I was wondering what brand of thread is your favorite? Are some threads better for your machine than others? Is the 'machine specific' thread just because it has the right color number? Also, where do you purchase your thread and can you buy individual colors or do you have to buy a set of colors?

Although Floriani is fine, I would avoid it if you want to mix lines of thread to get more variety. Floriani is far shinier and stands out (ugly) with other brands stitched In the same design. I have also found that Isacord is a bit duller than other brands and it does not compare well. I stitch on a Janome 350E and it LOVES Robison-Anton, which is what I mostly have.

One more thing about mixing brands: some lines are especially strong or weak along some color lines, for example, Hemmingworth has some pale yellows that I find valuable as no one else has them. Some lines have fabulous golds, others kinda ugly golds. Robison Anton has a huge range of greens, most of which I adore! The more you look the more you'll learn! Hope you find a brand or two that makes your machine purr.

1 comment

by RockyB 28 Aug 2014

Thanks! Those are some good points to know. I am learning more about different brands that I have not heard of before.

I love Madeira Rayon thread. I use Janome, Mettler, Finishing Touch, and pre wound bobbin thread that is 70 to 90 weight. (I have a Babylock Emore and Brother PE200). The Emore will only work with 90 weight bobbin thread. Both of those machines like thinner bobbin thread or they bird nest like crazy. I have just acquired 100 spools from a retired machine embroiderer of Embroidex Polyester thread, which I am not familiar with, and have not used yet. Looking it up on the internet it does not appear to be that expensive of a thread, so we will see how my machine likes it and stitches it out. Has anyone had any experience with this type of thread before?

1 comment

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

Thank you. I have not heard of Embroidex but maybe another Cuties has.

Each machine may have its own quirks. It may be fussy about a certain thread line, or just a particular color in that thread line. My machine hates Floriani and loves Isacord. So I just buy a single color when I try out a new thread line to see how my machine reacts to it.

1 comment

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

That's a good idea. Thanks

I PREFER & LOVE FLORIANI threads. It does not turn PINK or change colors when items are bleached. The item can be LONG WORN OUT and the design stitched with Floriani is still beautiful. I use ONLY Brother bobbin thread. Sulky works fine but I cannot be assured that it will keep its color through BLEACHING. Those are the only threads that my Brother machines will tolerate. And Floriani has the BEST SOFTWARE available, I MY OPINION. Hope this helps!!

1 comment

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

Thank you, I will check out Floriani, I've never heard of that one.

I have never bought threads as a set of colours only as individual reels. I have a selection of different brands as I don't buy from a specific shop. I have a great selection of colours. Thread manufacture that I have include Madeira, Isacord ( this was bought from my dealer when I got my machine), Kingstar - they were having a excellent sale at the time, Brildor and others without going to check out. I am in the UK. My machines seem to approve of the selection of threads I get used. I have looked at the Metro sales and a friend bought from a SICk sale B U T there is import duty and delivery added which adds up to almost double the original cost

1 comment

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

It is good to know that your machine works well with a variety of thread brands. I'm hoping mine will also. Thank you.

ThreadArt all the way! Single spools or sets are available in 200 colors for poly and rayon 40wt thread for embroidery (I prefer polyester thread since it is colorfast for all things washable). Other weights and fibers are also available in a more limited assortment.

1 comment

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

Thank you. I agree, everything I make has to be washable and I wouldn't want any colors running. I've heard of ThreadArt before but have not ordered from them.

I started with Madeira threads in my Babylock Ellegante and continue to use it in my Babylock Elissimo and my Babylock 6 needle. I have had no trouble with this thread in any of my machines so I stick with it. I have had no trouble with bobbin threads; prewound or self-wound. I use Allstitch (google if you are interested in checking out this high quality website) for all threads, bobbins, stabilizers, blanks, etc. I figure if my machines like Masiera, why use something else. And Madeira has just added 72 new colors to the 400 plus shades it already has. Madeira comes in both large and small cones, and you can buy the shades you want individually. I hope you find the thread you like and need.

1 comment

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

I've heard a few people like the Madeira thread. I will check out Allstitch too, thank you.

The nice thing about metro it doesn't break the bank. I use it but have others as well. I don't follow exact color charts, I try to find like colors though. I also love marathon, madeira, and I would stay away from coats and clark embroidery thread, though I do know that's the only brand our walmart sells in sewing thread. I do use their sewing thread for lack of having other brands. My machine seems to like cones small or large, versus the vertical spools I sometimes have problems with. I have a babylock ellageo 2003 model. I also use a single free standing thread stand for best results in thread flowing to my machine.

3 comments

by sewilso 27 Aug 2014

OH and some machines namely brother babylock are funny about bobbin threads. Dragonflyer, I want to try some of that bobbin thread from them someday. If I don't use the right bobbin thread I see white in the top of my design.

by dragonflyer 27 Aug 2014

I have used their prewound bobbins for four years now and never had a problem...and the bobbins themselves are really good quality and can be re-wound!! That is a plus, too!

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

Thank you. I have heard that about coats and clark also. I have also gone to the single free standing thread stand, so far I like it.

Hi RockyB...I am a Metro girl! It works very well for me...it is a great price performer...it is polyester and has a wonderful sheen. I have it in every color and I purchase the 5,000m cones...they have sales several times per year. Some machines can be finicky, but I have a BabyLock Ellisimo and have no problems at all...I also use their prewound bobbins...a great price performer as well...they sell in sets or individually by color...In my book, can't beat it!

3 comments

by crafter2243 27 Aug 2014

Same here

by pcteddyb 27 Aug 2014

Same here. Two Brother machines and no issues. I also use the prewounds.

by RockyB 27 Aug 2014

Thank you, I have not heard of Metro. I appreciate the link too!