Difference Between Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread

Key Difference – Embroidery Thread vs Sewing Thread
 

Threads are long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fibers used in sewing. Embroidery threads and sewing threads are two types of threads that are used for sewing. The key difference between embroidery thread and sewing thread is their texture; embroidery thread is a special type of thread used for embroidery work and has a special sheen whereas most sewing threads do not have a sheen. 

What is Embroidery Thread?

Embroidery thread is the special type of thread that is used for embroidery. It is usually a high sheen thread. This higher sheen is due to the looser twist. These threads need to be somewhat stronger because they need to go in out of the fabric a number of times. Threads made from rayon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. are used for embroidery. Threads used for machine embroidery is made from rayon and polyester.

Embroidery threads are usually made from soft 2-ply threads which have a higher sheen. Thread sizes ranges from 30 to 60; embroidery threads are also numbered differently than other threads. For example, an embroidery thread of size 40 is finer than another thread. Trilobal polyester threads are usually preferred over Rayon threads which are weaker and not colorfast.

What is a Sewing Thread?

Thread is a long thin strand of yarn that is used for sewing. There are different types of threads made from a variety of materials and used for different applications. In textile industry, the term sewing thread specifically refers to a special kind of yarn that is designed and manufactured to pass through a sewing machine rapidly.

Different types of threads are used for different types of sewing. Given below are some general uses of threads:

Darning – repairing teats, rips, and holes in clothing and other fabrics

Sewing  – making a pattern such as a dress, shirt, etc.

Embroidery – includes many possible sewing techniques such as needlepoint, cross-stitch, hardanger, blackwork, whitework, shadow work, ribbon embroidery, etc. The threads may also vary depending on the type of embroidery.

As mentioned above, sewing threads are made from a variety of materials. Given below are some main types of threads:

• Cotton threads
• Rayon threads
• Polyester threads
• Silk threads
• Metallic threads
• Wool threads

What is the difference between Embroidery Thread and Sewing Thread?

Purpose:

Embroidery Thread: Embroidery thread is used for different types of embroidery.

Sewing Thread: Sewing thread is used for sewing.

Machine Embroidery vs Sewing:

Embroidery Thread: Rayon and polyester threads are mainly used for embroidery thread.

Sewing Thread: Any type of threads can be used for sewing.

Sheen:

Embroidery Thread: Embroidery threads have sheen.

Sewing Thread: Some sewing threads do not have a sheen.

Image Courtesy:

“Embroidery-thread-250×250”  By Sagar Purnima – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia 

“Spools Of Thread” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia