Choosing a suitable thread for your stitching project is probably a major part of it.
If you fail to pick a thread that suits your needs, the project will eventually fail to turn out the way you want it to be.
However, given that there is a lot of different types that are available in the market, how do you know which one suits you?
Why are there different threads? And other things like thread weight?
Well, don’t worry as we are going to answer each one of your questions today in this article.
Moreover, we will see 11 types of sewing thread that you could choose from.
What is Thread Weight?
For efficiently distinguishing among the right thread, thread weight is something you should know beforehand.
Thread weight is essentially the length of the thread, measured in kilometers, which would take to make the total weight of the thread equal one kilogram.
More lengths of thinner thread are needed to achieve 1kg as compared to thicker ones.
Hence, the greater the number, the thinner the thread is.
Now let’s jump on to the different thread types.
Sewing Thread Brands
There are some features of sewing threads like thread weight, which you cannot just readily crosscheck to see if the information given with the thread is true or not, so there needs to be some factor of trust.
For this very reason, you should consider buying sewing threads from only the known brands as they have made their name while performing for years. Here are some brands you can trust.
- Gutterman
- Rasant
- Coates
- Clark
- Mettler
Whatever thread type you choose, if the thread is tagged with any of the above brands, I assure you there will be no problem at all, and your project would go just fine.
1. Cotton Thread
Cotton thread is the most common type of sewing thread, and it is the choice of most customers if they are dealing with regular home projects, which only need some minor mending work to do.
However, there are some sub-types of cotton threads as well, which are given below.
- Soft Cotton Thread
The most frequently used cotton thread in the market. In fact, if the sub-category is not mentioned, it will probably be a soft cotton thread.
These kinds of threads are responsible for minor shrinkage in the clothes when they are washed.
- Mercerized Cotton Thread
Being finished by caustic soda solution and applying tension, in the end, mercerized cotton threads have cotton fibers in them in a round shape with more strength and a brighter color tone.
So, if you need a cotton thread but need it to be stronger, this could be considered.
- Glaced Cotton Thread
These glaced cotton threads are just regular cotton threads except that they have an extra surface coating, which essentially makes them stiff and more resistant.
Hence, they are perfect for usage if the softness of the cotton seems like an issue to you.
2. Silk Thread
Silk thread is also very common and is widely used in the industries, especially when it comes to jobs that require strong threads, such as inexpensive garments.
They are manufactured by the continuous filament and broken filament silk and are generally the most expensive thread.
So, use them only if you have the appropriate budget.
3. Linen Thread
Linen thread is one of the oldest threads being used in the industry, and long before other types of threads were available to use, these were the only ones ruling the market for general projects like sewing garments.
They have mediocre strength, but they have become obsolete nowadays.
4. Polyester Thread
Just like silk thread, polyester threads are used for jobs that require stronger threads than cotton.
The best part is that these threads do not shrink, no matter how much you wash the garments, and they don’t cost much as well.
5. Nylon Thread
Nylon thread is made from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
Their main features are their high measure of extensibility, but it can also be considered one of its downsides as many people avoid it due to their reason as well. They are mostly used to sew knitted fabrics.
6. Viscose Thread
Viscose threads are known for their bright color tones and have mediocre strength and stability.
So, if you want your garments to be bright in colors but you don’t care much about them being very strong, this can be the best choice.
7. Aramide Thread
These are also very expensive threads, just like silk threads.
Their specialty is being used in garments, which are meant for special purposes such as fire fighting clothes.
So, in those cases, people can afford expensive threads, but it’s not recommended for general usage.
8. Wool Thread
Wool threads are very common in projects like hand-made blankets, quilting, or other heavy fabrics.
There are different types of wool you could choose from; however, they are quite warm hence not really suggested for regular garments.
9. PEFE Thread
Last but not least, this thread is also meant for special usage where other threads fail.
They are quite resistant to flame, so they are mostly used in chemical garments. For this reason, they cost higher than other threads as well.
Conclusion
We have seen a list of 9 different types of sewing threads, and as you can see, each one of them comes with a different area where it is beneficial to be used.
So, make sure you know your project in depth before you choose the thread and then choose accordingly, whatever suits you the best.
Read: