Embroidery thread is a type of yarn that used specifically for embroidery and other types of needle work. Embroidery thread may hand-spun or made by machines. Any embroiderer will testify that it's great to have a nearly endless selection of embroidery thread to choose from!

Variegated threads have a blend of multiple colors that seamlessly flow into each other. Every few stitches a completely new color reveals itself. This adds a wonderful visual detail when used on solid color appliques.

Metallic threads add reflective and sparkling qualities your craft project or needle work.

Types of threads used for hand embroidery may include:

• Embroidery floss or stranded cotton is a loosely twisted six strand thread that is somewhat glossy. It's typically made of cotton but is also available in rayon or silk. Cotton floss is the most common thread for cross stitch. The extreme shine of rayon floss is distinctive of Brazilian embroidery.
• Pearl cotton, French coton perle or perle cotton is a two ply thread that has a strong sheen and is usually comes in three weights or sizes; number three, five and eight, with three being the thickest.
• French coton a broder or matte embroidery is just what the name implies; matte-finished or lacking gloss, and is a twisted five ply thread.
• Crewel yarn is fine, two ply yarn made from wool, or occasionally of wool like acrylic.
• Persian yarn is a three strand yarn often used for needle point. It is loosely twisted of acrylic or wool.
• Light weight, fine wool thread is known as medici or broder medici and used to be manufactured by the DMC group.
• Yarn or wool used for tapestries is a tightly wound four ply yarn.

Embroidery thread comes in every imaginable style, thickness, type, and of course, color. When you want to start a project to embroider, you may want to consider using embroidery software on your computer which will allow you to create stunning machine embroidery designs!

Every major name brand of embroidery thread, including that special metallic embroidery thread is available from various suppliers of both retail and wholesale embroidery thread.

You can choose from Arc embroidery thread, Sulky embroidery thread, Madeira embroidery thread, DMC embroidery thread, Isacord embroidery thread, and Mettler embroidery thread for your next embroidery project.

Threads used in embroidery machines is usually made of rayon or polyester but can sometimes be silk or cotton.

Some threads, or raw materials, used in textiles may contain compounds that are harmful to humans.

Many dyes are known to cause allergies or in some cases, cancer. There are several commercial laboratories that conduct tests on dyes and other additives to determine if they're harmful.

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