Silly question. Is there any difference in embroidery thread, vs regular thread? In other words, could you buy thread from Metro for a regular sewing machine? Thanks to all you awesome cuties!

I use thread from Connecting Threads for my regular sewing and quilting.

Embroidery thread is much lighter weight than standard sewing or serger thread, has better sheen and is meant for embelishment only. I have a combo emb/sew machine, and of course I use both kinds of thread, and top stitching (embelishment) would be great w/emb thread. However I would never sew a seam with it, as it would not have the strength to hold up under stress and strain. Use both kinds, just use them in the manner in which they were intended! Linda

Have you looked at the book that came with your machine? Does it say anything in there? I actually use both as mine is a sewing and embroidery machine and think that most are. I am sure somewhere in my book it says not to blow to try and clean as it could damage the computer in the machine by blowing the fluff into that part of the machine. Lyn

There really is a big difference. Embroidery thread is finer (thinner) and does not have the strength that regular thread has. If you want it for a top seam as decoration it will be perfect, but for actual sewing it really isn't strong enough. You can also quilt with it but it's not recommended, again not strong enough. Hope this helps a little.......

1 comment

by nama2 18 Mar 2011

I am with you on this one-I tried using embroidery thread on regular mach-just not strong enough

Patti-I use all kinds of thread in both my regular sewing and embroidering. With all the regular thread I have-I am sure not going to let it go to waste. I have no problems with it. The only down side I have found is that my spool and cone thread does create alot of "fluff" after stitching out designs with alot of density-so I have to remember to clean either with my vac. attachment or a blast of canned air. I am sure long time embroider-ers with disagree with me but, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.~linda~

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by my3chis 18 Mar 2011

I agree with you and as far as cleaning the fluff out I also use non waxed dental floss run through the thread track(by hand), it gets all the hidden fluff.

Never a silly question. I had wondered about that as well. Thanks for asking.

Well, I have used the regular thread a couple of times in the machine and the only difference I found was the shin on the embroidery thread. Actually I've used some sure lock for my serger when I was only doing a single color on a font and it's looked great. I was told not to do that. But I never listen to anything, according to my DH. And I have used the embroidery thread for sewing when in a hurry. No problem there.

Sometimes I use my embroidery thread instead of buying a spool of regular thread for my sewing machine. When it's just for a few seams and the embroidery thread looks better. I've never had any problems. Never tried the other way around..

Not sure, I have use variegated cotton thread for some flowers that turned out beautiful, metalic thread for butterflies that I really like.

HI, and WELCOME TO CUTIES !!! I tried to use my regular thread in my embroidery machine...BIG MISTAKE!!! However, my emb thread works very good in my regular machine ! Go figure !!! LOL
Jo
*4U

1 comment

by obaachan 17 Mar 2011

I only say big mistake, because it (reg thread) seemed to cause a lot of fluff, lint, not sure what to call it... and it seemed to break more....

Not silly. I see there is a shine to embroidery that isn't on regular thread. But other than that.............. Be interesting to read the results.