UPHOLSTERY SEWING THREAD
When you sink into your favourite armchair after a long day, chances are you’re not thinking about what’s holding it together. While the fabric and design might catch your eye, it’s the upholstery sewing thread working behind the scenes to ensure comfort, durability, and style. Whether you're reupholstering a vintage lounge or crafting custom interiors, choosing the right sewing thread for upholstery is just as important as selecting the right fabric or foam.
In this guide, we’ll unravel the key reasons why high-quality upholstery sewing thread matters, the different types available, and how to choose the best one for your project.
Why Upholstery Sewing Thread Matters
Unlike ordinary sewing threads, upholstery sewing thread is specifically designed to handle the tough job of holding together heavy-duty materials like leather, canvas, denim, and vinyl. Upholstery work involves a lot of tension, abrasion, and stress—particularly in high-use items like sofas, car seats, dining chairs, and outdoor furniture. A standard thread simply won’t cut it here.
High-quality sewing thread for upholstery offers:
- Exceptional strength to withstand years of daily use
- Resistance to UV, mould, and mildew, especially for outdoor use
- Colourfastness, ensuring the thread doesn’t fade over time
- Smooth stitching, even through thick layers and dense fabrics
In short, using the right thread ensures your upholstered pieces remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
Types of Upholstery Sewing Thread
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sewing thread for upholstery. Depending on your fabric, machine, and end-use, different types of threads serve different purposes.
1. Polyester Thread
Polyester is one of the most commonly used threads in upholstery due to its strength and resistance to abrasion, sunlight, and mildew. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
- Pros: Durable, UV-resistant, colourfast, affordable
- Best for: General upholstery, car interiors, outdoor furniture
2. Nylon Thread
Nylon thread is known for its elasticity and high tensile strength. It performs well in heavy-duty applications like leather lounges and commercial seating.
- Pros: Extremely strong, flexible, abrasion-resistant
- Best for: Leather upholstery, cushions, automotive and marine projects
3. Cotton-wrapped Polyester Thread
This type combines the softness of cotton with the strength of polyester. The cotton outer helps it grip fabric better, while the polyester core provides strength.
- Pros: Natural feel, strong, blends well with fabric
- Best for: Traditional or vintage upholstery where a natural look is desired
4. Bonded Thread
Bonded threads, especially bonded nylon or bonded polyester, are coated to reduce friction during sewing and prevent fraying. They're ideal for high-speed industrial machines.
- Pros: Smooth stitching, no fraying, highly durable
- Best for: Industrial applications, commercial upholstery, high-volume projects
Choosing the Right Sewing Thread for Upholstery
Now that you know the types, let’s explore how to choose the ideal upholstery sewing thread for your project.
1. Match Thread Strength to Fabric Weight
Heavy fabrics like leather or vinyl need stronger threads like bonded nylon or thick polyester. For lighter upholstery materials, a standard polyester thread may suffice.
2. Check Compatibility with Your Sewing Machine
Industrial machines can handle thicker threads and higher tension. However, if you're using a domestic machine, make sure the thread isn’t too thick for the needle and bobbin to handle. Always test first!
3. Choose the Right Thread Size
Thread size (often marked as Tex or ticket number) affects both the strength and visibility of your stitches. Larger numbers indicate thicker thread. For most upholstery work, Tex 70 or Tex 90 is standard, while Tex 135 is used for heavy-duty jobs.
4. Think About Colour Matching
Do you want the thread to blend in or stand out? For a seamless finish, match the thread to your fabric. For a decorative effect, use a contrasting colour to highlight the stitch work.
5. Consider Environmental Factors
If your furniture is going outdoors, opt for UV-resistant, mildew-proof threads like bonded polyester. For indoor use, regular polyester or nylon will do the job.
Tips for Working with Upholstery Thread
Using sewing thread for upholstery comes with a few challenges, especially for beginners. Here are some handy tips to make your job easier:
- Use the correct needle: A heavy-duty or upholstery needle (typically size 18/110 or 20/125) is essential for thicker threads and materials.
- Adjust your machine settings: Increase the stitch length slightly for better results with thicker thread.
- Use heavy-duty bobbin thread: For consistency and strength, consider using the same thread in both the top and bobbin.
- Take your time: Go slow and steady. Thicker materials and threads can cause skipped stitches if rushed.
- Test on scrap fabric: Always test your stitch tension and pattern before sewing your final piece.
Sustainability and the Modern Upholsterer
In today’s world, sustainability is a growing concern, even in upholstery. Many brands are now offering eco-friendly options, such as recycled polyester threads made from plastic bottles. These sustainable sewing threads for upholstery not only reduce environmental impact but also offer the same durability and performance as their traditional counterparts.
If you’re looking to reduce waste and support sustainable practices, keep an eye out for upholstery threads labelled as “eco” or “recycled.”
Stitching Strength with Style
The next time you admire a perfectly upholstered armchair or a sleek custom car seat, spare a thought for the hardworking upholstery sewing thread holding it all together. It may be small, but it plays a massive role in the final look, feel, and durability of your furniture.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a seasoned upholsterer, or someone looking to revive a beloved piece, choosing the right sewing thread for upholstery can make all the difference. Strong, stylish, and built to last—great thread means great results.
Looking for the perfect upholstery sewing thread for your next project? Choose from our wide range of high-performance threads designed to meet every challenge—from sun and salt to wear and tear. Stitch with confidence and create pieces that not only look stunning but stand the test of time.
Sewing Threads at Vardhman A&E Threads
If you're looking for high-quality sewing threads for your upholstery projects, Vardhman A&E offers a premium selection. Whether you need Gutterman Mara 80 for precise stitching or heavy-duty bonded polyester thread for industrial applications, we provide reliable options to suit your needs.
Why Choose Vardhman A&E?
- High-quality materials – Threads designed for durability and professional results.
- Wide range of options – From polyester to waxed linen threads.
- Trusted by professionals – Used in industries like automotive, fashion, and saddlery.
When working with upholstery projects, investing in the right sewing thread ensures your project stands the test of time. Visit Vardhman A&E to explore their range of sewing threads today!
