Best Sewing Thread for a Brother Machine for 2023

What makes a good quality sewing thread?

When finding a good-quality embroidery thread for the Brother machine, several important characteristics must be considered. To begin with, the Brother embroidery thread should be able to stitch smoothly without tangling or breaking. Furthermore, it should leave minimal lint behind, as too much can build up and cause issues in your Brother machine over time. When inspecting the embroidery thread for these qualities, look for any imperfections along the thread that could prevent smooth feeding. Additionally, inspect the embroidery thread for excessive fuzz, which can contribute to extra buildup in your Brother machine.

Another factor to consider when searching for a good-quality embroidery thread for a Brother machine is its durability–especially if being used to create seams. Decorative Brothers thread or even machine embroidery threads can often appear more attractive than traditional sewing threads but may not offer enough strength and durability when exposed to regular use or washing. To ensure you’re selecting an appropriately strong and durable embroidery thread for the Brother machine, try doing a strength test before loading it into your machine (especially on older threads or low-quality brands). Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way toward finding a high-quality Brother embroidery thread!

Best Sewing Thread for a Brother Machine

Are Brother sewing machines required to use Brother thread?

When it comes to sewing machines, many people question whether or not they have to use Brother thread on a Brother sewing machine. The answer is no! We never do. Many other types of threads are available that work just as well on a Brother system. Whether you’re looking for more colors, textures, or specialty fibers, the options are endless for thread and sewing projects today.

Different types of thread can enhance your project’s look and be soft and comfortable against the skin—especially important for clothing and textile items. Some threads are specifically designed for certain projects, such as leather upholstery. Others are great for outdoor projects like tents or boat covers since they resist UV rays and mildew buildup better than standard thread varieties. Ultimately, it really boils down to what type of fabric you’ll work with when determining which type of thread is best suited for the job!

An Explanation of Sewing Thread Weight

The weight of a sewing thread is an essential factor to consider when choosing the correct type for a project. The weight, also called thickness, will determine whether the thread blends in well with the fabric used or stands out prominently on top of it. Threads can range from light to heavy depending on their purpose and intended use. More significant numbers usually indicate a lightweight thread, since it denotes a finer, more delicate thread that’s suitable for sewing light fabrics such as chiffon and tulle. In contrast, a larger number indicates better elasticity, strong tensile strength, and a thicker profile, making it ideal for heavier fabrics such as denim and canvas.

It’s also important to choose the right weight for a fabric; using too light a thread on heavyweight fabrics may cause fraying and unraveling due to its insufficient strength in holding everything together, and too-heavy threads may be easily noticed against lighter ones due to their thicker profile. It’s recommended to start with testing different sizes of threads if you’re unsure which one works best for your particular fabric type — this way, you can establish which one gives you the best result without wasting time re-doing your work with an incompatible type of thread.

Best Thread Types for Brother Sewing Machines: Upper Thread

When choosing thread for the upper thread of a Brother sewing machine, it is important to look at the type of fiber used. There are two main types of fibers: natural and synthetic. Natural fibers—such as cotton, linen, or wool—work best with woven fabrics such as denim, muslin, and quilting cotton. Synthetic threads like polyester are strong and weather resistant, making them perfect for man-made fabrics like nylon, acrylic, or spandex.

To decide which type of thread to use for your project, you must consider both the fabric and its purpose. For example, a polyester thread may be your best choice if you’re working on an outdoor bag that needs to stand up to the elements without fraying or fading. However, if it’s a delicate item such as an heirloom quilt, a cotton thread will provide flexibility and better resist abrasion than a synthetic one. Furthermore, if you’re aiming for quality workmanship, it’s important to get the right type of upper thread to keep all stitches looking neat and professional.

1. 100% Cotton Sewing Thread

Cotton sewing thread is a great option for anyone who loves to sew. Made from 100% cotton, it’s ideal for natural fibers such as cotton and linen. Cotton thread carries the beloved characteristics of these fabrics; durability, strength, and the ability to be ironed or pressed. Each package of this type of thread contains multiple thickness levels to be tailored to specific applications. Although some brands may offer finishes that create a stretchiness and ease of use on knits and other stretchy fabrics, the cotton thread should never be used in those areas as it does not allow for any give. Gutermann is my go-to for top-quality cotton sewing thread – they have always been reliable, durable, and high quality.

Cotton sewing thread has many advantages over other types of threads, including its ability to hold its color without fading over time, allowing projects to last throughout the years while still looking beautiful and vibrant. It also doesn’t cause lint or fuzz like synthetic fibers tend to do over time, which is another added bonus. Choose your preferred weight or thickness based on your project’s requirements – all you will need from there is your favorite needle!

2. 100% Polyester Thread or Blended All-Purpose Thread

When looking for an all-purpose thread to use on fabrics, 100% polyester or a cotton-wrapped polyester blend will often be the best option. Polyester is stronger than cotton and also has a tiny bit of stretch, so it works especially well on synthetic fabrics and stretchy knit fabrics. Polyester threads are also more resistant to shrinkage and tend to produce sharper finished lines when nearing seams. Additionally, some varieties may even have a slight sheen, adding a nice touch and extra dimension to the final product.

Cotton-wrapped polyester is often ideal for projects combining natural and synthetic materials. This type of thread benefits from combining the qualities of cotton and polyester in one thread. Cotton increases the fabric’s softness and flexibility, while the polyester’s strength ensures that seams stay strong over time. Unless I’m quilting or working with delicate materials like silk, I find that this type of blended thread offers just what I’ll need for reliable results that look professional every time.

Threads for Specialty Sewing

Specialty sewing threads are a great way to take your sewing projects to the next level. Whether it’s for thick fabrics, creating textured effects, or just adding a unique flair to your work, specialty threads can do wonders. Fortunately, an array of specialty threads available on the market can be used with Brother sewing machines.

As a beginner, working with specialty threads requires a bit of finesse and practice. These decorative threads are usually much thinner than conventional thread and require precise tension when stitching. It’s important to use the right needle for each thread type. Threads come in different weights and fibers; heavier threads will require bulkier needles, while lightweight materials necessitate thin needles. There are also metallic, silky, and glitzy motifs with more delicate needs regarding needle size and tension settings on the machine itself. Understanding your particular thread choice is key before you start stitching, so you can achieve desired results while avoiding any issues. With patience and practice, you will soon enjoy all the opportunities specialty threads provide!

1. Metallic Thread

Metallic threads have become an increasingly popular choice in the crafting and needlework world. Its durability, shine, and fun color options can add a unique touch to any project. Used correctly, it can give a beautiful metallic look that adds to the luxuriousness of any work of art.

Using metallic thread is notoriously tricky, as it is prone to breakage and tangling. To get the best results, changing to a special needle for sewing with metallic thread is necessary. Otherwise, you risk damaging both your machine and the thread itself. Additionally, reduced tension on both the top and bobbin tension can also help prevent further problems further down the line. With some patience, practice will pay off, as you can create wonderfully sparkly works of art that previously may have been impossible without this type of thread.

2. Invisible Thread

Invisible thread, sometimes called a transparent thread, is a monofilament nylon thread used to make invisible stitches. It’s made from extremely fine materials and is almost undetectable when laid flat against the fabric, so it’s very popular in quilting and appliquéing where neat and discreet stitching is desired. This unique type of thread can be quite challenging to work with, especially for those starting out with a new machine or unfamiliar with the product. I have spent many frustrating hours attempting to get the tension right on my sewing machine before giving up completely in frustration!

What makes invisible thread difficult to manage on a sewing machine is its non-elastic fibers, which often require the needle to thrust through larger than normal sizes—making each stitch slightly bigger than what you’re used to. To prevent tangling and further issues, it’s best practice to use only metal or plastic bobbins where possible when using invisible thread. Depending on the type of project you’re working on will determine which kind of needle size will work best, too: either metal or disposable plastic needles work well, but these can wear out quickly if not changed frequently.

3. Quilting Thread

Quilting thread is heavier than regular sewing thread and is explicitly designed to create detailed quilting patterns. When selecting a quilting thread, the type of material used can make a big difference. Mercerized cotton creates strong stitches that offer resilience and will not break over time. At the same time, cotton-wrapped polyester acts as a wax around strands of other materials to help prevent breakage. Both options are ideal when handling machine quilting because they have the correct tension and weight for these projects.

Although quilting threads might appear to be much the same as regular threads, they are woven thicker, making them more durable while still being able to pass through the fabric at high speeds. In addition, some manufacturers produce a specific line of colorfast quilt threads to withstand washing cycles and hold their vibrant hue. Quilters also benefit from pre-wound bobbins filled with specialty thread for quilt stitching machines that feature adjustable tensions without having to cut individual threads for their project spools.

4. Machine Embroidery Thread

Machine embroidery thread is essential for anyone who creates beautiful embroidery designs. Typically, machine embroidery thread is 40 wt, which is the thread weight that most designs are digitized for. It has a lovely, lustrous sheen, and it can even be used in a Brother sewing machine if you want to add a little decorative flair to your project. The picture above shows some gorgeous metallic and variegated threads that would be fun to use!

Although there are only two main types of embroidery machine thread – rayon and polyester – they each have their advantages depending on the type of stitched design or project you are creating. Rayon has a higher sheen finish, so it is visually appealing and stands out more than other thread materials. Meanwhile, although polyester may not shine as much as rayon does, it is the more durable option; being colorfast means that the colors won’t fade over time compared to some other fabrics. Whichever type of machine embroidery thread you decide to purchase for your projects, both options can provide excellent results!

5. Upholstery Thread

Upholstery thread is necessary for anyone undertaking labor-intensive sewing tasks, such as upholstered furniture. This type of thread is thicker than normal all-purpose thread and is specially designed to hold together heavy fabrics under strain. It comes in many sizes, usually labeled by its thickness, so it is important to pick the right thread weight for the project you’re undertaking. For example, if you are making an outdoor chair cushion, then you might need a heavier weight than normal all-purpose thread so that it holds your work together when exposed to weather conditions.

However, it is important to be aware that not every Brother sewing machine can handle upholstery threads because, due to their thickness, they can take more strain on the motor and other parts of the machine. If using a Brother machine, ensure it has enough power and features to handle the demands of an upholstery project before attempting one with your model. Upholstery thread will save time and create beautiful products, but safety must come first when deciding whether it can be completed with your current machine setup.

6. Heavy-Weight Thread

Heavy-weight thread is a great tool for multiple projects requiring high-strength stitching. It is precious when working with thicker fabrics like denim, canvas, and upholstery. Compared to regular sewing thread, it has a thicker diameter, resulting in heavier stitching that can most commonly be found in bags, purses, jackets, durable furniture covers, and more. Due to its increased thickness and strength, this type of thread is similar to the kind used for leather goods or even leather upholstery, like car interiors.

One advantage of heavy-weight thread over conventional thread is that it offers greater strength, which makes any project much longer lasting. Furthermore, it also resists unraveling better than traditional threads because its thick material creates unbreakable stitches that can withstand constant wear and tear from movement or abrasion. Even if the fabric frays through wear or washing machine use, the stitch will still hold together because it’s considerably tougher than regular thread would be. In addition to its resilience against unraveling and strength of stitch, the heavy-weight thread can often be found in various colors ranging from black to white, so finding the right hue for your project won’t be an issue.

7. Topstitching Thread

When it comes to topstitching projects, you can use any thread, but a thicker, topstitching thread will give an added level of detail and a more decorative appearance. Topstitching threads are typically made from polyester or cotton with medium thicknesses ranging from 3-8 weight or heavier buttons with 10+ weight. These threads are much stronger than the standard sewing thread, making them suitable for more wear and tear, such as buttonholes and attaching buttons on bags, purses, and clothing items like coats and jeans.

When I’m altering jeans, for example, I like to use gold jeans thread specifically because it works great at reinforcing the hemming and giving my jeans a distinct stitching look that is characteristic of quality denim jeans. If you want a professional look for your project, we recommend using topstitch threads over regular sewing between layers of nylon or cotton.

8. Elastic Thread

Elastic thread is a unique type of sewing thread that adds decorative ruching and gathering to any fabric project. Whether you’re making a dress, a garment with several pieces, or even linens and upholstery pieces, an elastic thread can transform your work’s look.

Using elastic thread isn’t difficult, but it requires special care so that the elasticity doesn’t get lost. To begin, you’ll need to manually wind the elastic thread onto a bobbin by hand from the spool, ensuring an even tension throughout your entire project. Additionally, use needles designed for stretchy materials when sewing with this type of thread. Keeping the stitches short and well-spaced allows room for the material to gather together correctly while still having enough strength in each stitch to keep everything in place once it’s finished. Finally, use only moderate pressure when ironing so you don’t lose too much elasticity from your fabric!

9. Silk Thread

Silk thread is often considered the best type of thread to use when sewing delicate fabrics such as silk. It is a 100% natural product made from small strands of the cocoons of mulberry silkworms and offers superior strength, luster, and flexibility compared to other types of thread. Silk thread is also more expensive than other threads and can be difficult to find in many sewing stores.

Silk thread comes reversed around a card, which needs to be unwound by hand before it can be used for stitching. The reason for this is that this method helps prevent tangling and optimizes the user’s experience when handling the thread. This added step can require more time than if one were to work with other forms of sewing thread, but the end result justifies the extra labor required when using high-quality silk thread.

Brother Sewing Machine Bobbin Thread

When I sew, I like to take the time to wind my own bobbins with thread that matches the upper thread. Therefore, when choosing threads for my Brother sewing machine, I ensure they have the same thread weight and fiber type. That way, the automated tension settings of my machine work just right, producing a beautiful stitch quality without all the extra test stitching.

Of course, you can mix and match thread weights and fiber types between your upper and bobbin threads if desired, but it may take some trial-and-error adjustments to get the perfect stitch every time. If you’re unsure what combination to use for optimal results, opting for matching threads can save you time and energy. Pre-wound bobbins are available on the market, but winding your own ensures that there is consistent tension throughout both the top and bottom threads.

Conclusion

When buying thread, purchasing large spools of it is a great way to save money. You get more quantity at a great price, but they can also last much longer than their smaller counterparts. However, one more thing to consider when purchasing large spools of thread is whether they will fit in your sewing machine spool holder. For example, most serger cones are too large for your average sewing machine to handle and require an external spool holder.

A separate spool holder for these threads can be incredibly convenient and helpful. I own a nice spool stand that holds around 20 spools and has been perfect for my embroidery threads and sewing threads. It’s also kept my workspace organized, making switching out different colors easier even if you don’t plan on using that many kinds of threads. This extra consideration may help you decide which type of thread best fits your needs and budget in the long run.

Best Sewing Thread for a Brother Machine

What makes a good quality sewing thread?

Are Brother sewing machines required to use Brother thread?

An Explanation of Sewing Thread Weight