Best Sewing Thread for a Brother Machine (9 Types That Work!)
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As a sewing beginner, there are so many choices to make.
What’s the best sewing thread for a Brother machine? Do you need a different thread for the bobbin and upper thread? What about needles? Presser feet?
It can seem so overwhelming!
Luckily, choosing the best thread for a Brother sewing machine is very easy with a few tips.
I’ll walk you through the types of sewing thread that will work on a Brother sewing machine and show you how to pick which will be best for your project. We’ll talk about different thread fiber types and thread weights.
(However, if you’re wondering about embroidery machine thread, head on over to how to choose an embroidery machine thread. There are subtle differences between sewing thread, embroidery thread, and serger thread, and choosing the most compatible thread leads to professional rather than homemade results!)
What makes a good-quality sewing thread?
Good quality sewing machine thread will stitch smoothly, tangle infrequently, rarely break, and leave minimal lint.
To check if a thread is good-quality, first, check for any imperfections along the thread that could prohibit even feeding. Then, check for excess fuzz. (This can cause build-up inside your machine faster.)
Sewing thread, especially thread used to create seams, must be durable to withstand wear and tear.
Choosing decorative threads or even machine embroidery threads for seams won’t provide you the durability of a good, strong sewing thread.
Thus, especially on older threads or low-quality brands, do a strength test before loading into your machine. Take a small piece of thread between your hands and pull to see if it withstands the force. If it doesn’t, toss it, as the thread might break once it gets in your sewing machine.
Do you have to use Brother thread on a Brother sewing machine?
The answer to this is a resounding NO!
In fact, I NEVER use Brother thread on my Brother sewing machine. (Sometimes I do use the Brother bobbin thread and their Pacesetter threads on my Brother embroidery machine, but that’s embroidery-related.)
There are hundreds of types of thread that are compatible with your sewing machine! So, no need to feel like you’re stuck to just Brother.
Sewing Thread Weight Explained
All threads have what’s called a weight, or thickness. A larger weight number is a finer, or less thick, thread. A smaller number is a thicker thread.
It’s important to choose a lightweight thread for delicate, fine fabrics and a heavy-duty thread for very heavyweight fabrics.
Best Brother Sewing Machine Thread Types: Upper Thread
Sewing machines need both a bobbin thread (lower thread) and an upper thread to complete a single stitch. We’ll first talk about how to choose a thread for the upper thread. This is the thread that comes from the spool.
Now, every thread is made from a type of fiber. There are man-made fibers (ex: polyester) and natural fibers (ex: cotton).
Generally, use cotton thread when sewing woven, natural fabrics, and pick a synthetic thread when sewing man-made fabrics.
Following is a list (not exhaustive) of the best thread for a Brother sewing machine. I’ve given a few recommendations for brands here and there to let you know my favorites that work well with the four Brother sewing machines I’ve owned (Brother CS6000i, Brother CS7000X, Brother SE625, and Brother SE1900.)
I’ll start with the two most common types of sewing thread first and go from there.
1. 100% Cotton Sewing Thread
Cotton thread, a natural thread, is made from 100% cotton. It’s useful when sewing natural fibers like cotton and linen and is a favorite of quilters. It’s available in various thicknesses and is durable, strong, and ironable.
Since it does not stretch, don’t use it on knit, stretchy fabrics.
Some brands do have different finishes to allow them to be tailored to different applications, though.
Gutermann cotton sewing thread is my favorite natural thread brand.
2. 100% Polyester Thread or Blended All-Purpose Thread (Cotton-Wrapped Polyester)
There are 100% polyester threads and then cotton-wrapped polyester all-purpose threads.
Cotton-wrapped polyester can be used effectively on synthetic and natural fiber fabrics because it combines the best qualities of polyester and cotton.
As a general rule, polyester thread works better than cotton with synthetic fabrics and stretchy, knit fabrics. It is stronger than cotton thread and has a bit of stretch to it, so it wears well at seams. It’s also more resistant to shrinkage and can have a slight sheen to it.
Unless I’m quilting, I stick to using polyester thread or blended thread.
My favorite brands are Coats & Clark and Gutermann, because I almost never have issues. Of course, there are many other great brands, but I prefer to stick with what has worked in the past.
I don’t recommend buying generic thread online. I’ve tried to be cheap in the past, and the quality is just not there in most cases.
Specialty Sewing Threads
Now, if you want to get fancy, there are several types of specialty threads that work on your Brother sewing machine.
As a beginner, take care when using decorative threads because many are more finicky and require extra finesse.
1. Metallic Thread
Metallic threads have a durable core and a fun metallic coating to give a nice shine to your project.
They’re notoriously difficult to master but worth the effort! Try loosening tension and changing to a metallic needle for the best results.
2. Invisible Thread
Also known as transparent thread, this monofilament nylon thread makes invisible stitches.
It’s popular with quilting and applique and often causes me to pull out a lot of hair while trying to get it to work with my machines!
3. Quilting Thread
Quilting thread, specifically geared for hand or machine quilting, is heavier than sewing thread and can be waxed to prevent breakage.
My favorites are mercerized cotton or cotton-wrapped polyester.
4. Machine Embroidery Thread
Machine embroidery thread is most commonly 40 wt, which is what embroidery designs are digitized for. It’s beautiful, lustrous, and yes, you can use embroidery machine thread in your Brother sewing machine!
I wouldn’t recommend it for seams with high wear and tear, but it’s perfect for adding a decorative flair.
Above is a picture of some of my metallic and variegated machine embroidery threads, which are fun to use!
There are two main types of embroidery machine thread: rayon and polyester.
Rayon has a higher sheen, but polyester is stronger and more colorfast. Either one will work with Brother sewing machines.
5. Upholstery Thread
Unless you have a heavy-duty Brother sewing machine, be careful if sewing upholstery regularly with your Brother sewing machine. However, if you want to stitch upholstered creations occasionally, you can choose upholstery sewing thread.
This is heavier and stronger than all-purpose thread and works well for outdoor projects made with thick fabrics.
6. Heavy-Weight Thread
Heavy-duty thread is a thicker weight than regular sewing thread, making it perfect for thicker fabrics like denim, canvas, and even upholstery.
7. Topstitching Thread
If you plan to topstitch a project, you can use any thread, but a thicker, topstitching thread will give a more dramatic, decorative appearance.
These thick, strong threads can also be used for making buttonholes and attaching buttons for projects with more wear and tear. I like to use gold jeans thread when altering jeans so they can still keep that nice, topstitched look.
8. Elastic Thread
Elastic thread is fun to use in the bobbin of your sewing machine to produce shirring or gathering in your fabric! You’ll need to wind it onto the bobbin by hand from the thread spool, though.
9. Silk Thread
100% silk thread can be used to sew delicate fabrics and silk. It’s expensive and not as easy to find as other types of sewing thread.
The only silk thread I use, in fact, comes wrapped on cardboard paper, and I have to wind it on spools myself before stitching!
Bobbin Thread for a Brother Sewing Machine
While you can buy pre-wound bobbins, I prefer to wind my own bobbins when sewing.
I simply wind Brother bobbins with the exact same thread I’m using for the upper thread.
By matching the thread weights and fiber type, the automatic tension of my machine is much more often on par without needing to test first.
That’s not to say you can’t use different weights or thread types on the upper thread and bobbin thread, but you might need to do some adjustments to get the best stitch quality!
One More Consideration
Buying huge spools of thread is a great way to save money!
However, if you buy huge spools of thread that won’t fit in your sewing machine spool holder (think serger cones), you must purchase a separate spool holder.
I have a nice spool stand with around 20 spools that works great for my embroidery threads and sewing threads.
Where to Buy Thread
If you’re looking in person, try local sewing shops, craft stores, or local big box stores. I DO NOT recommend Walmart brand thread. Been there, trashed that early in my sewing experience. Picking a quality thread will save you SO MUCH hassle the first time around.
Online, you can buy a large selection of threads from Amazon, JOANN, or any thread retailer for that matter!
I hope this tutorial has helped you learn about the best thread types for your Brother sewing machine. Most threads will work in the machine, but make sure you pick your thread based on your project.
And if you’re unsure about storage, check out my ideas for sewing thread storage and organization!
Wow!!!! Absolutely efficient, and thought provoking. I am much obliged, as well as humbled by the help, hacks, and tips. I am now 100% comfortable honing the skill of my craft, now that I know what, where, and how to look for exactly whats needed!!!
Thank you. I have just bought a Singer 4452 and your answers are so consise and easily understood.
I just bought a new Brother 500. I sew infrequently and consider myself a beginner. I have been told by multiple people that I should only use cross wound threads and that the 50 or so spools of Coats and Clark that I have been using are junk that gummed up my Baby Lock causing my tension issues. Any advice?
Sorry to hear about your issues! I’ve used Coats thread for many, many years with no problems. My grandmother even has a 40+-year-old Singer machine that’s been using old-school Coats thread all this time with no complaints! So, unless for some reason you are using a very old set of thread that has started to degrade or has some odd coating, I’m not sure why that would be gumming up your machine. Well, unless you’re running it through Sewer’s Aid or Thread Magic or some other material in excess first; that could do it, too.
As for cross-wound threads, I use those on my horizontal spool holder on my machine. I have no issues with my stacked threads (wrapped parallel) if I put them on a separate vertical spool holder to help them unwind better. Hope that helps a bit!
Do the really large spools fit on a Brother CS7000X machine?
Technically, because the thread stand is vertical, they will fit, but the metal rod doesn’t extend up enough to use a spool cap with them or support them very well during stitching. So, they get wiggly. In the case of big thread spools, I just use a standalone thread stand. I actually get better thread feeding using my stand anyway for many types of thread (esp metallic!)
Thank you so much for the information on threads. I just bought a Brother cs6000i (I’m a beginner in the sewing field) and your review was very informative!
Hi
I just bought FS155 Brother machine , kindly advise which thread to use, also i regard my self as a beginner.
My favorite thread brands for my machines are Gutermann and Coats & Clark. For most projects, I choose an all-purpose thread.
Thank you!
Just put black, white, grey, and cream sew-all thread from Gutermann in my cart. Your blog is incredibly helpful.
Thanks, I’m glad it’s helped!
I have a brother XR 9000 machine and would like to use heavy duty thread to sew on canvas. I have not purchased any thread yet but I’m considering Coats & Clark outdoor. Do you have any suggestions?
I forgot to add to my comment above that I’m also unsure of what needles to use in the machine.
Coats & Clark is one of my favorite brands for my Brother machines, and I have several of the Outdoor ones; I think they’d work well for your canvas project. If you’re using a thick thread like this type, use a size 100/16 needle or larger.
(If you’re confused about needles in general for your machine, this post (https://www.sewingmachinefun.com/sewing-machine-needle-chart/) may help!)
Hi, I loved your article but it has not solved my issue. I have a new Brother CS7000x. I pretty much only use the Gutermann Sew-All thread (100% recycled polyester) but occasionally Coats & Clark All-Purpose, for general sewing. I use a universal needle in a size 80/11 or 90/14, depending on the fabric and a ball point if I am sewing on knit. Most of my bobbin thread I have wound myself using the same thread but I do have some pre-wound bobbins from JOANN’s that I use. My problem is when I am sewing over a seam (bartacking for example) my machine makes a slight klinking sound & the thread breaks by the 2nd stitch. This happens even with brand new needles. my tension is set at around 4 – 4.5 so I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. I have tried rethreading the top thread, changing stitches, etc but the problem still occurs. I would appreciate any insight you can provide.
Thanks!
I have the Brother cs6000i machine and didn’t realize there was a difference in thread quality. I wanted to use a better thread but my machine only has a verticle thread holder, and from what I understand it doesn’t work well with the crossed threaded spools (like Aurifil, etc). So in this case, what thread should I use?? Next time I buy a machine I’m going to make sure it has both kinds of holders!
You can actually purchase an inexpensive horizontal thread pin spool adapter if you have issues with the vertical thread holder. That way you can use any threads you want with your machine.
I have a Brother Cs6000i and I have bought the Amazon good thread for my machine. However, my thread keeps breaking and getting stuck on a gear like thing above the needle shaft. Bummed out, I started a quilt that I can’t finish.
Mine does the same and not only that mine is making real loud noises when making a tote or purse. The needle bends also. I am at a loss. This is my third brother machine
Thank you so much. I have been reading different websites trying to find the best thread only to find they are advertisements in disguise. Your expertise is well written expecially for the beginner (me). I am looking forward to checking out the rest of your site.
Hi
I’m new to this and really a beginner on a sewing machine.
Now I got a brother XN1700 for Christmas and so far enjoyed using it.
So my partner granddaughter asked me to make her a rag doll , I did the spool then set the machine up. But! Every time I start to sew the upper thread snaps. The tension fine I’ve even gone back to watch the video I go just to make sure I was setting it up right. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Have you checked to make sure nothing is stuck in the upper thread path?
Also, try sewing by only turning the handwheel on the right of the machine very slowly rather than using the pedal. Watch when the thread starts to get taut before it snaps and see if you can pinpoint where the issue is happening.
I have a very old brothers sewing machine from the 1950 it looks good and it seems great I love it and I’m so glad I found you on Google cause this really helped me with the thread issues thank you so much very helpful
When sewing on a Brother SE (combo) machine, if you use embroidery thread to sew a decorative stitch should you use the exact same thread in the bobbin? Or can you use embroidery thread with regular sewing thread in bobbin? I know that when embroidering you use different weight threads for the upper and bobbin spools.
All of the Brother SE machines I’ve had have been very forgiving when it comes to bobbin thread with decorative stitches. I prefer to just leave the embroidery bobbin thread in (laziness, really) when sewing decorative stitches with embroidery thread on top. I’ve also used sewing thread in the bobbin and have not had any issues either. If your project will be viewed from both sides, using the same embroidery thread in the bobbin as on top will give the best aesthetics, though.
Dear Aly,
I love your blog and advice. I recently bought the Project Runway Brother (xr 9550). I will definitely be buying Coat and Clark but I would also like to buy some Gutterman. Do I need a special attachment to use the Gutterman thread? if so where do I buy that? thanks for your advice!
Stephanie
As long as you buy the 100m/110y spools of Gutermann thread, they should fit in a standard-sized sewing machine.
You said not to buy Walmart thread but they carry Coats & Clark. Do I not buy that brand at Walmart?
Yes, you can buy well-known name brand threads like Coats & Clak at Walmart, but I specifically meant not to buy the generic thread brands from Walmart.
The numbers are extremely confusing. On amazon, I found good deal on Gutermann mara thread
– the sales page says the width is “800”.
– Somewhere in description mara “120” is mentioned.
– Googling “Mara 120” I found a tex number “25”
Brother suggests “weight” from Denim 30 to Lightweight 90. 25 is not even in range, so apparently Brother is not using tex numbers. There is no mention of what numbers Brother uses, so I cannot even try to begin to figure out if I am even able to use Mara 120 on Brother CS10s (CS5055), let alone if it is the best thread width.
Further browsing revealed, that ‘tex’ is the standard measure, while the older ‘ticket’ measure may still be used. If Brother is using ‘ticket,’ then 25 tex would be 1000/25*3=120 ticket – again outside of Brother’s 60-90 range.
The more I find out about the various ways the thread is measured, the less I understand. I’ll probably just buy a 1000 meters and see if it works…
Hi, me again. Yesterday, I wrote a comment about my frustration as to the complexity of various ways to number threads, and how hard it is to try to figure out what those numbers mean and how they correspond to each other.
This is what I have found out after another day of research:
– Sewing machine manufacturers use the Japanese Count (JIS), where higher values are thinner threads.
– Tex is just a reciprocal of JIS, to get a scale where higher values are thicker threads.
To convert JIS to Tex: Tex = 1000/JIS
To convert Tex to JIS: JIS = 1000/Tex
I also found this PDF, that lists Tex numbers and needle sizes for Gutermann threads:
https://industry.guetermann.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/guetermann-thread-guide_en_mail.pdf
I hope this helps anyone else who finds this all too confusing.