Embroidery thread works for basic hand sewing, but will break or shred on a machine
Embroidery thread is thinner and more delicate than sewing thread, and it's twisted differently. On a sewing machine, the tension and speed will snap it or fray it within a few stitches. For hand sewing seams or repairs, embroidery thread can work in a pinch—it holds a knot and won't fall apart—but it will wear out faster than regular thread because it's not built to take the stress of a seam that moves and stretches.
The real problem is that embroidery thread is made to show up visually on fabric, not to be durable. It's often rayon or polyester with a sheen, and the fibers are loosely twisted so light bounces off them. Sewing thread is tightly twisted and usually matte, designed to disappear into the fabric and hold under tension. Using embroidery thread for a seam that will be washed or worn is setting yourself up for the thread to break and the seam to come apart.
Key Takeaways
- Embroidery thread will break on a sewing machine because it cannot handle the tension and speed of machine stitching.
- For hand sewing repairs or temporary stitches, embroidery thread works but will wear out faster than regular sewing thread.
- Embroidery thread is designed to be visible and decorative, while sewing thread is designed to be strong and hidden in seams.
- If you only have embroidery thread on hand, use it for hand sewing only, and plan to replace the seam with proper thread later if the garment will be worn regularly.
Why embroidery thread breaks on sewing machines
A sewing machine pulls thread through the needle at high speed and under constant tension. Embroidery thread, being thinner and more loosely twisted, cannot withstand this pressure. The needle will split the fibers or the thread will snap before you complete a single seam.
The machine's tension discs—the metal plates that grip the thread—are designed for standard sewing thread thickness. Embroidery thread either slips through without enough grip, causing loose stitches, or gets pinched and shredded. You'll see the thread fray visibly as it comes out of the needle, and the stitches will look uneven or fail to form at all.
Hand sewing with embroidery thread: when it works
Embroidery thread holds up better for hand sewing because you control the tension yourself. A straightforward running stitch or whip stitch for a repair will work fine. The thread won't break as long as you don't pull too hard, and it will hold a knot securely.
The catch is durability. A seam sewn with embroidery thread will fray and break sooner than one sewn with regular thread, especially if the garment is washed or worn frequently. For a temporary fix—closing a hole in a bag, reattaching a button, hemming a pair of pants you'll wear once—embroidery thread is adequate. For anything that needs to last, use regular sewing thread instead.
The difference in thread construction
Sewing thread is tightly twisted from multiple strands of polyester or cotton. The tight twist makes it strong and resistant to fraying. It's usually matte so it blends into fabric. A typical sewing thread is about 0.3 to 0.4 millimeters thick.
Embroidery thread is more loosely twisted and often made from rayon, polyester, or silk with a sheen. The loose twist and shiny finish make it catch light and stand out on fabric—exactly what you want for decorative stitching. Embroidery thread is often thinner than sewing thread, sometimes as thin as 0.2 millimeters, and the fibers separate easily.
Some embroidery thread is even more delicate: metallic thread for holiday designs or variegated thread with color changes can be especially fragile. These should never go near a sewing machine.
What happens if you try anyway
If you put embroidery thread in a sewing machine and start stitching, you'll likely see one or more of these problems within the first inch:
- The thread breaks and the needle stops moving.
- The thread shreds visibly as it feeds through the needle.
- Stitches form unevenly—some tight, some loose, some skipped.
- The thread bunches or loops on the underside of the fabric.
- The machine makes a grinding or stuttering sound as it tries to pull the weak thread.
Stop when ready if this happens. Remove the broken thread, rethread with regular sewing thread, and check the needle for damage. A bent or dulled needle from the embroidery thread can cause problems with regular thread too.
When you have no other option
If you're in a situation where embroidery thread is all you have and you need to sew something by hand, go ahead. Use a needle appropriate to the thread thickness—a smaller needle for thinner embroidery thread—and tie a knot at the end. A straightforward running stitch or backstitch will hold.
For a machine, there is no workaround. Do not attempt it. If you don't have regular sewing thread, hand sewing is your only option, or you can wait until you can get to a store. A small spool of all-purpose polyester thread costs a few dollars and will last through dozens of projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use embroidery thread in a serger or overlock machine?
No. Sergers run even faster than regular sewing machines and put more stress on thread. Embroidery thread will break when ready. Use thread labeled for serger use, which is designed to handle the speed and tension.
What if I use embroidery thread on the bobbin only?
The bobbin thread still has to feed through the machine under tension. It will break or shred just like thread in the needle. Keep embroidery thread out of the machine entirely.
Is embroidery thread stronger if I use two strands together?
Two strands together are thicker but still not strong enough for a machine, and the machine won't be able to pull them through the needle smoothly. Hand sewing with two strands is fine and actually more durable than one strand.
Can I use regular sewing thread for embroidery?
Technically yes, but it won't look as good. Sewing thread is matte and thicker, so embroidered designs won't have the same shine or detail. Embroidery thread is designed for this work. If you're doing embroidery, use embroidery thread.