Thread Uses: Can I Use Embroidery Thread For Regular Sewing?
Threads come in all sorts of materials. That is one of the beautiful things about sewing. You get a lot of choices. Not only in your fabrics and design styles but also in your thread use. There are a variety of threads available to you. You just need to choose which one is best for your project.
Can I use embroidery thread for regular sewing? The ultimate answer is yes you can. Thread is thread even though some have specific uses. The risk is that lower quality threads break more and can clog up a good machine quickly. Keep a diary on which threads work best on which fabric and do not be scared to experiment.
To learn more about the different threads and their use, just continue to read our article. It delves into the world of thread to make your sewing go a lot faster and be better than ever.
Embroidery Thread Uses 101
What Can I Use Embroidery Thread For?
The good news is that you can use embroidery thread for just about any project you can think of. There is an endless supply of color options and patterns to keep you being creative for a long time.
Also, embroidery thread is not that expensive. There is more good news. Because embroidery thread goes in and out of fabric more often than, let’s say multi-purpose thread, it needs to be stronger than other thread options.
That strength translates into a strong hold on your sewing projects. Plus, for sewing machines, embroidery thread is available in more than just rayon. You can get it in cotton, silk, polyester and so on. 30 is the thickest grade of thread with 60 being the thinnest.
Embroidery thread is made of 2 ply materials and it is twisted less so that it lies flat. It is a good substitute for the regular thread if you need it.
Can I Use Embroidery Thread For Regular Sewing?
You can use it of course. Thread is usually just thread even though it may be designed for specific projects. The thing to watch out for is that embroidery thread, while strong, may not be strong enough for your particular sewing project.
For example, rayon is usually weaker than common regular thread when it gets wet. That is an important factor to consider when choosing a thread to create outdoor clothes. Also, embroidery thread is made to look good not to handle tough clothing situations.
Then the embroidery thread may be finer than regular thread and may create more lint than the latter. These are also considerations you need to think about before turning to embroidery thread for regular sewing.
Just because you can do something doesn‘t mean it is the best or the right thing to do.
Can You Use Embroidery Thread On a Regular Sewing Machine?
The good news just keeps on coming. Yes, you can use embroidery thread on a sewing machine. In fact, there are lots of that style of thread made specifically to be used on sewing machines.
Polyester, cotton, rayon are just some of those styles and you may find these threads to be a bit stronger than regular embroidery thread. Rayon is good for finished projects and it adds a layer of strength to your garment.
To use embroidery thread on your sewing machine, just lower the feed dog a little bit. Then when placing the thread on your machine make sure the bobbin is full before you insert it into place.
These are just a couple of tips to help get you started on working with embroidery thread on your regular sewing machine. You may want to consider using an embroidery hoop as well.
Can I Use Embroidery Thread in My Serger?
This may depend on your machine. The same thread may not provide you with the same results or perform as you would hope. One example is that the Brother 1034D had no problem using embroidery thread.
On the other hand the Viking 936 had the thread continually breaking. When the stitches did work, they looked a little off as well. Embroidery thread works well for rolled hems and similar projects.
One thing to be wary about is that rayon may be the weaker thread type to use on a serger while polyester will be the stronger of the two. The good thing about the serger is that you can combine threads and use a variety of thicknesses and styles.
But just so you do not get confused, serger thread and embroidery thread are not the same thing. Be careful of those who tell you differently.
Sewing With Embroidery Floss
It may be wise when sewing felt together you should use 2 strands of embroidery floss. This should make the stitches tougher and stronger. Embroidery floss is made at about 6 ply and the brand name versions normally tangle a lot less.
Also, doing a backstitch with embroidery floss gives your stitches a nice clean straight look. Here are a few tips when selecting the right floss to use:
- First, use cotton or polyester or a blend of the two. This option gives you better strength.
- Second, the floss should be colorfast and has no tendency to bleed or fade.
- Third, your project determines whether you use embroidery thread or floss.
- Fourth, the floss comes in a variety of prices so be budget-friendly when selecting your floss.
Can I Use Embroidery Thread for Quilting?
So far there is no reason you can’t use embroidery thread when quilting. You just have to follow the same rules for other wilting threads normally used when making a quilt.
The first rule is to use about 18 inches at a time. A longer piece may start to shred because of all the pulling in and out of the fabric.
The second is to move the needle down the thread so you do not create a weak spot.
The third rule is to have on hand and use a thread conditioner. This will reduce the tangling as you sew.
Finally, to help stop the color bleed, add a little vinegar to your wash load. But if you have the time, test the thread first for those factors and avoid using them if they do bleed or fade.
Can You Use Embroidery Thread for Beading?
There is a bead embroidery sewing style that is perfect for embroidery thread. You have a wide range of thread and colors you can use when doing beading. Then you may want to use an embroidery needle with its big eye.
Before you make these selections, you should take into account the type of beads you will be using. Some beaders like to use a thick stiff thread with all of their beadwork while others a softer nylon to get their work done.
Most of this is up to your preference and experience. Finally, you should use a proper embroidery angle to get the best results from your sewing efforts. The best angle to use would be the 90 degrees one. This makes your bead project look so much better than if you deviated from that position.
Using Embroidery Thread For Applique
It’s not hard to use embroidery thread with the applique sewing style. A lot of the work is in getting the machine set up just right to handle the process. The first thing you should do is clean your machine so that it is in top working order.
Second, you should insert a new 60/8 or other embroidery needle into your machine. Make sure it is sharp enough to handle the job at hand. Third, it is recommended that you wind a bobbin with 60 weight embroidery thread.
Next, thread the needle with matching 60 weight embroidery thread. After that, set your zig-zag stitch width to about 1/8” and your stitch length to just over the silk stitch length.
Finally, move your needle to the down position and start your machine at half speed. Then begin sewing.
Can I Use Embroidery Thread to Crochet?
Crocheting usually requires thicker yarns to get the project completed and looking like it should. But there is more good news here, you can use embroidery thread for crocheting.
The trick is to use the smaller and thinner crochet needles when you attempt this. The drawback of using embroidery thread is that you would have to make a lot of knots since the skeins are not that long.
The other drawback would be the cost. Embroidery thread may be more expensive or you have to use a lot to complete your project. Another thing to remember is to make sure you get all of your embroidery thread from the same dye lot.
If you don’t, you may have an odd-looking project. The dyes may not match and you will be stuck with several different shades of the same color.
Can You Use Embroidery Thread for Bookbinding?
Again, the answer is a yes. In bookbinding like any sewing project, you have a lot of latitude in which thread you use. In the case of embroidery thread, DMC is supposed to have a special embroidery thread just for this project.
You may want to run it through some beeswax first to make sure the thread slides nice and easy. There is the possibility that you can use silk embroidery thread but it may not be durable enough and your book may come apart quickly.
For the best results when binding books, a good linen thread is the best to use. It is stronger and tougher. Plus, it should hold up a lot longer than embroidery thread. Linen thread is not stretchy, and that stiffness makes for a better and tighter binding.
Embroidery thread may be strong but it is not the strongest thread for a variety of projects.
Using Embroidery Thread for Cross Stitching
When doing a 14 or 16 count Aida cross-stitch method, you may want to use a two-strand stranded cotton embroidery thread to get the best results. There are variations and this choice is up to you.
Also, you have a wide range of embroidery threads you can use. It all depends on your project and how you want it to look, as well as how long you want it to last. The good thing about embroidery thread in this case is that it should be strong enough to last.
There are also a wide variety of colors you can use to make sure your project is decorative and very attractive. Use your experience to make sure you get the right technique, style, and thread when you want to do cross stitch with embroidery thread.
Embroidery Thread for Kumihimo
If you do not have any Kumihimo Cord on hand, you can substitute with embroidery thread. While it doesn’t matter which type of thread you use, the silk or cotton is usually the best and provides you with some good-looking results.
One reason embroidery thread is a good choice is because there are so many available colors to use. You can mix and match and still have a great-looking bracelet or whatever.
To find the right amount of thread to use, for example, we will use the bracelet, you need to figure out how long it will be. Then take that number and multiply by 4. Add 12 inches to that number and you should have the amount of thread you need to complete the task.
Then cut two strands of each color you are going to use. The equation goes like this: 8 times 4 = 32 + 12 = 44 inches of thread.
Embroidery Thread for Needlepoint
One way to use embroidery thread with your needlepoint project is to go with 6 strand thread. But there is a little more work involved than threading the needle and going to town on your project.
The 6 stranded thread should have some of the strands stripped apart, then put back together and a laying tool is needed to get it just right.
It is a lot of work but the end result may be worth the extra time and effort. Your project will be the greatest influence on your thread decision. The difficult part will be in choosing your colors.
It is easy to make a mistake here and ruin your project because of the colors you selected were not as great as you thought. The easiest way to avoid this costly mistake is to make sure to match the thread color to the painted needlepoint pattern.
Embroidery Thread for Macrame
The biggest challenge here is how you choose your embroidery thread for your macrame project. Here are some tips to help you make the right selections and end up with a top-quality result.
- 1. The composition is important - nylon is good for beginners.
- 2. The strength - the embroidery thread should be as strong as possible.
- 3. The twist - a braided strand is a lot better than a twisted one. It is more difficult to unravel.
- 4. The stiffness - the thread should not be so stiff that it cannot bend or be flexible. IN the same thought, it should not be too flexible either.
- 5. The texture - you want the thread to be soft to the touch and not rough on your skin.
- 6. The width - you want to keep it thin enough to fit through decorative accessories like beads but not to thin where it will break.
- 7. The length - have enough thread on hand to complete the project.
Embroidery Thread to Make Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are something that can be quick and easy to do. They are a good way to build bonds between friends. Plus, they are a good project for those people who cannot knit or crochet.
The good news here is that you have a lot of flexibility in the thread you can use. You can make the bracelet as thick or thin as you want so thread choice is not going to be that hard to do. Just decide on how you want your bracelet to look and go from there.
Also, the most difficult choice you will have is what color or colors will you use. You have a very wide range to pick from and this may hold you up as you try to decide. The favorite color of the person you are making it for, and your favorite color may speed up this choice.
With those two choices done, you just make the bracelet. Know how big you want it as well before you start.
Some Final Words
There are a lot of uses for embroidery thread. They may not all be ideal but you can use this type of thread for a variety of different projects. The biggest asset you have is that embroidery thread comes with a lot of colors you can use.
The other challenge you will have is the type of embroidery thread you will use. It does come with a variety of fabrics like rayon, cotton and so on. So what embroidery thread does for you is widen your creativity and keeps you flexible.
