The 10 Best Sewing Threads
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in July of 2019. Although the fabric may be the main thing you notice when you look at a garment or a quilt, the sewing thread that holds it together is just as important to its strength and longevity. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality choices made from a variety of materials, including cotton and polyester, that will ensure the durability of your creations. Most come in tons of colors, as well. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Gutermann Solids
2. Mettler Silk-Finish
3. Coats & Clark All Purpose
Editor's Notes
November 02, 2020:
Experienced sewists will probably not be surprised to see that Gutermann Solids, Mettler Silk-Finish, and Coats & Clark All Purpose are still given prime spots on this list, since these time-tested options remain reliable favorites. Of the three, the Coats & Clark option is generally the least expensive, and while it may be a touch fuzzier than the others, it's a simple, easy to find go-to that works for a wide range of projects.
For those who need something a little different, we kept the luxurious Clover Silk and the strong Sgt. Knots Kevlar, and added Aurifil Clear. It is great to have in your sewing basket for those times when you are having trouble finding the right thread color for your fabric; it can also help you hide small mistakes as you stitch in the ditch, a big plus if you are new to this technique and struggling.
Finally, one more word about color. We've included a wide range of choices here, but remember that individual monitors can offer slight variations in color, so what you receive may be slightly darker or lighter than it appears on the screen. Unfortunately, this isn't a problem manufacturers can completely eliminate, although most try to offer the most accurate color reproduction possible.
July 15, 2019:
At this time, we have selected popular choices from the biggest names in sewing thread, including Gutermann, Aurifil, Mettler, and Coats & Clark. These are brands that everyone from quilters to hand stitchers rely on, and for good reason — the threads they offer are sturdy, attractive, and usable. Although it can be tough to say which one is the unequivocal best, simply because various projects have different requirements, we think Gutermann Solids are a top choice for many. They can be used successfully whether you're working by hand or using a sewing machine, and they don't break and fuzz like lower-quality cotton options. Plus, the spools are neither too large nor too small, making them a breeze to use.
We also added a couple of options for specific purposes, including Dritz Elastic and Sgt. Knots Kevlar. You won't need these for every project, but for stretchy or outdoor items, respectively, they are fine tools to have. Note that you'll need a sharp pair of scissors on hand for the Sgt. Knots option.
Special Honors
Sajou Fil Au Chinois Selection Box The Sajou Fil Au Chinois Selection Box would make a fine gift for a discerning seamstress, but we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to keep it all to yourself. This particular thread is popular thanks to its overall quality, but it isn't necessarily easy to find. sajou.fr
Gutermann Sew-all rPet If you craft out of concern for the environment, you can take your stewardship to the next level with Gutermann Sew-all rPet. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester, it helps keep plastic bottles out of landfills, and it creates less CO2 to produce than many other options. consumer.guetermann.com
4. Aurifil Clear
5. Connecting Threads Cotton
6. Sgt. Knots Kevlar
7. Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP
8. Dritz Elastic
9. Clover Silk
10. CiaraQ 30-Color Set
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.