between the two.

Sewing thread is designed for joining fabrics together. It is typically made from cotton or polyester and has a smooth texture. This type of thread is used for basic stitches such as straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and serger stitches. Sewing thread comes in a variety of sizes or weights, which determine its strength and thickness. The most common size is 50wt, but heavier weight threads such as 30wt or 40wt can also be used for sewing projects that require more strength.

Embroidery thread, on the other hand, is specifically designed for decorative stitching. It typically has a higher sheen than sewing thread and is available in a wider range of colors to create intricate designs on fabric. Embroidery thread comes in various types such as rayon, polyester, silk, and metallic. Each type offers unique characteristics that make it suitable for different embroidery techniques.

In terms of weight, embroidery threads are usually thinner than sewing threads. Most commonly used embroidery threads have a weight of 40wt or 50wt. This thinner weight allows them to pass through the eye of an embroidery needle easily and create detailed designs without causing any breakage.

Can You Use Sewing Thread for Embroidery?

Many people wonder if they can use their regular sewing thread for embroidery instead of purchasing separate embroidery thread spools. The answer is yes; you can use sewing thread for embroidery, but it may not be the best option.

Using sewing thread for embroidery will depend on the fabric you are working with and the design you want to create. If you are using lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon, sewing thread may be suitable for small embroidery designs as it is finer and will not leave visible stitches on the fabric. However, for heavier fabrics like denim or canvas, using sewing thread may not give you the desired results.

Additionally, sewing threads are not available in a wide range of colors compared to embroidery threads. This limitation can restrict your creativity when it comes to embroidery designs. Embroidery threads, on the other hand, offer more variety of colors and shades to choose from, making them perfect for intricate and colorful designs.

Why Choose Embroidery Thread for Embroidery Projects?

Using embroidery thread for embroidery projects offers several advantages over using sewing thread. The most significant advantage is its sheen or luster. Unlike sewing thread, embroidery thread has a higher sheen that adds more dimension and depth to the design. This makes an embroidered piece look more visually appealing.

Another advantage of using embroidery thread is its colorfastness. This means that the color will not fade over time, even with frequent washing or exposure to sunlight. On the other hand, some sewing threads may lose their color quickly when exposed to these elements.

Moreover, since embroidery threads are specifically designed for decorative stitching, they have higher tensile strength that prevents breakage while embroidering dense designs or using complex stitches like satin stitch or French knots.

Tips for Using Sewing Threads for Embroidery

If you want to use sewing thread for your embroidery project, here are some tips that can help you achieve better results:

– Choose lighter weight sewing threads (30wt or 40wt) instead of the standard 50wt as they tend to be thinner and glide through fabric easier without causing any puckering.
– Use a stabilizer underneath your fabric when embroidering with regular sewing thread as it can prevent puckering.
– Combining multiple strands of the same color of sewing thread can create a similar effect to using embroidery threads.
– Play around with different stitch types and tensions to see which ones work best with sewing thread for embroidery.

In summary, while it is possible to use sewing thread for embroidery, it may not always give you the desired results. Embroidery threads are specifically designed for decorative stitching and offer a higher sheen, colorfastness, and strength, making them the better option for any embroidery project. If you do decide to use sewing thread for embroidery, keep in mind the tips mentioned above to achieve the best results possible.

Understanding the Difference Between Sewing Thread and Embroidery Thread

When it comes to sewing and embroidery, one of the most common questions beginners ask is, “Can you use sewing thread for embroidery?” While sewing thread and embroidery thread may look similar, they are designed for different purposes.

Sewing thread is typically made of cotton or polyester and is used for stitching garments together or mending tears. It comes in various thicknesses, also known as weights, to accommodate different types of fabric. On the other hand, embroidery thread is typically made of rayon or polyester and is primarily used for decorative stitching on fabric. It comes in a variety of colors and is usually thicker than sewing thread.

The main difference between sewing thread and embroidery thread lies in their construction. Sewing thread is made up of multiple strands of fibers twisted together to form a stronger single strand. On the other hand, embroidery thread has a smoother texture since it undergoes an additional processing step to give it a shiny and smooth finish.

The Advantages of Using Embroidery Thread for Embroidery

Now that we know the difference between sewing thread and embroidery thread let’s explore why using embroidery threads specifically for embroidery may be advantageous.

Firstly, as mentioned earlier, embroidery threads have a smoother texture compared to sewing threads. This makes them perfect for decorative stitches such as satin stitches or French knots as they glide easily through the fabric without snagging or breaking.

Secondly, embroidery threads come in a wider range of colors compared to regular sewing threads. They are also available in variegated colors which create a beautiful effect when used in different stitches. This allows you to be more creative with your designs and add more depth and dimension to your projects.

Another advantage of using embroidery threads is their strength. Since they are specifically designed for decorative stitching on fabric, they are more durable than regular sewing threads. This means your embroidery will withstand regular wear and tear without breaking or fraying.

Lastly, using embroidery thread for embroidery produces a more professional and polished look. The shiny finish of the thread adds a unique touch to your embroidery, making it stand out from regular sewing stitches.

When Can You Use Sewing Thread for Embroidery?

While using embroidery thread for embroidery is ideal, there may be times when sewing thread can be used as well. However, this depends on the type of project you are working on.

If you are embroidering on a very thick or heavy fabric such as denim, canvas or leather, using sewing thread may actually be more suitable. The thicker and stronger construction of sewing threads makes them better suited for heavy-duty stitching compared to the finer and lighter embroidery threads.

Additionally, if you are working on a project that requires a lot of backstitching or outlining, using sewing thread instead of embroidery thread may be more cost-effective. Since backstitching does not require decorative stitches and only serves as an outline, using sewing thread that matches the color of the fabric can achieve the same effect as using embroidery thread.

What Happens When You Use Sewing Thread for Embroidery?

Now that we know when it is suitable to use sewing thread for embroidery let’s explore what happens when you do so.

When you use sewing thread for embroidery, your stitches may look bulkier and less refined compared to using embroidery threads. The lack of smoothness and shine in sewing threads can also affect the overall appearance of your design.

Moreover, since sewing threads are not specifically designed for decorative stitching on fabric, they may not withstand regular wear and tear as well as embroidery threads. This means your stitches may start to break or fray over time, causing your design to look unfinished or damaged.

Using sewing thread for delicate fabrics such as silk or satin can also prove to be problematic. The coarser construction of sewing threads can cause the fabric to pucker or crease when stitched, ruining the overall look of your embroidery.

In conclusion, it is possible to use sewing thread for embroidery, but it is not always recommended. While sewing thread may be suitable for certain projects, using embroidery thread has many advantages such as a smoother texture, wider range of colors, and better durability.

Before starting an embroidery project, it is important to consider the type of fabric, the design you are using, and the desired outcome. If you want a professional and polished embroidery design that will withstand regular wear and tear, it is best to use embroidery thread specifically designed for that purpose. However, if you are working on a heavy-duty project or need to save on costs, using sewing thread may be a suitable alternative.

Q: Can sewing thread be used for embroidery?
A: Yes, sewing thread can be used for embroidery, but it may not give the desired results as compared to threads specifically made for embroidery.

Q: What is the difference between sewing thread and embroidery thread?
A: Sewing thread is a thinner, lighter weight thread that is designed for holding fabric together. Embroidery thread, on the other hand, is thicker and more vibrant in color, making it ideal for decorative stitching.

Q: Will sewing thread work well with hand embroidery?
A: Yes, sewing thread can be used for hand embroidery if you are looking to achieve a more delicate and subtle look. However, it may not hold up as well as embroidery thread if you are working with heavier fabrics or larger designs.

Q: Can I use sewing machine thread for machine embroidery?
A: For best results, it is recommended to use threads specifically made for machine embroidery. Sewing machine threads may not be strong enough to withstand the speed and tension of machine embroidery.

Q: Is there a specific type of sewing thread that works better for embroidery?
A: Coats Dual Duty Plus® All-Purpose Thread is a popular choice among embroiderers as it comes in a variety of colors and works well with both hand and machine techniques. Using cotton or polyester sewing threads can also work well for certain types of embroidery.

Q: Why should I use embroidery thread instead of regular sewing thread?
A: Embroidery threads are specially designed to handle the additional stress of decorative stitching. They are also available in a wider range of colors and finishes which may not be available in standard sewing threads.

In conclusion, sewing thread can be used for embroidery, but it may not always be the best choice. While it is convenient and easily accessible, there are some important factors to consider before using sewing thread for embroidery projects.

Firstly, the type of fabric being embroidered should be taken into account. Thin or delicate fabrics may not be able to withstand the tension and weight of sewing thread, resulting in puckering and distortion in the design. It is best to use a finer and stronger embroidery thread designed specifically for delicate fabrics.

Additionally, the type of stitches and techniques used in embroidery can also affect the performance of sewing thread. For complex stitches or heavily layered designs, a thicker and more durable embroidery thread may be necessary.

Another important factor to consider is the colorfastness of sewing thread. Unlike embroidery threads which are specifically dyed and tested for colorfastness, sewing threads may fade or bleed when exposed to water or light. This can result in a less vibrant and long-lasting design.

However, if properly chosen and used with caution, sewing thread can still produce satisfactory results in certain types of embroidery projects. It is important to inspect the quality and strength of the sewing thread before use, as cheaper or lower quality threads may break easily or cause tension issues on the embroidery machine.

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.