- Pro Tips
- Bobbin Case Issues
- Embroidery Backing Basics And When To Use Them
- Embroidery Hacks
-
Embroidery Thread Weights & What Do They Mean
- Hacks For Left Chest Design Placement
- How And When To Use Pre Digitized Fonts In Your Commercial Embroidery Business
- How To Hoop A Cap
- How To Make Custom Embroidery Patches
- How To Select The Right Needle For Your Commercial Embroidery Machine
- How To Stay In Tune With The Embroidery Industry
- How To Troubleshoot & Solve For Your Commercial Embroidery Machines Working Parts
- How to Troubleshoot Tension Issues With Your Commercial Embroidery Machine
- How To Use Appliqué Designs In Your Commercial Embroidery Business
- Production Tips
- Pro Tips List
- Thread Weights And Their Uses
- Tips For Cleaning Up Your Puffy Foam
- Top 3 Differences in Cut Away & Tear Away Embroidery Backing
- Top Reasons To Use Fabrics In Your Embroidery Shop
- Top Tips For Commercial Embroidery Machine Maintenance
- What Are The Main Machine Embroidery Bobbin Types
- What Are The Reasons For Thread Breaks
- What Supplies Do I Need To Make Custom Embroidery Patches
- When To Use Cotty Thread In Your Embroidery Designs
- When To Use More Than One Layer Of Backing
- When To Use Solvy Wash Away Backing For Commercial Machine Embroidery
- Why Is 3D Puffy Foam Profitable
Thread Weights And What Do They Mean?
Thread weight describes the thickness of embroidery thread and bobbin thread. The larger the number, the thinner the thread. The smaller the number, the thicker the thread.
1. Designs:
Designs generally require a specific thread weight due to how the design is digitized. If the thread is too thick for the stitch area, there will be overlapping threads which could cause a bird’s nest under the throat plate. If the thread is too thin for the stitch area, the coverage will not be adequate.
2. Needle Size:
Thread weight determines the size of the needle used in your machine. (The thicker the thread, the larger the needle hole needs to be.)
a. Needle selector chart >b. Anatomy of needle chart >
3. Coverage VS Detail:
Heavy weight threads cover a larger area with fewer stitches. Lighter weight threads are used for detail work within designs and/or for small lettering.
4. Fiber Type:
Take into consideration the type of fiber of your thread (Polyester, Rayon, Acrylic, Cotton, etc). Heavier weight threads tend to have more strength while thinner weight threads have less.
- Poly 40: The Go To Thread, Durable, Colorfast to Chlorine, Long Lasting
- Poly 60: Small Lettering, Detail In Designs, Durable, Colorfast To Chlorine, Long Lasting
- Sulky 40: Brilliant Luster, High Tensile Strength, Natural Fibers
- Cotty 30: Matte Finish, Natural Fibers, Strong
- Filaine 12: Vintage Look, Wool Like Features, Great Coverage
- Mety 30 And 40: Glamorous Sparkle, Multiple Colors, Two Thicknesses
Watch these helpful videos to learn about thread weights, needle selection, and how to change your thread.
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