Threads for machine embroidery

Threads for machine embroidery

For a successful embroidery

This article explains what the differences are between the various threads for embroidery with the machine, how threads contribute to a good embroidery result or or what you need to consider when embroidering with special threads, e.g. metallic threads.

Why use special machine embroidery threads?

Why use special machine embroidery threads?

Machine embroidery threads differ from normal machine embroidery threads in that they are less twisted and can therefore spread out more evenly. This results in a much nicer embroidery appearance, especially with finer fabrics and detailed embroidery files.

Embroidery threads make the embroidery look much softer than if you were to embroider with sewing threads. In addition, the surface texture is usually smoother than with sewing threads. 

Which thread can I use for machine embroidery?

Which thread can I use for machine embroidery?

The choice is huge, there are shiny or matte embroidery threads made of cotton, viscose, polyester and even wool, besides metallic threads, each in different designs and strengths.
Purchased embroidery designs are mostly created for "normal" embroidery threads of strength 40.

The rayon and polyester threads are sometimes offered in the strength 60, these are finer and are used especially for very small fonts (5 mm letter size) or small detailed embroidery patterns.

Common embroidery threads are usually made of polyester or viscose (rayon).

Polyester embroidery threads are well suited for heavily used textiles, they are colorfast, some can even be washed up to 95° and have a higher tensile strength than rayon threads. Polyester embroidery threads are more durable and also suitable for high embroidery speeds, colors and luminosity are retained after frequent washing. Viscose yarns may be slightly softer than polyester.

Cotton threads are duller, not as abrasion resistant and rougher than polyester or viscose threads. Be sure to clean the hook area after embroidering with cotton threads.

Lower threads or bobbin fils have a higher run length because they are thinner, they are suitable for almost all applications. They are available in black and white and are not changed when changing colors.

Generally, a white bobbin thread is more likely to be used for light fabrics, unless you are embroidering with light colors on dark fabrics, in which case a white bobbin thread is also useful.

With transparent fabrics and free-standing lace, on the other hand, embroidery thread in the color of the upper thread is nevertheless often used as the bobbin thread, so the patterns are also beautiful on the reverse side.

What should you keep in mind when embroidering?

What should you keep in mind when embroidering?

When embroidering new designs, always carry out a test embroidery on the same material first. Each thread and pattern requires slightly different settings for embroidery speed and thread tension.

We recommend using the Horizontal Spool Pin. Always adjust the Spool Cap to the size of the spool, if necessary use a larger one rather than too small.

If the Horizontal Spool Holder is used, the spool should be fixed, whereas with the vertical holder, the swiveling spool holder, it must be able to move freely. If the thread is slippery, use the Spool Net. Use a special embroidery needle of a size suitable for the thread. Older threads, especially darker colors or older metallic threads break more often and should not be used.

After embroidering for a long time, the thread may twist in on itself. Then remove the thread spool from the machine and reinsert it upside down.

How to store embroidery threads?
Spools should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place, then they will remain ready for use for many years.
 

Machine embroidery with special threads

Metallic threads

Metallic threads

You can use normal sewing thread as bobbin thread for embroidery. However, note the following when embroidering with metallic threads:

  • Use the thread lubrication unit.
  • It is best to use a size 90 SUK needle. Metafil needles with a large eye are particularly gentle on metallic threads, as they have rounded and polished eye edges.
  • Reduce embroidery speed.
  • Reduce the embroidery density of the design if necessary, as these threads can be thicker.
  • When embroidering, start with the standard thread tension setting. If the thread breaks, reduce the tension and also the embroidery speed.
  • Do not use the thread cutter, it may become blunt.
Wool threads

Wool threads

The voluminous appearance of this yarn achieves quite different results than, for example, embroidery threads made of polyester, the motifs look almost hand-embroidered. For wool threads, you can only use embroidery patterns that have been specially created for this purpose. These patterns have a reduced embroidery density. The needle size should be No. 100, depending on the wool thread used. Unfortunately, these threads can not be washed hot, which limits the field of application.

Thicker threads

Thicker threads

One way of embroidering thicker thread, or cords, is to use the Free-Motion Couching Foot #43, where the cord is embroidered on by a normal thread.

The cords are fed directly to the needle through a hole in the sole, and can be sewn on in any direction you desire with the feed dog lowered – letting you create imaginative lines, patterns and shapes in no time flat.

Bobbinwork

Bobbinwork

Besides, you can also wind thicker yarns as bobbin thread, so called bobbinwork technique. In this technique, embroidery is done on the wrong side of the fabric. For this purpose, either a special bobbin case is used, or the machine is adjusted accordingly. More detailed information can be found in the user manuals of BERNINA machines. In each of these cases, however, the embroidery file must be adjusted for this.

 One last embroidery thread tip:
Phosphorescent threads are usually white in daylight and glow slightly greenish in the dark - even after many washes and for years.
Also well suited as embroidery for children and sports activities in road traffic.
 

Looking for even more inspiration?

Then sign up for the inspiration newsletter free of charge and don't miss a new pattern!

Subscribe to newsletter