Embroidery thread works for sewing, but it breaks more easily than regular thread
Yes, you can use embroidery thread for sewing, but it is not the best choice for most garments and everyday projects. Embroidery thread is thinner, more delicate, and designed to show up visually on fabric rather than hold seams together under stress. If you use it on a shirt seam or a bag that gets heavy use, the thread will snap and your seam will fail. For decorative stitching on finished garments, small repairs, or projects that do not take much wear, embroidery thread works fine. For structural seams that need to last, regular sewing thread is the right tool.
The core difference is construction. Embroidery thread is loosely twisted or sometimes not twisted at all, which makes it soft and lustrous but weak. Sewing thread is tightly twisted and often has a polyester or cotton core wrapped in another layer, which gives it the strength to hold fabric together through washing, wearing, and movement. Using embroidery thread on a seam that bears weight is like using a decorative ribbon instead of a rope — it looks nice but will not do the job.
Key Takeaways
- Embroidery thread is too weak for seams on garments or items that get regular wear, because it breaks under tension and stress.
- You can use embroidery thread for decorative topstitching on finished garments, small hand repairs, or projects that sit still.
- Embroidery thread is thinner and more loosely twisted than sewing thread, which makes it visible but fragile.
- If you run out of sewing thread, regular all-purpose thread in a matching color is a better substitute than embroidery thread.
- Machine tension and needle size matter: embroidery thread may require a larger needle and looser tension to avoid shredding.
Why embroidery thread fails in structural seams
Embroidery thread snaps because it cannot handle the forces that seams experience. When you wear a shirt, sit down, bend, or wash the garment, the seams stretch and compress. Sewing thread is engineered to flex with the fabric without breaking. Embroidery thread, by contrast, is designed to sit on top of fabric and create visual texture — it does not need to move with the material.
The loose twist also means embroidery thread shreds easily when it encounters friction. If you sew a seam with embroidery thread and then wash the garment, the agitation in the washing machine can fray the thread, weakening the seam further. A single wash can turn a weak seam into a failed one. For items that will be washed, worn, or handled regularly, this is a real problem.
Needle size and machine tension also matter. Embroidery thread is thicker than regular thread, so it needs a larger needle — usually a size 90/14 or 100/16 — to pass through without shredding. Your machine tension may also need adjustment. If your machine is set for standard thread and you feed in embroidery thread without changing the tension, the thread will break as it moves through the tension discs.
When embroidery thread is actually useful for sewing
Embroidery thread works well for decorative topstitching on finished garments. If you want to add a visible line of stitching around a neckline, along a seam, or around a pocket for visual interest, embroidery thread in a contrasting color will show up clearly and look intentional. The stitching is not bearing structural load — it is purely decorative — so the thread's weakness does not matter.
Hand repairs also work with embroidery thread, especially if the repair is small and temporary. If you need to tack a button back on, close a small hole, or reattach a loose seam for a day or two, embroidery thread will hold. For a permanent repair on a seam that gets stress, switch to regular thread.
Embroidery thread is also fine for projects that do not move or wash: wall hangings, framed textile art, or decorative pillows that sit on a shelf. If the item will not be handled, worn, or laundered, the thread's fragility is not a concern.
How to tell if your thread is embroidery thread
Embroidery thread usually comes on a spool labeled "embroidery" or "floss," and it is often much thicker and shinier than regular sewing thread. Rayon embroidery thread has a high sheen and is very soft. Polyester embroidery thread is slightly less shiny but still noticeably different from matte all-purpose sewing thread. If the thread looks lustrous and feels loose or fluffy when you hold it, it is probably embroidery thread.
The weight also differs. Embroidery thread is often labeled by weight — 30-weight, 40-weight, or 60-weight — rather than by thickness number like sewing thread. A 30-weight embroidery thread is quite thick and meant for bold, visible stitching. A 60-weight is thinner but still designed for decoration, not structure.
Better alternatives if you do not have sewing thread
If you are out of regular sewing thread and need to sew a seam, embroidery thread is not your best option. All-purpose polyester thread in a matching color is much stronger and will hold a seam far better. If you do not have that, cotton thread designed for sewing is also acceptable, though it is less common in stores now.
If you only have embroidery thread available and must sew a structural seam, use it as a temporary fix only. Sew slowly, use a larger needle, and loosen your machine tension. Plan to replace the seam with proper thread as soon as you can. Do not rely on embroidery thread for a seam that will be washed or worn regularly.
Machine settings for embroidery thread if you must use it
If you decide to use embroidery thread on your machine, adjust your settings first. Change your needle to a size 90/14 or 100/16 — larger than the size you would normally use for regular thread. Loosen your machine tension by one or two settings, because embroidery thread is thicker and needs more room to move through the tension discs without breaking.
Test on scrap fabric first. Sew a few inches and check whether the thread is breaking, shredding, or bunching. If it is breaking, loosen the tension more. If it is bunching on the underside, tighten it slightly. Once you find the right setting, sew slowly and steadily — rushing increases the chance of breakage.
Hand sewing with embroidery thread is much more forgiving than machine sewing. If you are doing decorative hand stitching or a small repair by hand, embroidery thread works without any adjustment.
Embroidery thread versus regular thread: the real difference
Regular all-purpose sewing thread is tightly twisted, usually made of polyester or a polyester-cotton blend, and engineered to withstand tension, washing, and wear. It is matte or slightly shiny, thinner than embroidery thread, and designed to be invisible in a seam. Embroidery thread is loosely twisted or untwisted, made of rayon or polyester, and designed to be visible and decorative. It is thicker, shinier, and much more fragile.
The cost difference is usually small — both are inexpensive — so there is no reason to choose embroidery thread for a structural seam just to save money. Buy the right thread for the job. For garments and items that will be worn or washed, that means regular sewing thread. For decoration, embroidery thread is the better choice because it shows up visually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will embroidery thread work for sewing a button back on?
Yes. Buttons do not move much and do not experience the stress that seams do, so embroidery thread will hold a button securely. Use a needle that fits the thread and sew through the button holes four or five times, then wrap the thread around the base of the button a few times to create a shank. This is a good use for embroidery thread.
Can I use embroidery thread in my sewing machine for topstitching?
Yes, if you adjust your settings. Use a larger needle (90/14 or 100/16), loosen your tension, and test on scrap fabric first. Topstitching is decorative, not structural, so embroidery thread works well and will show up visibly on the garment. Sew slowly to avoid breakage.
What happens if I accidentally sew a seam with embroidery thread?
The seam will hold at first but will likely fail after a few wears or washes. The thread will break under stress or fray in the washing machine. If you notice the mistake before wearing the garment, unpick the seam and resew it with regular thread. If you have already worn it, watch for the seam to fail and repair it before it tears the fabric.
Is embroidery thread the same as embroidery floss?
No. Embroidery floss is made of six strands twisted loosely together and is used for hand embroidery and cross-stitch. Embroidery thread is a single continuous strand wound on a spool and is used in embroidery machines. Floss is even more delicate than embroidery thread and should not be used for sewing seams or garments.
Can I use embroidery thread for mending a tear in a garment?
For a small, temporary mend, yes. For a permanent repair on a seam or a large tear, no. If the tear is in a high-stress area like a seam, use regular sewing thread and reinforce the repair with a patch if possible. Embroidery thread will hold a small hole closed temporarily but will not last through repeated wear and washing.