Choosing Machine-Embroidery Threads

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Threads Magazine, editor

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Metallic thread gives these dragonflies their glitter.

David Page Coffin

Rayon embroidery thread comes in a wide range of solid and variegated colors,

David Page Coffin

Polyester embroider thread won't shrink, fade, or bleed.

David Page Coffin

Metallic thread gives these dragonflies their glitter.

Photo: David Page Coffin

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Glittery mylar threads are made from plies of film layered together, then cut into slices to form a flat filament thread. As with metallics, various aspects of the manufacturing process—for example, the number of plies used, amount of elongation or stretch inherent in the raw material, and width of the film slice—affect thread quality. These threads are manufactured to be much stronger than they originally were, but because they tend to break with high-speed sewing, follow the special handling tips below. Mylar threads are available in a wide range of colors as well as holographic hues, which pick up light and color from surrounding objects and add spectacular luminous accents to machine embroidery.

Brands on the market include Glissen Gloss Prizm, SCS Madeira Jewel, Sulky Sliver, Superior Threads Glitter, and YLI Kaleidoscope.

Metallic thread.		Mylar thread.		Special-effect thread.

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Comments (4)

moogiemaw writes: just ordered brother P770 .This sight is very helpful in trying to decide what kinds of thread to ues. I have been sewing for over thirty years but never had an embroidery machine. I am very excited about this new adwenture. So much to learn!!!!

Posted: 5:31 pm on January 4th

Tajba writes: can anyone comment on rayon ameth embroidery thead?
Thank you
Posted: 4:15 pm on August 25th

leslieinlewes writes: I am brand new to embroidery. I just purchased the Brother SE 400 and will get it in about a week. I already have projects lined up. I love the dragonflies at the beginning of this forum. Can you tell me where I can get the design?

Thanks!
Posted: 10:49 am on March 30th

Mcat1227 writes: I have been doing machine embroidery for a long time...this article is a great refresher since there are so many more beautiful thread options out there. Thank you!
Posted: 10:19 pm on September 3rd

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