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.
Cone thread use on your sewing machine
Cone thread as it’s most often referred to is just regular sewing thread on a larger spool.
You can use ‘cone thread’ on your home sewing machine, though it’s likely you will first need to add an attachment to make it work properly.
Cones of thread are larger than regular spools of thread and may not fit on your standard spool holder.
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.
| Quilt Size | Light Quilting | Heavy Quilting |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Size | 400 yds. | 1,200 yds. |
| Queen Size | 600 yds. | 1,600 yds. |
| King Size | 750 yds. | 2,000 yds. |
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.
About ‘Moon’ brand thread
Moon is the brand name of a popular thread manufactured by Coats inc.
Moon Thread is made of all-purpose spun polyester, ideal for sewing by hand or in consumer machine sewing(including overlockers).
Moon thread is available in 150+ colors and each reel contains 1000yds (915 m) of thread.
The best thread for embroidery
Stranded cotton thread, sometimes called embroidery floss, is the preferred thread for embroidery.
It is the most commonly used thread on embroidery projects, including cross stitch, because of durability and ease of use. 6 individual strands of fine cotton thread are combined to make a single embroidery floss.
Best overlock thread colors to use
For ease of use try to match the tone of a fabric but not necessarily when choosing overlock thread.
Example: Use a medium green thread in an overlock stitch over a dark green fabric.
The benefit of this approach is that the slight contrast makes it easy to see where your overlock stitch threads lay.
How to thread your sewing machine needle
- Place a spool of sewing thread on your machine
- Pull the thread out and wind it around your bobbin
- Put the bobbin on your machine’s bobbin pin
- Engage the bobbin winder by pressing the pedal
- Cut and wrap the spool thread around the guide
- Pull the thread down around the catch
- Wrap the thread around the takeup lever
- Lastly, thread the needle and drop in your bobbin
Strong thread is called heavy-duty thread
Outside industrial applications, the strongest thread available for use in home sewing projects is called heavy-duty thread.
Modern heavy-duty thread most often has a core made of a strong material wrapped in a more traditional thread material.
Heavy-duty thread is ideal for use with embroidery sewing projects.
Zigzag vs straight stitch strength(s)
A straight sewing stitch is strong because it focuses all the fabric tension along the same axis (same line) between two pieces.
100% of the thread in a straight stitch is directly holding both pieces together.
A zigzag stitch makes the thread alternate in direction between each side, effectively increasing the amount of thread used but decreasing its strength.
However, in terms of durability, the zigzag stitch is more durable overall.
