What Kinds of Thread To Use For Machine Embroidery
The traditional embroidery threads — rayon, polyester and cotton — are beautiful and easy to work with. But what about when you want to add a little more “je ne sais quoi” to your embroidery? There’s a whole range of specialty threads out there, and some are more easy to use than others.
We’ve got your back! Read on to discover tips and tricks for working with beyond-basic thread.
Shrinking Thread
- formulated to shrink on contact with heat, producing a smocked effect
- works best with running, stippling or zig-zag stitches, simple embroidery, grid, swirls and quilting designs
- Use steam generously when pressing, but don’t touch the iron directly to the thread unless you are prepared for it to shrink about 30% immediately (stabilizing can help to control the shrinkage).
- Use with soft, lightweight fabrics that gather easily for best results.
- available in 40-wt.
- is usually used in the bobbin
- For maximum pucker, use as both top and bobbin threads and stitch with a 65/9 to 80/12 needle.
Metallic Thread
- available in 40-wt.
- Use a 80/12 to 100/16 needle that is specifically for metallic thread, or use a titanium or topstitching needle.
- Use with designs that have long stitches.
- best with soft materials and backings
- Use cut-away stabilizer rather than tear-away.
- Machine wash in hot water up to 140º F; don’t use bleach.
- Cool iron or dry clean
Wool Thread
- only available in 12-wt
- is three times thicker than standard thread
- has a fuzzy, matte look
- creates soft, fluffy textured designs
- Use with medium- to heavyweight fabrics, such as wool, linen and lightweight denim.
- Combine with another fiber, such as acrylic, to give a crewel effect.
- After stitching, the embroidery can be brushed to give the thread a soft, fluffy texture.
- Use a 100 or 110 needle, very low tension and cut-away stabilizer.
Glow-in-the-Dark Thread
- glows in the dark or under black light for up to 15 hours
- picks up light from artificial and natural sources
- made from polypropylene or polyester and comes in 30-, 35- and 40-weight
- Wash in cool water or dry clean; don’t use bleach.
- Dry on low; use a press cloth when ironing.
Ultraviolet-Activated Thread
- charges with light
- may need up to 30 minutes to activate
- Thread appears white or pastel when embroidered, but turns to a brighter hue when exposed to sunlight; out of the sun, it will return to its original color.
- Use in combination with regular embroidery thread to produce colorful designs.
- comes in 40-wt.
- should be used with a size 12 needle
- machine wash in cool water
- Don’t use bleach or iron directly on the embroidery.
Variegated Thread
- available in many colors, ranging from subtle gradations of one color (also called ombre) to bold and bright blocks of several colors
- Two different thread colors can be twisted together for a mottled effect.
Silk Thread
- three-ply, reflective and strong
- comes in 50-wt.
- expensive
- limited colors
- use a 75/11 to 80/12 size needle
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