Behind the Jargon A guide to our Gutermann Sewing Thread Collection

Sewing machines and hand-sewing thread can come in a wide range of weights and finishes. Which type and weight of thread to use for your sewing project should always be considered before stitching as it can affect both the performance of your sewing machine and the durability or finish of your finished project. There are many ways thread weight is measured or labelled and unfortunately, there is no universal standard, but as a general rule of thumb the larger the thread weight the finer the thread is. This is because more thread is required to equal a set weight, therefore the smaller the number the thicker the thread is also. At Yandles we stock a wide choice of sewing threads from Gutermann for both hand and machine stitching, below is a guide to understanding our thread range which will hopefully help you in choosing the right thread for your next project.

Natural Cotton 100m:

• A mercerized thread made from 100% natural cotton, a fine but strong thread with silk-like lustre
• Ideal for using to quilt, create patchworking, top stitch, creating decorative seams or closing and backstitching seams.
• For use on all fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials.
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying, dry cleaning and ironing.
• Recommended needle size Universal 70-90

Sew-all Thread: (available in store in 100m, 250m and 500m lengths)

• Suitable for hand and machine stitching
• A universal thread made from 100% polyester, known for its durability and strength.
• For use on all fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials.
• Can be used for creating decorative seams or closing and backstitching seams.
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying  and ironing
• Recommended needle size Universal 70-90

Rayon 40 machine embroidery thread 200m:

• A universal machine embroidery thread made from 100% viscose.
• An extra shiny finish perfect for high quality, beautiful embroidery motifs
• For use on all fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials.
• Performs well in high-speed embroidery machines with little breaking or fraying.
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying and ironing
• Recommended needle size Universal 70-90

Metallic machine embroidery thread 200m:

• Made from 70% polyamide and 30% polyester.
• Creates a sparkling and glittering ornamental and decorative stitch.
• Use in combination with Sew-All thread as your bobbin thread.
• For use on all fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials.
• Best used with a special sewing machine needle designed for metallic thread.
• Can be machine washed up to 30°c, also suitable for tumble drying and ironing on a low heat.

Cotton 30 variegated machine embroidery/quilting thread 300m:

• A three-dimensional thread that varies in colour throughout the thread length
• Made from 100% natural cotton.
• Designed for machine quilting, embroidery and sewing.
• Can be used for ornamental and decorative stitching.
• Suitable for sewing medium to heavy weight fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials.
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying and ironing
• Recommended needle size 80-90

Top Stitch 30m:

• Made from 100% polyester.
• Contains three plies of thread, with an evenly round thread cross-section, it creates a particular three-dimensional thread.
• For closing and back stitching seams, hand stitching button holes and decorative stitching
• Suitable for sewing medium to heavy weight fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials.
• Use in combination with Sew-All thread in the bobbin.
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying and ironing
• Recommended needle size Universal 100-120

Extra Strong 100m:

• Made from 100% polyester.
• Robust and tear-resistant, designed for use on heavily stressed seams and for repair work
• For closing and back stitching seams, can also be used for distinctive decorative and ornamental stitching.
• For sewing heavy fabrics, woven fabrics, and many other materials
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying and ironing
• Recommended needle size Universal 90-110

Hand quilting 200m:

• Made from 100% mercerized cotton.
• Special waxed coating to ensure smooth stitching when hand sewing.
• No curling of thread
• Not to be used in a sewing machine due to its waxed finish
• Suitable for sewing most fabrics and materials.
• Can be machine washed up to 95°c, also suitable for tumble drying and ironing

Bobbin thread 200m:

• An ideal bobbin thread for all machine embroidery
• Made from 100% polyester.
• Designed to be especially fine, smooth and tear resistant.