Decorative Embroidery Thread: How to Use It in Your Sewing Projects

When you think of embroidery thread, you might picture a hoop, a needle and a skein of colourful floss. But there’s another type of embroidery thread that belongs firmly in the sewing room: machine embroidery thread sold on cones.

Designed for decorative machine stitching, this thread can add colour, texture and personality to all kinds of sewing projects. If you’ve spotted cones of shiny, vibrant thread and wondered what you can actually do with them, here’s a guide to getting the most from them.

What is machine embroidery thread?

Machine embroidery thread is a fine, smooth thread designed to run through a sewing or embroidery machine. It is often made from polyester or rayon and has a beautiful sheen that makes decorative stitching stand out.

Unlike standard sewing thread, which is primarily designed for seams and construction, embroidery thread is intended to be seen. It is particularly useful when you want your stitching to become part of the design.

And while it’s called embroidery thread, you don't necessarily need an embroidery machine to use it.

Use it for decorative stitching

One of the simplest ways to use embroidery thread is with the decorative stitches already built into your sewing machine.

If your machine has zigzags, scallops, waves, florals or other decorative stitch options, try swapping your regular thread for embroidery thread and see how the result changes.

A simple line of decorative stitching can transform:

• Necklines and cuffs

• Pockets

• Shirt yokes

• Jacket seams

• Waistbands

• Hems

• Bags and accessories

• Quilts and homewares

Even a very simple stitch can look completely different when sewn in a contrasting, metallic or brightly coloured thread.

We show you how to use machine embroidery thread over on Instagram: 

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Try contrasting colours

Decorative stitching doesn't have to blend in.

Choose a thread that contrasts with your fabric for a bold, graphic effect. Black stitching on a bright colour, white on denim or a rainbow thread on a neutral fabric can all make a statement.

For something more subtle, choose a thread that is just a shade or two lighter or darker than your fabric. You'll get the texture and detail of decorative stitching without it becoming the main feature.

Don't forget the bobbin

When using embroidery thread for decorative stitching, it's worth thinking about what's happening on the underside of your fabric too.

For many decorative stitches, you can use a regular sewing thread in the bobbin rather than embroidery thread. This can help reduce bulk and means you don't need a second cone of your decorative colour.

However, always check your sewing machine's instructions and test your chosen combination on a scrap of fabric first. Different machines, threads and stitch settings can behave differently.

Adjust your tension

If you're switching from regular sewing thread to embroidery thread, your machine may need a little adjustment.

Embroidery threads can have a different weight, finish and surface from the thread you normally sew with. If your stitching looks loose, uneven or is pulling the fabric, try adjusting the tension and stitch settings.

Always test first. A small scrap of your actual fabric is the best way to find the right combination of thread, needle, tension and stitch length before you start on your finished garment.

Choose the right needle

Your needle choice can make a big difference.

For lightweight embroidery threads, a machine embroidery needle is often a good place to start. These needles are designed with a larger eye and are made to accommodate embroidery thread smoothly.

As always, check the recommendations for your particular thread and machine, and choose your needle size based on the fabric you're sewing.

Use it for quilting

Decorative machine embroidery thread can be particularly beautiful on quilts.

Use it for free-motion quilting, decorative borders or to highlight particular shapes and patterns. A shiny thread can add a subtle glimmer to an otherwise simple quilt, while a bright colour can make the stitching itself part of the artwork.

Make your mending visible

Decorative thread is also perfect for visible mending.

Rather than trying to make a repair disappear, use colourful stitching to celebrate it. Add rows of decorative stitches over a patched area, reinforce a worn section or use contrasting thread to turn a repair into a feature.

It's a simple way to extend the life of a garment while giving it a completely new look.

Use it on denim and heavier fabrics

Decorative stitching can look fantastic on denim, canvas and other sturdy fabrics. Try using a bold colour to customise a jacket, jeans, tote bag or workwear-inspired garment.

For heavier fabrics, make sure your needle and machine are suitable for the fabric and thread combination. You may also need to slow down your stitching speed to achieve an even result.

Experiment with your machine

The best way to discover what your embroidery thread can do is simply to experiment.

Take a few fabric scraps and try:

Different stitches – See how the same thread looks as a zigzag, scallop, satin stitch or decorative motif.

Different stitch lengths – A longer stitch can create a completely different effect from a dense, closely spaced one.

Different colours – Try tonal, contrasting and multicoloured threads.

Different fabrics – Test your favourites on cotton, denim, linen, knits and other scraps to see how they behave.

You might discover that your sewing machine has decorative stitches you've never even tried before!

A great thread for getting creative

Decorative embroidery thread is one of those sewing supplies that's worth keeping in your stash. A single cone can be used across multiple projects, and because the thread is designed to be visible, even a small amount of stitching can have a big impact.

So next time you're choosing thread, don't just think about what's going to hold your seams together. Think about what could make your stitching part of the design.

A little colour, shine and creativity can turn an ordinary sewing project into something completely your own.

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