Learning Centre

Choosing the Right Sewing Thread

In this guide, you'll learn:
Cotton vs Polyester
Thread Weights
Best thread for quilting
Best thread for garments
Common beginner mistakes

The good news is that most sewing projects only require a few basic thread types. In this guide, we'll explain the differences and help you choose the right thread for your next project.

What Does Sewing Thread Do?

Sewing thread holds your project together. The right thread creates strong, smooth stitches that last. The wrong thread can lead to:

• Broken thread
• Skipped stitches
• Puckered fabric
• Weak seams
• Excess lint in your machine

Matching the thread to your fabric and project helps produce better results and can even improve your sewing machine's performance.

Polyester Thread

Best for:

• Everyday sewing
• Clothing
• Quilting
• Home décor
• Crafts

Polyester thread is the most versatile choice for most sewing projects. It's strong, slightly stretchy, colourfast, and works well on both natural and synthetic fabrics.

Our recommendation: A quality all-purpose polyester thread is a great place to start for most sewists.

Cotton Thread

Best for:

• Quilting
• Cotton fabrics
• Traditional piecing

Cotton thread blends beautifully with cotton fabric and is a popular choice among quilters. It has less stretch than polyester and gives quilts a classic finish.

Heavy-Duty Thread

Ideal for:

• Denim
• Canvas
• Bags
• Outdoor projects
• Upholstery

This thicker thread provides extra strength for projects that receive a lot of wear.

Embroidery Thread

Embroidery thread is designed for decorative stitching and machine embroidery. It adds shine and colour but isn't intended for everyday construction seams.

Thread Weight Explained

The lower the thread weight number, the thicker the thread.

Some common examples:

Match Your Thread to Your Fabric

Thread Care Tips

• Store thread away from direct sunlight.
• Keep spools dry and dust-free.
• Replace old or brittle thread.
• Use good-quality thread to reduce lint and machine issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use polyester thread on cotton fabric?
Yes. It's one of the most common combinations and works well for most sewing projects.

Is expensive thread worth it?
Quality thread generally produces smoother stitches, less lint, and fewer thread breaks than lower-quality thread.

Should my bobbin thread match my top thread?
For most projects, yes.

Related Learning Centre Articles

• Sewing Machine Needle Guide (coming soon)
• Cotton vs Polyester Thread (coming soon)
• Sewing Machine Needle Size Chart (coming soon)
• Beginner Sewing Supplies Checklist (coming soon)

Products Available at Giroux Sewing Centre

We carry a wide selection of quality sewing threads for quilting, garment sewing, embroidery, upholstery, and specialty projects. If you're unsure which thread is right for your project, our team is happy to help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use polyester thread on cotton fabric?
Yes. It's one of the most common combinations and works well for most sewing projects.

Is expensive thread worth it?
Quality thread generally produces smoother stitches, less lint, and fewer thread breaks than lower-quality thread.

Should my bobbin thread match my top thread?
For most projects, yes.

Related Learning Centre Articles

• Sewing Machine Needle Guide (coming soon)
• Cotton vs Polyester Thread (coming soon)
• Sewing Machine Needle Size Chart (coming soon)
• Beginner Sewing Supplies Checklist (coming soon)

Products Available at Giroux Sewing Centre

We carry a wide selection of quality sewing threads for quilting, garment sewing, embroidery, upholstery, and specialty projects. If you're unsure which thread is right for your project, our team is happy to help you choose.