Choosing the right thread is as necessary as choosing the right tools and fabrics for your sewing projects and this task can be tricky as there are several types of threads available in the market and it can confuse you if you’re new to sewing.

So today let’s break down the types of threads available in the market and understand what they’re made of so that you can make an informed decision.

 1 - All-Purpose Thread:

This is the thread we recommend o to all the beginners since it is one of the most versatile threads and is highly durable at the same time. Coming to what it's made of, the answer is polyester which gives it the ability to stretch and makes it a perfect balance between strength and flexibility, also it’s available in multiple shades of colour and widths suitable for different types of sewing projects. So, if you’re looking for a versatile thread for your sewing experiments this is exactly what you’ll need.

 2- Button and Craft Thread: 

This thread is made of polyester or cotton blend or both twisted together with a coating of wax on it for adding strength, thickness and durability making it suitable for securing buttons on different types of garments or items that require a stronger hold like blazers, craft projects etc. So, if you’re working on a project that requires strength and buttons or craft work this thread is what you’ll need.

 3 - Embroidery Thread:

This smooth and shiny thread is usually made of Rayon or polyester giving it softness, vibrant lasting colours and strength for making your embroidery designs pop. If you’re working on dense embroidery or detailed projects this glossy thread is ideal to make your designs or embroidery on garments stand out.

 4 - Jean Thread:

This thread is one of the strongest threads typically made from polyester or a polyester-cotton blend for sewing denim. It's thick and smooth in texture which gives it strength to withhold tension. So if you’re working with dense fabrics and heavy-duty equipment, especially denim projects this thread is perfect for your needs.

 5 - Metallic Thread:

This thick decorative thread is multilayered with a core made of polyester and a metal foil wrapped on it which is often made of aluminium or mylar that gives it a reflective effect. This thread unlike other threads is fragile due to its foil layer making it best for topstitching on lighter fabrics, so if you’re working on thick fabrics or heavy-duty materials we would not recommend this thread as it breaks easily.

 6 - Upholstery Thread:

This thread is known for its resistance to friction and breakage since it is made from nylon or polyester making it highly durable and thicker than all-purpose thread or jeans thread. Due to its extra resilience and strength that lasts longer than the average thread it is usually used for heavy-duty works like upholstery projects or securing curtains.

 7 - Serger Thread:

This thread is an all-purpose thread which is made of polyester or nylon just wrapped on larger cones for bigger projects and industrial use since sergers are used for economical projects and require multi-thread stitching. This offers both strength, and stretch and saves you from rethreading over and over again while working with the serger on knit and stretchy fabrics

 8 - Heavy-Duty Thread: 

This polyester, nylon, or cotton-wrapped polyester thread is the thickest of all threads because it is built for demanding jobs such as upholstery, sails, and outdoor gear. It’s thicker, tougher, and more resistant to breakage and even UV rays, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects. So if you’re working on projects that require extremely durability car covers and sails it’s strength that can withstand any weather makes it ideal for such projects.

We hope you found this article useful and now you can differentiate between threads and make the right decision as to which thread you really need.

Get BERNINA Thread Library powered by Mettler a collection of all necessary threads at Top Notch Sew & Vac now.