Madeira Thread is counted among the most popular thread brands in the embroidery world. It’s well known for its durability, glamourous sheen and one of the most diverse color ranges. No wonder that this versatility makes it equally liked among the professionals as well as hobbyist.
This informative blogpost is the first piece of our series about the most important threads which are used in embroidery. In this blog, we will give a brief preview of Madeira thread. You will get to know about its brief history, features, types, benefits and usage. Moreover, it will help you in making an informed choice for your embroidery projects.
Ultimate Guide to Madeira Embroidery Threads
A Brief History Sneak Peak:
We always find it interesting to know a little background about the products we use. In fact, this trivia knowledge could also become a conversation starter in the embroidery community.
Now on a serious note, the name Madeira is inspired from its namesake Portuguese island which was well known for its embroidery community in the 19th century. It originated as Burkhardt & Schmidt Garnfabrik in 1919 in Germany. At first, the company produced sewing threads only but around 1950 they started improvising. They wanted to replicate viscose in an economical version for machine embroidery while retaining its shine. This idea ended up in the creation of Madeira No 40 which changed the commercial machine embroidery industry for good. The company’s name was changed to Madeira Garnfabrik in 1975 and the rest is history. Madeira is still a family owned group however it is a global brand now, with its branches in USA, Asia and Europe.
Four Important types of Madeira Thread:
Now, we will briefly introduce the four important types of Madeira Thread.
1. Classic Rayon Thread
Classic Rayon is the signature Madeira thread.
Composition:
It is made from 100 percent viscose but gives a cotton like feel.
Characteristic:
Classic Rayon is known for its high gloss finish which gives the embroidery a high-end look and finish. It works well for traditional embroidery stiches like Satin stitch, Fill Stitch and outlining. It is ideal for children’s wear and performance wear due to its soft finish.
Classic Rayon comes in four distinct thread weights. The conventional 40 weight variant proves optimal for nearly any design. It’s recommended to digitize Classic Rayon #40 with an average density of 4.0 and to employ a #65/9 or #75/11 needle size during stitching. If pursuing a finer, more intricate appearance, consider selecting Classic Rayon #60.
2. Polyester Thread
Composition:
As clear from the name, its hundred percent polyester.
Features:
Polyester threads are sturdy and hold up well to high speed stitching. They are fade-resistant which makes them an ideal choice for long lasting designs. They are colorfast and keep the fabric safe from color bleeding. They are also chlorine bleach resistant which makes them ideal for swimwear and uniforms.
Madeira presents three different thickness options for Polyneon embroidery thread:
Polyneon 40
Recognized as a universal thread, Polyneon 40 is ideal for diverse embroidery applications. This thickness offers enduring shine and superior longevity.Polyneon 60
A slender polyester thread, Polyneon 60 is well-suited for intricate designs. Particularly valuable for embroidering small letters with clarity.Polyneon 75
As the thinnest polyester thread in the Polyneon lineup, Polyneon 75 empowers embroiderers to work on extremely small elements with precision. Highly effective for crafting intricate lacework and securing sequins.3. Metallic Thread:
Madeira offers a vast range of metallic threads for a brilliant eye-catching effects. They are used for accents, monograms, and decorative elements. You can choose from holographic, smooth, or textured metallic.
Three Types of metallic threads :
Super Twist Metallic Thread
The renowned metallized machine embroidery thread, known for its extravagant shine, results from a lavish three times twisting process. Its strong nylon core and genuine metallic base ensure seamless sewing and enhance its luxurious appearance on various fabrics, from denim to vinyl upholstery, wool caps to terry cloth towels. Ideal for festoon work, ornamental seams, and other decorative applications.CR Metallic Thread
CR is abrasion-resistant and washable at high temperatures, making it suitable for industrial washing processes. Moreover, it can withstand more frequent washings compared to similar metallic threads.FS Metallic Thread
It is known for its wide selection of thickness which is why it could be used in various applications. Its four different thickness options are FS 40 (standard weight), FS 50 (ideal for highlighting details), FS 30 (suited for thick fabrics), and FS 20 (designed for thin fabrics).Speciality Thread
- Aeroquilt: Designed for quilting, Aeroquilt ensures smooth stitches and durability.
- Monofilament: Transparent thread for invisible stitching.
- Wool and Silk: Perfect for unique projects requiring natural fibers.
4. Madeira Wool and Cotton Blend Thread:
Burmilana Wool Blend Embroidery Thread
- Burmilana is a blend of 50% natural wool and 50% acrylic which is the reason for its durability.
- It is a thick thread with a soft texture that gives a hand-embroidered look.
- It is best suited for techniques like chenille embroidery, loop pile, and chain stitch.
Burmilana Cotton Blend Embroidery Thread
Burmilana cotton is a blend of 50% natural cotton and 50% acrylic. Its high percentage cotton makes it soft and cool. It is an ideal choice for chenille embroidery, chain stitch, fringing, and many other special effects.The Benefits of Madeira Thread
Let’s go through some of the important Benefits of Madeira thread:
Quality and Durability
Madeira thread is famous for its exceptional quality and durability. The high-quality materials such as viscose rayon, polyester, and metallic fibers, make it strong and resilient. It stands the test of time even after many washes and exposure. It offers true value for money.Vibrant Color Range
Madeira’s extensive color palette which includes as much as 390 shades makes it the best choice for many embroidery projects. It is equally useful for delicate floral motif and bold geometric design.Versatility
It is good enough choice for delicate fabrics like silk and sturdy fabrics like denim at the same time which makes it the most versatile option available. It performs accurately across the board. It is equally friendly for both machine and hand embroidery.Stitch definition and coverage
Madeira thread results in amazing stitch definition and coverage. The embroidery sew-outs are crisp, clean, and professional. Whether you are creating intricate lettering, elaborate borders, or complex motifs, Madeira thread ensures that your stitches stand out with precision and clarity.Our Conclusion
Madeira thread is a must-have for every embroiderer’s toolkit, with its exceptional quality, vibrant colors, versatility, and reliability, renowned for its durable and consistent performance. With an extensive array of thread colors and types, it caters to various embroidery projects. It’s every machine embroidery business’s best companion.
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FAQs
Madeira Thread is renowned for its durability, glamorous sheen, and extensive color range, making it a favorite among both professionals and hobbyists.
Madeira Thread started in Germany in 1919 as Burkhardt & Schmidt Garnfabrik and later evolved into Madeira Garnfabrik in 1975. It took inspiration from the embroidery community on the Portuguese island of Madeira and changed commercial machine embroidery
Classic Rayon: Known for its high gloss finish and versatility across various embroidery techniques and fabric types.
Polyester Thread (Polyneon): Sturdy, fading-resistant, and ideal for long-lasting designs.
Metallic Threads: Offer eye-catching effects for accents, monograms, and decorative elements.
Specialty Threads: Including Aeroquilt for quilting, Monofilament for invisible stitching, and Wool and Silk blends for unique projects.
Quality and Durability: Madeira Thread is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring superior strength and resilience.
Vibrant Color Range: With an extensive palette of hues, Madeira Thread offers the perfect shade for every project.
Versatility: Suitable for embroidering on a wide range of fabrics, from delicate silk to tough denim.
Stitch Definition and Coverage: Madeira Thread provides excellent stitch definition and coverage, enhancing the clarity and professionalism of embroidery designs.
Madeira Thread is reliable, durable, and offers consistent performance, making it a must-have for every embroiderer’s toolkit.
Digitizing Buddy offers unbeatable prices, great quality, quick delivery, and efficient communication for custom embroidery digitizing and vector art conversion services. Our dynamic team of professional digitizers ensures flawless conversion of logos to embroidery files and delivers well-executed designs in record time.
Yes, we offer an amazing range of stock embroidery designs that you won’t want to miss.
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