Was just wondering. Is it possible to use dressmaking cotton thread or polyester thread instead of embroidery thread? I would like to to make two coasters which have much satin stitch around the edge. Thank you for any assistance.

Sarah I sometimes embroider with ordinary Seralon thread. Gives the design a vintage look. You can use ANY thread. Play and test for the best results

A lot depends on the machine you own, the speed you stitch at, and the type of thread you are using. Getting the combination right can be a little tricky. These newer high speed machines can really stress threads and the sensors can be a factor too. Yes, you can use whatever you want, but, like what others have said, you really need to do test stitchouts to be sure the outcome is what you want.

Thank you so much for the help and all the thoughts. Flowers for all.

I've used that kind of thread, it does work fine, Embroidery thread looks more shining . But after using common thread be sure you clean the machine , because the cotton leaves more dust in your machine and bobbin container. But you can use it.

Thank you for asking, a lot of answers and information I didn't know..

When I first got my machine, I knew NOT.HING! Didn't know there was embroidery thread or bobbin thread, so I just used what I had which was reg poly sewing thread and serger thread.
After I found this site, I read lots of info about embroidery and first discovered there was embroidery thread, so ordered some. Then found out there was bobbin thread! - bought some!
Well, my first two projects had a lot of designs on them using what I had and they turned out just fine!

I have used it on the bottom, when I do ith with the satin stitch boarder, had no trouble...wendy

Interesting question and interesting answers

I USED SURGER THERAD TO MAKE AN ANGLE.IT LOOKED GREAT A LITTEL HEAVERER THEN EMBROIDERY THREAD.BUT WAS GOOD.

I have been interested to read these comments, and they have enlightened me to try some of these different suggestions as it shall cut down the costs of different threads immensely. Thank you all for this information . It will be worth a try ,good luck Sarah, some useful tips. Sandra.

When I first got my Janome 300E machine I didn't know all the do and don'ts and did some designs with regular sewing machine thread.
I embroidered a design on a fleecy sweat shirt and also a design an Calico ( our Calico is about the same thickness as quilting fabric) all turned out fine and they were normal filled designs.
I think the only way you would know is to do a test run. Maybe slow machine down if you think it needs it.

Give it a try and I agree with Sue - clean your bobbin container area as often as you can 'cause the lint fills it up quickly. There's no harm in doing a sample piece and see what you think. Love Chris

I've used it for most things. Cotton thread particularly makes a lot of fluff so you need o clean your machine more often.
I always use ordinary sewing thread for seams in ITH items. It gives a stronger product. For a long while I've used overlocker thread as bobbin thread (so much cheaper than the Janome thread.)
Try it and see how it goes!

In Oz we can buy Softlight Embroidery Mercerised Cotton Thread 3000m


Softlight Embroidery Mercerised Cotton Thread 3000m (White)

SoftLight™ 50/2 weight (spool size 3000 metres) is a 100% mercerised cotton thread produced from long-staple fibre lengths.The mercerisation process increases the lustre and strength of this thread and it's perfect to use when stitching machine embroidery designs and embellishing clothing and projects.

Not recommended for use on articles that may require bleaching or soaking e.g. children’s clothes

I have done FSL with cotton thread but you will have to do a test to see if your machine performs as you want it to.

I also used overlock thread successfully but as the others said you'll want to try it first probably. Hope it will work out fine for you - Maria

As Sewmum1 says, you will have to do a test. I think there is nothing more lovely than a really old fashioned design stitched out in in-shiny cotton to look like your grandmother stitched it! Florals, swirly fonts, and heirloom designs...

It may depend on the design and the actual thickness of the thread. Most designs are digitised for embroidery thread thickness. For a satin stitch around the edge your thread may be too thick so may not stitch well.

In saying that please don't judge me but I have used overlockier thread for my ith projects for added strength when I stitch the seams for stuffies and I have also tested it with other designs including FSL designs with great success.

For me and my machines it works great but you may need to do a test first. Some machines can be fussy but you never know your machine might be ok.

As others have also said embroidery thread does not produce as much lint as normal thread so make sure you keep the bobbin area cleaned out. I brush mine out after each bobbin change.

3 comments

by joansatx 28 Mar 2017

I appreciate your information, too!

by airyfairy 28 Mar 2017

Thank you for telling me this

by marianb 29 Mar 2017

you are a fountain of information thanks for your tips.