The threads used make a real difference in how your projects turn out. I’ve tried a few with various degrees of success. And to make sure you don’t have to mess up your projects or machine, I have compiled my results in this list. You now don’t have to make the same mistakes as I did. 🙂
Machine sewing thread
Well, this is an obivous try, as most people with an embroidery machine also have an sewing machine. The quality differs per brand and it breaks more easily than specially made embroidery thread. The speed and tension an embroidery machine has, is simply way more than a regular sewing machine. You can use it, but the process won’t be smooth and expect some thread breaks.
Madeira embroidery machine thread
I started with this thread as it was recommended by the shop I got the machine from. And this is the one I keep getting back to. The quality is great and the regular threads work fine. Just sometimes there is a spool that’s faultly produced (bad luck) and then you have to keep an eye out for if it keeps moving along, providing thread to the machine. The metal threads from the metallics range work with my machine too and I have/want to still try the glow-in-the-dark thread. This brand has a lot of options and colours, so when I want to try something new, I tend to try it with this brand.
However: the sparkly thread keeps breaking in my machine. I have tried lowering the tension, needle and speed, but still no decent results.
Gütermann sewing machine thread
I tried using the holographic sewing machine thread from Gütermann as a replacement for the sparkly Madeira thread. It was simply too thin and kept breaking. This is a no from me.
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An important factor in the result of your machine embroidery is the bobbin thread you pick. There are a few options and I will list my experience with them in this article.
Machine sewing thread
Sewing machine thread is my least favorite pick for bobbin in my embroidery machine. The quality varies and breaking bobbin thread is the number 1 cause of faulty embroidery (after you get the hang of it). I have done some tries with it, but I prefer Serafill thread or, when embroidering designs that will be visible on both sides, embroidery machine thread for the bobbin.
Serafill
This is by far my favorite. It is cheap, comes in spools of 1000m and I haven’t had a break occur with this thread as my bobbin. The only downside is that it is just white, which makes it unsuitable for some embroidery projects.
Machine embroidery thread
When you have a project where the back will be equally visible as the front, I recommend using the same colour machine embroidery thread as you are using in the machine. This way the backside has the same colours as the front! This is very useful in making free-standing lace. I did this for some butterflies for my Fern (Sousou no Frieren) cosplay.