Can You Use Cone Thread On Your Sewing Machine?

Yes, you can use cone thread on a regular sewing machine, it’s easy, but not with all fabric types.

Cone thread is a type of thread that is wound onto a cone-shaped spool, rather than a spool that is shaped like a cylinder.

This type of thread is often used in commercial sewing operations because it allows for a large amount of thread to be loaded onto the sewing machine, reducing the need for frequent thread changes.

Using cone thread on a regular sewing machine is not difficult, but it does require a few special considerations.

First, you will need a cone thread stand or holder that is designed to hold the cone thread and allow it to feed smoothly through the sewing machine.

You may also need to adjust the tension on your sewing machine to accommodate the thicker, heavier cone thread.

Once you have the cone thread loaded onto your sewing machine and the appropriate tension settings in place, you can sew with cone thread just as you would with any other thread.

Cone thread is generally thicker and heavier than regular sewing thread, so it may not be suitable for use with very fine or delicate fabrics.

Because cone thread is wound onto a cone-shaped spool, it can be more difficult to control and manage than regular sewing thread, so it may require a bit more practice and skill to use effectively.

When to use cone thread

The term ‘cone thread’ simply means a larger spool holding more thread than your average spool of thread.

It’s called cone thread because of the shape of the spool, which is cone-shaped (wider on one end).

The two main benefits of cone thread are a) the ease with which the thread comes off the narrow end of the cone and b) how much additional thread it contains for larger sewing projects.

Thread to use for Overlocker machines

For great results on your overlocker machine, use good quality, branded, lint free thread. Overlocker thread comes on spools which are larger than traditional sewing machine spools, and they are designed to stand upright on the machine.

The reason you want a branded thread with the company name marked on the spool is because you’ll know the company stands behind the quality of their product.

Bobbin thread does not need to be the same color

When your top thread tension is properly set on your sewing machine, the bobbin thread will not be visible in the finished product.

For that reason, your bobbin thread does not need to be the same color as your top thread.

To be safe avoid using high contrast color combinations, however, typically any bobbin thread color will work.

How to thread your sewing machine needle

1. Place a spool of sewing thread on your machine
2. Pull the thread out and wind it around your bobbin
3. Put the bobbin on your machine’s bobbin pin
4. Engage the bobbin winder by pressing the pedal
5. Cut and wrap the spool thread around the guide
6. Pull the thread down around the catch
7. Wrap the thread around the take-up lever
8. Lastly, thread the needle and drop in your bobbin

Top stitching with embroidery thread (possible)

Contrary to an old weaver’s myth, embroidery thread can be used for top stitching on a sewing machine.

Several brands of embroidery threads are available for use on standard, simple home sewing machines.

Polyester, cotton and rayon threads tend to be a bit stronger than regular embroidery thread, but all can be used for top stitching with good results.

Engage your thread guide to keep thread in place

The thread guide on your home sewing machine is a small metal hook-shaped ring typically located on the upper needle assembly.

By running thread through the thread guide, it is kept in place during the sewing process.

Engage the thread guide to keep the thread moving smoothly between the spool and needle and to avoid frustrating tangles.

Overlock sewing thread (info and benefits)

Overlocking thread is a fine, smooth and relatively strong sewing thread designed to be used for sewing at high speeds.

It can be used on the overlocker needle or looper, it’s interchangeable.

All-purpose overlock thread is most widely available for 250m and 1000m bobbins as well as 7500m thread cones.

How to spot good bobbin thread

Good bobbin thread is as strong as any sewing machine top thread.

Go ahead and compare their tensile strength by seeing how easily they break.

Pull the bobbin thread tight and scratch it lightly to see if it frays.

Good bobbin thread should not be any more breakable than standard high quality thread.

Amount of thread needed to make a quilt (chart)

The quilting fabric chart below represents the average amount of thread needed to make a good quality quilt.