Machine Embroidery Thread

Machine Embroidery Thread

Hongfeng embroidery thread is machine-made embroidery thread processed by proprietary technology. Especially suitable for high-speed computerized embroidery machines, it has passed the Oeko-Tex Standard 100’s most stringent first-class certification, suitable for all infant and toddler products, and tested by harmful substances test standards, soap fastness and anti-friction color fastness The degree is 4-5, which can meet the needs of various high-environment and high-quality clothing embroidery.

What is Embroidery Thread?

Embroidery thread is yarn that is manufactured or hand-spun specifically for embroidery and other forms of needlework.

Embroidery floss is used for a large variety of needlework projects – cross-stitch, counted thread, embroidery, needlepoint, smocking, crewel, punch embroidery, appliqué and quilting. Embroidery floss is a thread that is manufactured or hand-spun specifically for embroidery and other forms of needlework. It is a loosely twisted, slightly glossy 6-strand thread, usually of cotton but also manufactured in silk, polyester, rayon, and linen.

WHAT IS MACHINE EMBROIDERY THREAD?

Machine embroidery thread is thread designed to stitch out designs on an embroidery machine. While it might look the same, at first glance, as regular thread, it is quite different due to its unique weight and sheen.

Most sewing thread is 30 wt whereas machine embroidery thread is typically 40 wt.  And despite the higher number, it is actually thinner than sewing thread. It’s designed to glide through the machine and the needle without any friction.

The sheen on machine embroidery thread also differs from it’s regular sewing counterpart. Regular sewing thread is a bit dull compared to the shiny sheen of most machine embroidery thread.  The exception is cotton machine embroidery thread which has a duller appearance than its rayon or polyester counterpart.

What is the difference between embroidery thread and regular thread?

Purpose

• Embroidery Thread: Embroidery thread is used for different types of embroidery.
• Sewing Thread: Sewing thread is used for sewing.

Machine Embroidery vs Sewing

• Embroidery Thread: Rayon and polyester threads are mainly used for embroidery thread.
• Sewing Thread: Any type of threads can be used for sewing.

Sheen

• Embroidery Thread: Embroidery threads have sheen.
• Sewing Thread: Some sewing threads do not have a sheen.

So can you sew with machine embroidery thread and embroider with sewing thread?

Yes and yes.

While machine embroidery thread won’t be as strong as regular sewing thread, you can certainly sew with it. It might just look a bit shiny.

And if you try to embroider with regular sewing thread – it will probably look pretty dull. It might also screw up the tension on your embroidery machine. So, polite pass as far as I’m concerned.

What is good quality machine embroidery thread?

A good quality machine embroidery thread is one that has an attractive finish, doesn’t fray and become hard to work with, and most importantly doesn’t break!

Keep in mind that machine embroidery thread serves a different purpose than sewing thread. While regular thread functions to hold a garment together, machine embroidery thread is literally the “paint” you are using to create your embroidered art. Good quality stuff will make your stitched out designs look better while being easy to work with. Although it may not have the strength of regular sewing thread, it still needs to be durable enough to not break when stitching out the thousands of stitches that make up an embroidery design.

What is the best type of machine embroidery thread

Most machine embroidery thread is made of 100% polyester. But not all. Some is rayon, and some is even cotton.

Cotton is the dullest of the three option. Because it doesn’t have that shiny appearance it can look very luxurious, especially when used to monogram a set of towels.

Rayon and polyester are more similar. However rayon is a bit smoother, softer, finer and less abrasive than polyester, and has a more natural look. It also tends to perform better than polyester when used to stitch out fine details like small letters on fine materials, like handkerchiefs.

It’s all fairly comparable in price.

Getting the most out of your machine embroidery thread

Keep in mind that any thread is going to perform best when it’s well cared for and handled properly. If you store embroidery thread on open shelves, it will collect dust. Then, when you start stitching, you introduce that dust into your embroidery machine. And a dusty machine will never perform optimally.

It pays to put in some though about how you store your machine embroidery thread.

Old embroidery thread can also get very brittle. So if you are getting frustrated by your thread breaking frequently when embroidering with 20-year-old embroidery thread, that thread may just be past its prime. You might need to pitch it.

Before you write off any brand or type of machine embroidery thread, you should first consider other reasons why your thread might be breaking or bird nesting. Frequently, these problems have nothing to do with the brand or type you are using and is most often due to other factors.

Oh – and here’s another fun fact. Darker colors tend to perform worse than their lighter counterparts. So if you are testing out a specific brand, be sure to try different colors.