Embroidery Threads: An Ultimate Guide for 2023

Even though embroidery is now a popular technique used to create stylish clothes in the fashion and textile industries, it isn’t a relatively new method or a technique that just popped out of nowhere. In fact, the roots of embroidery date back to 30,000 BC. People in Eastern countries and China started embroidering on different fabrics. Even now, archaeologists discover heavily-threaded clothes from different sites, which show that embroidery is an ancient practice that has evolved over the years.

The current year was all about doing minimal embroidery and or embroidering over different accessories, but will the next year be the same? Are we going forward with pastel thread embroidery or is it time to leave that trend in 2022? Let’s find out.

Here’s everything you need to know about embroidery threads in 2023.

People who’re new to the world of embroidery might be surprised to hear the term being used so frequently in the fashion, textile, design, and clothing manufacturing industries. So what exactly do we mean when we say embroidery threads? As the name suggests, embroidery threads refer to the yarn that’s meant for being used in embroidery procedures or other types of needlework.

Contrary to popular belief, different types of threads are used in embroidery and sewing. At first glance, these two might look like replicas of each other but upon closer inspection, you can notice some differences. Even though both threads are made from the same type of fabric, like wool, rayon, silk, or cotton, sewing threads are stronger than embroidery threads. This is because stitches on specific areas of a garment, including the hem and the neckline, need to be super-sturdy to prevent the clothes from tearing apart.

On the other hand, embroidery threads are less sturdy since they’re used for decorative purposes. In addition, embroidery threads are thinner, which allows embroiderers to use them to create intricate patterns and detailing on various clothes and accessories. Embroidery threads are also glossier; they have a sheen that makes them look noticeable post-embroidery. When you’re selecting a thread for an embroidery session, it’s essential to go for embroidery threads, instead of choosing a sewing thread and ruining your embroidery project.

Embroidery threads can be divided into two subcategories: hand embroidery threads or the yarn you can use for hand embroidery, and machine embroidery threads, which are used in different machine embroidery procedures. Even though some people still use hand embroidery techniques, machine embroidery has replaced the former in most industries and houses. And why won’t it? Machine embroidery is quicker, more efficient, and saves a lot of money. So it shouldn’t be surprising that embroidery geeks prefer using machine embroidery threads to stitch away and create magic on fabrics!

The market is filled with dozens of embroidery threads for machine embroidery. Therefore, if you’re a beginner in the embroidery world, it will be highly challenging for you to pick the ultimate embroidery thread in 2023. But we can help! Here are some common types of embroidery threads that will be trending next year. Go through the list and pick an embroidery thread that redefines 2023 for you, reflects your personality and helps you create amazing gems.

Rayon Threads for Machine Embroidery

One of the most common machine embroidery thread types is rayon. This machine embroidery thread has been around for several years and it’s the hot favorite of machine embroidery enthusiasts for a reason! This embroidery thread is extra gorgeous and lustrous. Additionally, it has a reflective sheen that makes every embroidery design more aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for an embroidery thread that’s shinier than the average and can make any embroidery design stand out, rayon thread is your best bet for machine embroidery.

Another good thing about rayon embroidery threads is that they’re available in an extensive range of colors. So, no matter what colored design you want to embroider on your dress, you can do it using a rayon machine embroidery thread. Even though rayon threads have multiple pros, this machine embroidery thread type comes with some cons too. Rayon threads lose their color and shine over time, especially if you bleach the clothes while washing them.

So, in 2023, only use rayon threads to do embroidery on fabrics that you don’t plan on bleaching throughout the year.

Polyester Threads for Machine Embroidery

Polyester threads are referred to as the ‘underrated ruler’ of the embroidery industry as they provide solutions to all the problems that exist with rayon threads. Just like rayon threads, polyester threads have lots of sheen and luster. Additionally, they have the same color choices as polyester threads. But what makes them better than rayon threads? Unlike rayon embroidery threads, polyester threads are stronger and can last for a long time.

They’re resistant to constant friction and don’t shred like rayon threads. Oh, and did we mention that their color and sheen remain the same even after years? So it shouldn’t be surprising that polyester embroidery threads have gained immense popularity over the past few years and their trend will continue in 2023.

Cotton Threads for Machine Embroidery

Ah, cotton, the timeless classic of the embroidery and textile industry! Even though cotton threads are less popular than rayon and polyester, they’re still among the top embroidery threads for 2023. These threads come from natural fibers and don’t contain synthetic materials like the former machine embroidery thread types. Additionally, they’re the perfect option for people who need threads of different weights for their embroidery designs as these threads come in a vast variety of weights and thread thicknesses.

Cotton threads also have a matte look which is very distinguishable from the glossy look of other types of machine embroidery threads. But if cotton has such great properties, why are cotton threads not as common as rayon or polyester threads? This is because cotton threads have less elasticity, which means that they’re weaker and can break easily. So it’s essential to only use cotton threads for simple machine embroidery in 2023.

Silk Threads for Machine Embroidery

Now that we have discussed some common machine embroidery threads that you can use in 2023, now’s the time to shed light on the rare gems of the embroidery world. These threads are harder to find and you might have to invest a lot of effort and time in finding the right shade for different embroidery designs. One of these rare machine embroidery threads is a silk thread.

Like cotton yarns, silk threads are free from any synthetic material and are made entirely from natural fibers. But since silk is considered a luxurious fabric and is highly priced, silk threads are hard to find and use. However, if you manage to find one, you have hit the jackpot as silk threads give a lavish feel and look that isn’t present in any other threads. In addition, these threads are super-strong, which makes them an even better option. People who want to do embroidery on delicate fabrics like satin and silk need to invest in silk threads ASAP!

Metallic Threads for Machine Embroidery

Metallic threads are a combination of fibers and metal, which makes them a unique option — truly different from any threads you have seen before. These threads have an internal coil of metal, which has fibers wrapped around it. Since these threads have metal in their core, they’re super-sturdy and last for a long period.

Additionally, they provide a luxurious and shiny finish that looks gorgeous on different embroidery designs. The only downside to metallic threads is that it’s highly challenging to do embroidery using metallic threads. If you’re planning on using metallic threads for machine embroidery in 2023, we recommend practicing a lot before making a final, professional attempt at embroidery.

Glow-In-The-Dark Threads for Machine Embroidery

Even though 2022 was all about using minimal and subtle designs in embroidery, 2023 is going to be a lot different. Embroidery gurus globally are raving about the unique glow-in-the-dark threads that will be a top machine embroidery trend for the next year. As the name suggests, these threads glow in the dark.

Most threads glow in a yellowish or greenish color but you can find machine embroidery threads that can shine in some other shade. If you want to do embroidery for fun or scary costumes, glow-in-the-dark threads will be your ideal option in 2023. With these threads, you can make embroidery cooler than ever!

2023 is going to be the year of self-growth and discovering a newfound love for embroidery threads, designs, patterns, techniques, and more. We hope that this guide was useful for you and you’ll be stepping in 2023 with a lot of knowledge about embroidery threads. You can use our informational guide to finding the right threads for machine embroidery in 2023 or even mix and match to come up with your own, unique, embroidery techniques.

In 2023, you can do embroidery on accessories, clothes, and even curtains and bedsheets around your house. So what are you waiting for? Find the right embroidery threads and start stitching on New Year’s Eve, as what’s a better way to celebrate the start of a new year for an embroidery lover? Happy New Year in advance and good luck with your embroidery journey.