You have all been so helpful. Thanks!

I know as a new embroidery machine owner I was shocked at the price of the embroidery threads. But my dealer steered me in the right direction, and actually showed me on one of her machines the difference between good and cheap threads. So I buy Robison Anton, Isacord, and Floriani. Luckily my wonderful dealer is only 12 miles away, so I don't have driving issues. I'm not sure what brands JoAnn's sells, but the store is a whole lot further for me anyway. Also, be sure what you're buying: polyester or rayon. Both are ok to use, but I would use poly for anything to be washed or worn a lot, like a purse, it's stronger & more colorfast. Rayon has more sheen & more colors, if you're doing something like wallhangings, portraits of animals, etc. Although, I think Floriani's polyester rivals the sheen of rayon with the benefits of poly. But I must say it will unravel just sitting there, it's so slippery! I use thread nets on my Floriani that I don't need on the RA or Isacord. Hope this helps. Marji

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by marjialexa 08 May 2008

Oh, I forgot, I thought the thread was expensive at first, but when I found out how far the mini-king spool goes, I decided it wasn't so expensive after all! I think regular sewing thread is more expensive per inch, honestly. M

by newipswich 08 May 2008

Thank you for the info. on the useage of poly and rayon - I'll have to make note of that, else I will forget. :-) And the brands of thread that I was not familiar with. Flowers & blessings to you, Marji.

I like Madeira the best, partly because of the spools, which are designed to stop them unravelling! I have no breakage with them, compared to any other brands.

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by newipswich 08 May 2008

Thank you! That would definitely be a plus, to have the spools stay "orderly"!! Flowers & blessings!!

I like both of those brands. I can buy them locally. However, sometimes online is cheaper. Check out the All Stitch place. see link They have Madeira thread as well as other supplies you may be interested in. I have ordered from them twice and have been satisfied with the quality and service.

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by clawton 08 May 2008

PS- welcome to the cummunity family. You will find them friendly and very helpful.

by newipswich 08 May 2008

Thank you! I have Robison Anton, so far. I wonder if JoAnn fabrics have either. (We're out in the country, so our store selection is limited.) I appreciate the online recommendation. Flowers for you!

The major brands are all OK, whether it's rayon or polyester. Just a matter of personal preference. Go with shirlener's advice: try out before you buy larger quantities. Buying cheap may turn out to be expensive. *4U

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by newipswich 08 May 2008

Thank you! I think I'll stay "safe" with the "tried & true" brands. I can get a decent deal through the dealer that sold me my machine. They would be larger spools, if I can figure out which colors
would be most used. My minumum order would have to be $200. (which is kind of an issue.) Flowers for you too!

newispswich, the ones that you mentioned are very fine quaility - there are some - that are not - before you buy a large quanity - always buy one or two to try out - so you are not taken - you will be able to tell the difference between a fine quaility thread and one that is not - when your threads and needles breat and your design looks bad. Buy the top of the line in all your embroidery tools and you will have such beautiful embroidery that you will have compliments left and right and you will always be satisfied. It costs more in the beginning, but you will enjoy it longer and will not have the hassle with the trouble that the lower quality of brands give you - that you will enjoy your embroidery projects so much more. Does that make sense? Hehehe! *4U

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by shirlener88 08 May 2008

breat - should be break!

by newipswich 08 May 2008

Thank you! I guess I won't waste my time (or money) trying a cheaper brand. Wouldn't that be such a disappointment, to have a design turn out badly because of the thread! Flowers for you too!