Whether you are buying for the first time, or an experienced sewer looking for some new picks, we’ve compiled some of the best threads for sewing just for you. When going to the store or surfing online shelves, picking up a new thread can be intimidating, especially for those who are just beginning to sew.
Each thread has its own colors, quality, thickness, ease of use, compatibility, colorfastness, sometimes a set with several-in-one, etc. and you just do not know which one you should purchase. That is why we have created this guide to help.
We have included not only a comprehensive list of threads but also a buying guide as well, to set you up with everything you need to know before you succeed. This includes things like the difference between polyester and cotton, or what a pre-wound bobbin is.
Top 7 Best Threads for Sewing
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread Solid 50 wt 1422yds | Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5Brand: Aurifil | Check On Amazon |
 | Mettler Silk-Finish Solid Cotton Thread, 547 yd/500m | Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5Brand: Mettler | Check On Amazon |
 | Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP 9000 S900-50 Piece Assortment | Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5Brand: Coats | Check On Amazon |
 | Gutermann 25049 Natural Cotton Thread Solids 876 Yards | Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5Brand: Gutermann | Check On Amazon |
 | Simthread 1100 Yards 24-Piece Set | Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5Brand: Simthread | Check On Amazon |
 | BetyBedy 36Pcs Bobbins and Sewing Threads with Bobbin Case | Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5Brand: BetyBedy | Check On Amazon |
 | Keimix 72 PCs Sewing Thread Kits | Customer Ratings: 4.3 out of 5Brand: Keimix | Check On Amazon |
Reviews of the Best Threads for Sewing in 2022
1. Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread Solid 50 wt 1422yds
Aurifil is one of the highest quality threads on our list, and Amazon reviews seem to agree. Sporting almost all 5-star reviews, with not even a single 1 or 2-star, we have found that Aurifil integrates itself smoothly into every project. It has very low lint levels and merges in fairly easily with cotton fabric.
Aurifil, however, maybe for the more experienced or advanced sewer. This thread is slightly more delicate than the others we have seen. Yet, shortcomings aside, it is great for quilting and seaming as well as exhibits fewer snarl-ups and knots for sewing by hand or machine.
Specifications
- Cotton-based thread
- Italian-made
- 1.44 Ounces
- Good for seams and quilting
- Low lint
Pros
- Extremely low lint levels
- Integrates very easily into projects
- Good for seams and quilting
- High-quality
Cons
- Requires some sewing experience before using
- Color may be slightly different than pictured
2. Mettler Silk-Finish Solid Cotton Thread, 547 yd/500m
Another high-quality cotton thread, the Mettler silk-finish cotton thread is perfect for all occasions, especially clothing. Cotton is very known for having very little lint, and combined with this silk finish, helps for perfect stitches and beautiful projects. It also runs through machines very easily, maintaining its high-quality label and ensuring easy usage. Notably, this thread is famous for its long spools which can help maximize your efficiency so you can continue doing what you love.
Specifications
- Cotton-based thread
- Very long spools
- Does not break easily
- Silk-like finish
Pros
- Long spools
- High quality
- Very little lint
- Hand-sewing friendly
- Strong but silky
Cons
- May be difficult to ship
3. Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP 9000 S900-50 Piece Assortment
Coats & Clark is probably the best-known thread brand. For good reason too. Say you just took up sewing as a hobby, or are trying it out for the first time ever. Coats & Clark has that beginner-friendly, easy-to-use feel that is flexible for several types of machines and purposes. It is also inexpensive and provides great value for your money’s worth. Even for the advanced sewer, it is a great picker-upper if you do not have time on a project and need to quickly complete something.
Furthermore, it comes in several fun colors. You can be sure to find your ideal color scheme with Coats & Clark, as this 50-set can truly unlock your imagination. Whether you wish to with your sew basic nudes or cover the entire rainbow’s worth of colors, this thread has you covered with anything you might need.
Specifications
- Polyester-based thread
- Good for sewing all knits, wovens and fibers
- Strong and smooth for all machine types
- 50-piece set
Pros
- Lots of fun colors!
- A flexible/stretchy, general-purpose thread (does not break easily)
- Inexpensive; budget-friendly – has great value for its price
- Contains a thread lock
- High quality
- Overall positive reviews
Cons
- Holds less thread than usual (small spools)
- Contains colors that are not commonly used
4. Gutermann 25049 Natural Cotton Thread Solids 876 Yards
This Gutermann thread is perfect for any sewer, be it someone who is just starting out or an advanced sewing hobbyist. It is also the first cotton thread on our list. Whatever the reason for your sewing, you know this thread will not break down or tear apart while you are crafting your masterpiece. As well, this thread comes in several vibrant, unique colors that can be mixed and matched to buy efficiently and minimize waste. With the advantageous combination of being inexpensive yet high quality, it is one of the best threads on our list.
Specifications
- Cotton-based thread
- Strong but silky finish – best for users who prefer sewing with cotton
- Works for both machine sewing and hand sewing
- Single-ply
- Sturdy, high-quality thread
Pros
- Strong and sturdy
- Inexpensive; budget-friendly yet high quality
- Unique and vibrant colors available
- Easy for beginners to use
- Larger-than-average spools (last very long)
- Leaves very little lint
Cons
- Very curly – could lead to knots or tangles
5. Simthread 1100 Yards 24-Piece Set
Specifications
- Polyester based thread
- 24-piece set
- Pre-wound bobbins
- 4-5 colorfastness (color will not wash out)
- Trusted by professionals
Simthread is another great all-purpose option that can be used for several things, including quilting, sewing, overlocking, and embroidery. It comes with 24 pieces, all in different, vibrant, and fun colors to match your sewing needs. The company also strives to offer the most premium quality and valuable thread for its customers, aiming to achieve excellence. It has been running since the 1990s for a reason.
This kit also comes with pre-wound spools and thread nets, creating ease for sewing and getting started. They are larger spools as well – 1100 yards or twice the average thread. Made out of polyester, that adds durability and has a bit of a shine to it.
Specifications
- Polyester based thread
- 24-piece set
- Pre-wound bobbins
- 4-5 colorfastness (color will not wash out)
- Trusted by professionals
Pros
- Very long spools
- Pre-wound bobbins
- Does not shed color after multiple washes/dries
- Multi-purpose
- Strong and durable
- Inexpensive; budget-friendly
Cons
- Slightly thin
6. BetyBedy 36Pcs Bobbins and Sewing Threads with Bobbin Case
Does it fit your machine? This product is suitable for the following sewing or embroidery brands – hit the Amazon link to see if it’s compatible with your machine:
Brother, Babylock, Quantum Futura, Singer, Janome, Juki
Similar to the last one, this product is great for daily, regular sewing. This product comes with both threads and bobbins, allowing for easy organization and a reusable, eco-friendly option once your thread is finished. They are suitable for a wide variety of sewing machines (listed above). It is the perfect amount, especially for someone who has just started using embroidery machines or sewing machines. Handily, it also comes with a transparent case, perfect to spark your imagination and get sewing.
Transparency is also helpful when it comes to storing and organizing the bobbins after you have made progress on a project. With both the bobbins and threads, this comes at a great value by providing all your sewing or embroidery essentials.
Specifications
- Standardized to fit many sewing and embroidery machines (including Janome, Brother, Babylock, Elna, and Singer)
- Reusable bobbins and bobbin box
- 36-piece set
Pros
- Several color options!
- Thread and Bobbin combination available (alongside the bobbin box)
- Easy to keep organized
- Beginner-friendly
- Sewing machine and embroidery machine friendly
- Very inexpensive; budget-friendly
Cons
- Thread breaks easily (according to some users)
- Thread can be loose from shipping
7. Keimix 72 PCs Sewing Thread Kits
This thread is another perfect option for sewing with a machine or by hand. The colors and stitches last fairly long, even if put in the washer or dryer on several occasions. It can also be used for both hand sewing and many different machines, however, avoid this for embroidery machines. It works best if you prefer to take your time on a project, so with the Keimix, sew slower. Otherwise, the quality, tasteful colors, and helpful pre-wound bobbins make this a great purchase.
Specifications
- Polyester-based thread
- Comes with bobbins
- 550 yards
- 36 colors
- Hand and machine sewing
Pros
- Very long spools
- Plenty of colorful options
- Works for both hand and machine sewing
- Comes with pre-wound bobbins
Cons
- Slower-paced sewing recommended
Buyers Guide
Types of Thread
When deciding on what type of thread to purchase, it can be overwhelming with all the types and various measurements available such as strengths (number of plies) and thicknesses (weight of thread). Due to this difficulty, we have provided a buyers guide that simplifies it all – so even the beginner sewer can find their perfect match.
Cotton Thread
Cotton is both strong and soft, known for not being too stretchy. Thus, it is perfect for things like quilting because it is tougher and can hold its own shape more easily. It is also best for light or medium-weight fabrics.
Cotton is also special in that it is heat resistant; this means you can iron your finished project or have it withstand the heat from quick friction without worry. Cotton combines the advantages of a silk thread with its shinier finish but includes its own colorfastness (how difficult it is for the color to wash off).
A wide variety of cottons are also mercerized, meaning it has gone through plenty of chemical treatments to increase its dye and water absorptivity. One downside to cotton, however, is that because it is not stretchy, you should not try using it on anything that is not already 100% cotton. Otherwise, you risk breaking your project.
Polyester/Nylon Thread
Polyester/nylon, on the other hand, is known for being a little stretchier. It is great for projects where you will end up wearing what you have created or modified. It also has very low lint levels – something the advanced sewer typically looks for in a thread. Polyester/nylon often has a waxy or silicon finish, allowing it to slide through fabric with little to no friction and making it perfect for topstitching.
This, however, does burn very easily so we suggest avoiding heat with polyester/nylon at all costs. As well, it does not work very well with cotton, since polyester is stronger than cotton and can break the cotton.
Silk Thread
Silk is less often used, but really strong and beautiful. It works well with all fabrics but is best with delicate ones as it would not leave holes in the fabric. Since it is not as commonly used (typically only used when one needs to match the thread percentage), we have not included any on our list.
Conclusion
We hope that after reading this guide, you find your sewing journey a little easier. We tried to include all of the best thread for sewing that you would need – a buyer’s guide, pros, and cons, product descriptions, and specifications, etc. We have also aimed for this to be useful, whether you have just started sewing or are a veteran at the craft. So whatever you are doing, be it machine sewing, hand-sewing, quilting, or anything else in this ballpark, we hope this guide has been helpful.