9 Steps to Choose the Best Sewing Thread for your Fabrics

The 9 steps to choose sewing thread like a pro is essential for any sewing project as you will learn from  this article. The type of thread you choose will affect the overall look and feel of your project, as well as how strong and durable it is. With so many different types of sewing thread on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your project.

This article provides 9 steps to help you choose sewing thread like a pro, so you can get the best results for your next sewing project!

9 Steps to Choose Sewing Thread Like a Pro

The following 9 steps to choose sewing thread like a pro is a must-know if you want to be the best in your chosen field:

1) Select the Appropriate Machine

Obviously, you may skip this if you already have a sewing machine (and make do with what you have). The best sewing machines for beginners are available, though, if you still feel the need to get one.

I won’t go into depth about those models’ benefits here, but I do strongly encourage you to read a few of the product descriptions to get the flavor.

2) Use Complementary Threads

Spool and bobbin threads that coordinate
Two threads are used by a sewing machine. To prevent unequal strain, jams, and breaks, you should always use the same type of thread (same material, same thickness*) on the top and the bottom.

*Of course, you can combine colors to match the inner and outer fabrics or to create decorative stitching as long as the thread is the same type.

Starting each project with an empty bobbin and filling it from the spool is the simplest way to match threads.

Fill many bobbins at once if you frequently use the same spool to prevent having to re-thread your machine. Just remember to keep track of their source! (Label each bobbin or keep it in its spool in storage.)

3) Maintain the Neatness of your Curves and Lines.

If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, this could sound difficult, but worry not—actually it’s fairly easy (although you’ll need some experience).

The edge of your cloth should be aligned with one of the lines* on the needle plate in order to stitch a straight line.

These lines can be seen on most sewing machines. If not, you can “draw” one by covering the needle plate with a little piece of tape.

Start out slowly, then pick up the pace as you develop confidence. Never pay attention to the needle or the stitches; they move too quickly for your eyes to keep up with them, and doing so keeps you from seeing the greater image.

Slowly stitch while twisting the fabric with both hands to create a smooth curve. If you can, continue steadily and continuously; nevertheless, if you must make a quick turn, always stop with the needle inserted into the fabric.

By doing so, you can turn the cloth around the final stitch to create a clean curve.

4) At the Beginning, Grasp onto the Tails of the Threads.

Holding the threads for a sewing machine.
Before you start sewing, the tails of the threads are loose. They may even draw the fabric in with them if they become entangled in the machine’s machinery as a result (especially light thin fabrics).

Always grasp the thread tails with your left hand while sewing the initial stitch to prevent this problem (and the potential need to cut a hole in your cloth to fix it).

5) Lay out your Fabrics Flat before Stitching.

By flattening the cloth beforehand, you may prevent the wonky stitches that result from stitching scrunched-up fabric. To smooth out all the lines (including the elegant folding ones), simply use your hands, or iron it if necessary.

Although it initially requires some more work, it will ultimately simplify your life.

6) Practice your Craft Constantly

Sewing on paper to practice
You want your work to seem great, don’t you, and practice makes perfect, right?

I am aware that the want to immediately begin is strong. But keep in mind that each type of cloth, thread, and stitch has unique properties.

Varying threads require different tensions, while thin fabric might be brittle and needs a thick, powerful needle. Stitches can come in a variety of sizes and forms.

You can make changes without destroying your work by practicing for a few minutes on a scrap of fabric. For this to make sense, you must obviously reproduce the circumstances of your project.

To ensure consistency between your test and project, use the same fabric (and the same number of layers), thread, and machine setup.

To get the hang of it, complete beginners might also practice on printed paper initially. Numerous free patterns (lines, curves, even pictures) are available online that you can print at home and use for exercise.

7) Avoid Being a Slob.

soiled sewing machine component
You should occasionally clean your computer.

When you stitch, fluff gets caught in the machine. Even if you don’t always see it, it can impact your machine’s performance and noise level (which you should notice, otherwise maybe clean your ears too :P).

It’s also a good idea to cover your machine to keep dust off of it. The majority of machines come with a case or slipcover, however if you don’t have one, you may easily construct one.

You might save a trip to the repair shop with proper maintenance.

8) Keep the Ideal Sewing Environment.

You’d be surprised at how frequently cleaning the machine, rethreading it, or changing the needle can solve mechanical issues.

The part about cleanliness has previously been discussed.

Another beneficial maintenance procedure is rethreading. Try rethreading anything if you can’t seem to get the tension right, if the thread keeps breaking or jamming, or if anything feels strange (spool and bobbin). That will frequently resolve your issue.

Use the right needle for each project, as far as that is concerned. Although universal needles are useful in a variety of circumstances, they are not always the ideal option.

On exceptionally thin or thick textiles, they won’t function as well as thinner or heavier needles. Even though jeans, for instance, are something you might wear every day, they need a special needle!

Needles also easily lose their sharpness or bend. Thread jams may result from this, or even worse, the needle may strike the needle plate rather than pass through the hole (and consequently breaking). To stitch better and more securely, replace it frequently.

9) Make Sure You Have Sufficient Thread.

Check the condition of your bobbin before beginning a new project (or a significant portion of a project).

Making sure there is enough thread on it will prevent you from running out in the middle of a precise seam or challenging stitch.

Better to change the bobbin in the beginning than to deal with it later if it is almost empty.

Conclusion

There are a few things you should take into account when choosing sewing thread. First, you need to consider the type of fabric you’re working with.

Different fabrics require different types of thread. Second, you need to pay attention to the weight and thickness of the thread.

This 9 steps to choose sewing like a pro will affect how strong your stitches are and how visible they will be. Finally, you need to make sure you choose a color that will match or complement your fabric.