You can—but it may not give you the results you're hoping for.
I remember finding an old box of sewing supplies at home and thinking I'd save a little money by using regular sewing thread for my first embroidery project. After a few stitches, I started to wonder why my design didn't look anything like the examples I'd seen. The thread looked thinner, the colors weren't as vibrant, and the finished stitches didn't stand out the way I expected. That's when I learned there was a difference between sewing thread and embroidery thread.
The good news is that both have their place—you just need to know when to use each one.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can use regular sewing thread for embroidery, but it's generally not the best choice for hand embroidery.
Embroidery floss is designed to:
-
Create fuller stitches
-
Add vibrant color
-
Be easy to separate into strands
-
Give your finished design more texture
Regular sewing thread is thinner and is made primarily for joining fabric together rather than decorating it.
What's the Difference?
At first glance, the two threads look similar, but they're made for different jobs.
Embroidery floss is:
-
Thicker
-
Softer
-
Made up of six separable strands
-
Available in a wide range of vibrant colors
Regular sewing thread is:
-
Much thinner
-
Stronger for stitching seams
-
Usually a single strand that can't be separated
I was surprised by how much easier embroidery became once I switched to embroidery floss. My stitches looked fuller almost immediately.
Can You Still Embroider With Sewing Thread?
Absolutely.
Some embroiderers use sewing thread for:
-
Tiny details
-
Delicate lettering
-
Miniature embroidery
-
Machine embroidery (with suitable thread)
Just keep in mind that hand-embroidered designs made with sewing thread often have a finer, less textured appearance.
Why Most Beginners Choose Embroidery Floss
If you're learning embroidery, embroidery floss is usually the easier option because it:
-
Glides smoothly through fabric.
-
Is easier to see while stitching.
-
Creates fuller, more defined stitches.
-
Lets you adjust the thickness by using fewer or more strands.
That flexibility makes it much more beginner-friendly.
What If You Already Have Sewing Thread?
If sewing thread is all you have, don't let it stop you from trying embroidery.
Practicing with the supplies you already own is far better than waiting for the "perfect" materials.
When you're ready to start your first full project, though, you'll likely find embroidery floss gives you a more satisfying result.
Should Beginners Buy Embroidery Floss?
For most people, yes.
A beginner embroidery kit usually includes embroidery floss that's already matched to the design, along with:
-
Fabric
-
Needles
-
An embroidery hoop
-
Instructions or video tutorials
That means you can focus on learning your stitches instead of wondering whether you're using the right materials.
A Quick Aside About Supplies
One of the biggest myths about embroidery is that you need expensive tools to get started. In reality, the right thread makes a much bigger difference than buying lots of extra equipment. A simple hoop, a needle, and good-quality embroidery floss are often all you need to create something you'll be proud of.
My Personal Takeaway
You can use regular sewing thread for embroidery, but embroidery floss is usually the better choice. It's designed specifically for decorative stitching, creates fuller and more colorful designs, and is much easier for beginners to work with. If you're just starting out, using the right thread can make learning embroidery feel much more enjoyable from the very first stitch.