Sewing Thread Information: Types of Thread Materials

Pros: Cotton is soft, easy to maintain, and durable. It resists breakdown and has a nice luster.

Cons: It doesn’t have much “give” and tends to break easily.
 

Uses: Cotton thread is commonly used sewing delicates and lightweight fabric, as well as for cross-stitching. It can be used for a variety of fabrics, such as linen and rayon. Do not use cotton with knits, as it does not have much elasticity.
 

Pros: Durable, strong and affordable, polyester won’t break down over time. An all-purpose thread, it has a wax or silicone coating, which allows it to easily slip through fabric.

Cons: Polyester has a shiny, waxy appearance that some might not like. However,  invisible polyester thread is a great option if you need to keep your stitches hidden.
 

Uses: Polyester is your go-to thread. It works well for most sewing projects, especially with stretchy knit or woven fabrics.
 

Pros: An affordable alternative to silk, rayon has a nice shine and creates smooth, flat stitches of high quality.

Cons: Rayon tends to deteriorate and needs to be maintained over time.
 

Uses: Sewing projects that require flat stitches. Stronger than cotton, but less strong than polyester.
 

Pros: With good strength and high elasticity, nylon works well for clothing and creates durable garments.

Cons: Unfortunately, nylon is not resistant to heat and can become yellow and brittle from exposure to the elements.
 

Uses: Nylon works well for lightweight fabrics and garments that need to stretch, such as athletic gear. It should not be used for decor or anything that is exposed to sunlight.
 

Pros: Known for its distinctive and brilliant sheen, silk doesn’t leave holes and is very flexible, so it sews smoothly without breaking. It has the strength of polyester with the stability of cotton.

Cons: Silk is very fine, which limits its use. It also tends to be expensive.
 

Uses: Silk is often reserved for embroidery. It works as a great thread for basting and tailoring. The most compatible fabrics are silk and wool.
 

Pros: An animal fiber, wool is extremely strong and has a soft texture.

Cons: Wool thread is not practical for most sewing projects.
 

Uses: Wool thread is good for heavy fabrics such as wool or canvas. It is most often used in embroidery and for making blankets.
 

Pros: Made from gold or silver filaments and mixed with other fibers, metallic thread has an embellished, detailed, glamorous look.

Cons: Metallic thread tends to be very expensive and is not practical for most sewing projects.
 

Uses: It is often used for handbags, embroidery, or to embellish topstitching.
 

To sum everything up, here are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind when selecting your thread.

1. In general, you should match your thread type to your fabric type. For example, use silk thread when sewing a silk garment.
    
2. In most cases, polyester is the best choice, specifically cotton-wrapped polyester, which is often called “all-purpose” thread.
    
3. Do not use cotton thread for a stretchy or knit fabric.
    
4. You get what you pay for. Invest a little money in quality thread because your projects will look better and last longer.