The most common thread weight is 40 wt (weight), often used for general-purpose sewing, garment construction, and machine embroidery, with 50 wt also extremely popular, especially for quilting due to its balance of strength and thinness for piecing seams. These medium-weight threads (typically 30-50 wt) are versatile workhorses, available in materials like polyester or cotton, suitable for most sewing machine settings.
1. Medium Weight Threads. These are the types of threads that you will most frequently find, most often 40 or 50wt. They can be used for most construction, quilting, machine embroidery, sergers, and general purpose sewing.
A 30-wt. thread is a “heavier” thread, meaning a thicker cross section, because a much shorter thread weighs the same as the 40 wt. In length measurements, higher numbers reflect thicker or heavier threads.
The extra weight of the 40 wt thread makes it ideal for projects where you want a bit of “pop,” but you still want to avoid your stitches becoming too bulky or having extra tension challenges (I find heavier weights of thread can get a bit persnickety, but 40 and 50 wts are both easy to balance in my experience).
30 Weight thread is great for embroidering large areas like the numbers on a football jersey. It is important to note the difference between Tex size and Weight. A lower Tex size means a thinner thread. Tex and Weight (Wt) are two different standards.
The first number in a count (e.g., 8/2) refers to the thickness or fineness of the yarn, while the second number represents the number of plies the yarn has. For example, 8/2 cotton is finer than 5/2 cotton, and 20/2 wool is finer than 10/2 wool.
Gutermann Cotton Sewing Thread is a fine 50 weight cotton thread but strong with a silky finish for users who prefer to sew with cotton. Suitable for hand or machine sewing, Gutermann Cotton Thread is a 100% longstaple mercerized cotton sewing thread.
Medium Weight Threads (30 – 40 wt)
This weight is most commonly used in sewing machines for general garment construction, home décor and piecing quilts as it offers strength and subtlety in your stitches.
40 wt thread is a perfect “go to” thread for free motion quilting, embroidery, or binding when you don't want too much bulk in your stitches, but want them to “pop” a little extra!
Commonly used for topstitching, machine quilting, hand quilting, blanket stitch applique, bobbin work, and even 2-strand cross stitch, 28wt gives your projects extra visual impact. It's also a favorite for machine lace and serging decorative edges.
It is listed on the spool. The important thing to remember about thread weight is that the bigger the number the lighter, or finer, the thread is. Manufacturers measure the length of one gram of thread. If it is 40 meters long, then the thread weight is 40.
30 wt.: Heavy and Decorative
This is the boldest thread weight you'll typically use for quilting. It creates thick, visible stitches that add texture and dimension to your projects.
50wt Thread
This weight thread is the most popular weight used for piecing quilt tops as it is thin enough to not add bulk to your seams and strong enough to hold them together. It is also used by many for all kinds of quilting including stitch-in-the ditch, straight-line and free motion.
Such a thin thread is perfect for a variety of techniques, including English Paper Piecing, Hand Applique, Machine Embroidery, Machine Applique, Free Motion Quilting, Free Motion Couching, and more. Needle Recommendations: 70/10 or 80/12 Microtex/Sharp or Embroidery Needle (80wt in the bobbin)
60 Weight Thread Offers Digitizers Unique Opportunity
Madeira Classic #60 is approximately 60% finer than Classic Rayon #40. It comes on 1500 meter spools and boasts the same color fastness (to 95 degree washing temperature) as Classic Rayon #40.
Medium Weight Threads
These are the types of threads that you will most frequently find, most often 40 or 50wt. They can be used for most construction, quilting, machine embroidery, sergers, and general purpose sewing.
70/10 – 100 weight threads. 80/12 – 50 weight threads. 90/14 – 40 weight threads. 100/16 – 30 weight threads and thicker.
The most popular all purpose thread is 100% polyester. This thread has a “slight give” and is suitable for sewing all types of fabrics such as; cotton, linen, jersey knits, double knits, denim, etc. It is also available in 100% cotton, which is used mostly by quilters for use on 100% cottons.
Gutermann 50 WT Natural All-Purpose 100% Cotton Thread | WAWAK.
All-purpose or medium threads are the workhorses of sewing. Falling within the thread weight range of 30 to 50, they strike a balance between strength and versatility.
30wt and 50wt refer to the thread's weight, specifically its thickness. A lower number like 30wt indicates a thicker, heavier thread. A higher number like 50wt indicates a thinner, lighter thread. This means 30wt thread will be more visible, and create a bolder stitch.
Although DK yarn was originally 8-ply, this is often no longer the case. Nowadays DK refers solely to the weight, rather than the construction of the yarn.
Sizes 8 and 12 are relatively fine threads, often used for tatting and crocheted edgings and the like, as well as for embroidery. Crazy quilters love perle cottons, because they work extremely well for stitching decorative lines and bands.
It's the weight of the yarn. 8/8 is DK and 8/6 is fingering. I wouldn't recommend them for blankets bc they are thin and it will take a long time, but that is personal preference.