Essential Guide to Gutermann Thread

Have you ever found yourself struggling to know which Sewing Thread to use?

Well, look no further. We have put together an Essential Guide to Gutermann Sewing Thread, to help you choose just the right thread for the job.

Here at Minions of Craft, we stock over 2,500 types of Gutermann Sewing Threads, in over 30 Ranges
Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress, or a complete beginner, this guide is here to help you make sense of all the options available, so you can find just the right sewing thread for your next project. 

What is the difference between Overlocking, Embroidery and Sewing Thread?

Sewing thread
Sewing Thread is used in garment making, and other fabric construction, like quilting, upholstery and repairs.
Click here to see the range
Embroidery Thread
Embroidery Thread is used to create decorative seams and ornamental stitches, as well as creating beautiful motifs and patterns onto fabric. Click here to see the range
Overlocking Thread
Overlocking Thread is used to finish the edges of fabric, to keep them tidy and prevent fraying. The technique uses multiple threads at high speeds, so the conical shape of the larger thread spools aids the process. Click here to see the range

So how do you choose between the different options?

Which Thread you choose will largely depend on your current project. Some threads are more suited to be used as a Bobbin Thread, rather than a Needle Thread, and some threads work better with a specific needle type. Each project is different, and Gutermann have created this fabulous range of Sewing Threads, so you have just the right tool for the job. 

We have put together this handy little guide, to help you find just the right tool for the job. 

Gutermann Sew All Thread is a Polyester Sewing Thread
Also available in rPET (recycled Polyester Thread)

Sew All Thread is sold as 100m, 250m, 500m & 1000m Spools
rPET Sew All Thread is sold as 100m Spools

More Details

Universal Sewing Thread made of 100% Polyester. (rPET is made from 100% recycled Polyester). Suitable for both machine and hand sewing. Works well with all fabrics and seams. Can produce a wide range of stitches.

Thickness: No. 100
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Gutermann Top Stitch Thread is a Polyester Sewing Thread
Also available in rPET (recycled Polyester Thread)

Top Stitch and rPET Top Stitch Threads are sold as 30m Spools

More Details

Three-ply sewing thread with evenly rounded cross-section. Ideal for decorative seams and fashionable accents. Suitable for medium/heavy weight and woven fabrics. Use as needle thread with Sew All as bobbin thread.

Thickness: No. 30
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 100-120

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Gutermann Natural Cotton Thread is a Cotton Sewing Thread

Natural Cotton is sold as 100m, 250m, 400m & 800m Spools

More Details

Made from 100% mercerized cotton. Suitable for all fabrics and materials. High strength and elegant gloss, ideal for quilting. Use for closing, backstitch or ornamental seams.

Thickness: No. 85 (Ne 50)
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Cotton Shade Card: Printed / View as PDF

Gutermann Deco Stitch Thread is a Polyester Sewing Thread

Deco Stitch Thread is sold as a 70m Spool

More Details

Shimmering silky top-stitch thread. Ideal for ornamental stitches and back stitch seams. Suitable for medium weight or woven fabrics. Use as needle thread with Sew All as bobbin thread.

Thickness: No. 70
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 90-100

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Gutermann Extra Strong Thread is a Polyester Sewing Thread

Extra Strong thread is sold as a 100m Spool

More details

Robust and tear resistant sewing thread. Ideal for heavily stressed seams and repair work. Suitable for heavy and woven fabrics. Use for closing and backstitch seams.

Thickness: No. 40
Needle Size: Universal NM 90-100

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Gutermann Extra Fine Thread is a Polyester Sewing Thread

Extra Fine thread is sold as a 200m Spool

More details

Use thread with the finest needles and low thread tension. Ideal for particularly fine and smooth seams. Suitable for fine and light weight fabrics. Use for very fine closing and back stitch seams.

Thickness: No. 150
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 60-70

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Gutermann Quilting Thread is a mercerised Cotton Thread

Quilting Thread is sold as a 200m Spool

More Details

Special 100% Cotton thread suitable for hand quilting. The wax surface ensures smooth running and prevents wrinkles and curling when processing by hand. Suitable for all materials and fabrics.

Thickness: No. 65
Needle Size: Hand Sewing Needle

Needle Suggestion: Suitable for Hand Sewing only
Cotton Shade Card: Printed / View as PDF

Gutermann Tacking/Basting Thread is a Cotton Sewing Thread

Tacking/Basting Thread is sold as a 200m Spool

More Details

Cotton thread suitable for hand sewing. Natural thread made of 100% high quality cotton. Suitable for tacking by hand and penetration of materials. For basting and for folding fabrics.

Thickness: Ne 24/2
Needle Size: Hand Sewing Needle

Needle Suggestion: Suitable for Hand Sewing only
Available in 3 shades

Gutermann Denim Thread is a Polyester Sewing Thread

Denim Thread is sold as a 100m Spool

More Details

Be as creative and stylish as the professionals with this robust and strong, professional denim jeans thread. Scrub resistant and colour fast. Suitable for medium to heavy weight denim and fabrics.

Thickness: No. 50
Needle Size: Jeans Needle NM 90-110

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Jeans Machine Needles

Gutermann Jeans Thread is a blend of Polyester and Cotton

Jeans Thread is sold as a 100m Spool

More Details

Special thread for darning denim fabrics. Ideal for decorating jeans by hand or sewing machine. Optimal colour matching to denim with two tone look. Suitable for denim fabrics of all types.

Thickness: No. 75
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 80-100

Needle Suggestion: Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Available in 1 shade

Gutermann Maraflex Thread is a Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Thread

Maraflex is sold as a 150m Spool

More Details

Elastic sewing thread for household sewing machines. Creates high stretch elastic seams without the need of an overlocker. Sewn as needle & bobbin thread, ideal for necklines. Suitable for light to medium weight elastic fabrics.

Thickness: No. 120
Needle Size: Jersey Needle NM 70-80

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Jersey Machine Needle

Gutermann Silk R753 Thread is a 100% Silk Thread

Silk R753 Thread is sold as a 30m Spool

More Details

Natural thread made from 100% silk with elegant sheen. Ideal for closing and backstitch seams & ornamental stitches. Suitable for medium to heavy weight fabrics and materials. Use as needle thread with S303 as bobbin thread.

Thickness: No. 40
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 90-110

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Universal Machine Needle

Gutermann Silk S303 Thread is a 100% Silk Thread

Silk S303 Thread is sold as a 100m Spool

More Details

Natural thread made from 100% silk with elegant sheen. Universal sewing thread for elegant close and back stitch seams, as well as ornamental stitches and seams. Suitable for all fabrics and materials.

Thickness: No. 100
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 70-80

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Use as Bobbin Thread when sewing with Silk R753

Gutermann Linen Thread is a 100% Linen Thread

Linen Thread is sold as a 50m Spool

More Details

Robust natural thread with high tear resistance and durability, ideal for processing by hand. Suitable for heavy, solid fabrics, and woven fabrics. Use with heavy and strong fabrics like leather and tarpaulins.

Thickness: No. 30
Needle Size: Hand Sewing Needle

Needle Suggestion – Suitable for Hand Sewing only

Gutermann Shirring Elastic Thread is made from a blend of Polyester and Polyurethane

Shirring Elastic is sold as 10m Spools

More Details

Elastic thread is ideal bobbin thread on sewing machine. Highly elastic thread can be used for gathering, crimping, ruffles, shirring and smoking, or cord for knitting/crocheting. Suitable for all fabrics, woven fabrics and other materials.

Thickness: No. 18
Needle Size: Bobbin Thread only

Suitable for use as Bobbin Thread only

Gutermann Metallic Effect Thread is made from a mix of Polyamide and Polyester

Metallic Effect Thread is sold as a 50m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Metallic Effect Thread is ideal for decorative seams with iridescent effects. It creates sparkling and glittery ornamental stitches. Recommended to use as Needle Thread with Sew All as bobbin thread. Suitable for all fabrics and materials.

Thickness: No. 90
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 100-110

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
or Schmetz Metallic Machine Needle

Note – Metallic Embroidery or effect yarns should always been processed slowly so the thread does not break

Gutermann Sparkly Thread is made from a mix of Polyamide and Polyester

Sparkly Thread is sold as a 100m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Sparkly Thread is a two tone metallic effect thread, which guarantees sparkling effect seams and embellishments for clothing or decorations. It is high quality and easy to use on a number of projects. Suitable for all fabrics and materials.

Thickness: No. 90
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 100-110

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
or Schmetz Metallic Machine Needle

Note – Metallic Embroidery or effect yarns should always be processed slowly so the thread does not break

Gutermann Cotton 12 Thread is a mercerised cotton thread.

Cotton 12 is sold as a 200m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Cotton 12 Thread, previously known as Sulky Cotton is a 100% mercerised Cotton thread, ideal for quilting. It creates 3D decorative seams and ornamental stitches. Suitable for use with medium to heavy weight fabrics, and is ideal for processing by hand.

Thickness: No. 45
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 90-100

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Cotton Shade Card – Printed – View PDF Copy

Gutermann Cotton 30 Thread is a mercerised cotton thread.

Cotton 30 is sold as a 300m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Cotton 30 Thread, previously known as Sulky Cotton, is a 100% mercerised Cotton thread ideal for quilting and top stitches. It creates 3D decorative seams and ornamental stitches, as well as 3D closing and backstitch seams. Suitable for use with medium to heavy weight fabrics.

Thickness: No. 75
Needle Size: Universal Needle NM 80-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Universal Machine Needle
Cotton Shade Card – Printed – View PDF Copy

Back to top

Gutermann Bobbin Thread is a Polyester Thread ideal for Machine Embroidery

Bobbin thread is sold as 200m, 500m & 1000m Spools
It is also sold as Pre-Wound Bobbins of 120m, sold individually or as a Pack of 6

More Details

Gutermann Bobbin Thread is ideal under bobbin thread for all machine embroideries. Especially fine, smooth and tear resistant. Perfect for first-class embroidery motifs. Available on the spool or as a pre-wound bobbin.

Thickness: No. 195
Needle Size: Bobbin Thread only

Available in Black or White only

Gutermann Glowy Thread is a Polyester Embroidery Thread that Glows in the Dark

Glowy Thread is sold as a 100m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Glowy Thread is a machine embroidery thread that glows in the dark. Long-lasting luminosity (up to 50 washes). Suitable for all fabrics, including woven fabrics. Creates high quality and beautiful embroidery motifs.

Thickness: No. 110
Needle Size: Embroidery Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles
Available in 7 colours

Gutermann Holoshimmer Thread is a mix of Polyester and Polyetheylene

Holoshimmer Thread is sold as a 200m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Holoshimmer is a machine embroidery thread for ornamental stitches. The fine holographic metal ribbons create shimmering effects. Suitable for use on all fabrics and materials. Create ornamental stitches and beautiful embroidery motifs.

Thickness: No. 160
Needle Size: Metallic Needle NM 80-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Metallic Machine Needle

Note – Metallic Embroidery or effect yarns should always been processed slowly so the thread does not break

Gutermann Sliver Thread is made from a mix of Polyester and Polyetheylene

Sliver Thread is sold as a 200m Spool

More Details

Gutermann Sliver Thread is a machine embroidery thread for glittering stitches. The fine metal ribbons create shimmering effects. Suitable for use on all fabrics and materials. Create ornamental stitches and beautiful embroidery motifs.

Thickness: No. 175
Needle Size: Metallic Needle NM 80-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Metallic Machine Needle

Note – Metallic Embroidery or effect yarns should always been processed slowly so the thread does not break

Gutermann Metallic Thread is made from a mix of Polyamide and Polyester

Metallic Thread is sold as a 200m & 500m Spool

More Details

Special machine embroidery thread for decorative stitches. Metal effect thread for glittering and shimmering effects. Suitable for use on all fabrics and materials. Create ornamental stitches and beautiful embroidery motifs.

Thickness: No. 135
Needle Size: Metallic Needle NM 80-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Metallic Machine Needle

Note – Metallic Embroidery or effect yarns should always been processed slowly so the thread does not break

Gutermann Rayon 40 Thread is a Viscose Thread

Rayon 40 is sold as a 200m, 500m & 1000m Spool

More Details

Universal machine embroidery thread with particularly beautiful shine and perfect embroidery properties. Suitable for use with all fabrics and materials. Ideal for high quality embroidery motifs.

Thickness: No. 110
Needle Size: Embroidery Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles

Gutermann Super Brite 40 Thread is a trilobal polyester thread

Super Brite 40 is sold as a 1000m Spool

More Details

Robust and hard wearing machine embroidery thread. Brilliant shine thanks to trilobal* thread structure. Excellent stitching, perfect embroidery properties. Suitable for all fabrics and materials.

* Trilobal – meaning to have three sides

Thickness: No. 110
Needle Size: Embroidery Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles

Gutermann Invisible Thread is a Polyamide Thread

Invisible Thread is sold as a 200m Spool

More Details

Transparent thread for invisible seams and invisible closing. Particularly fine and tear resistant, adapts to fabric colour. For sewing on beads, cords, ribbons and much more. Suitable for all fabrics and materials.

Thickness: No. 270
Needle Size: Embroidery Needle NM 60-70

Needle Suggestion – Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles
Available in Clear White or Black

Back to top

Gutermann Bulky Lock 80 Thread is a textured Polyester Thread

Bulky Lock 80 is sold as a 1000m Spool

More Details

High quality, elastic bulk thread in thickness No. 80. For use with overlock and coverstitch sewing machines. Suitable for medium to heavy weight elastic fabrics. Excellent when used as needle and looper thread.

Thickness: No. 80
Needle Size: Overlock Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion: Prym Overlock Machine Needles
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Please note variegated shades do not feature on the Shade Cards

Gutermann Bulky Lock 160 Thread is a textured Polyester Thread

Bulky Lock 160 is sold as a 2000m Spool

More Details

High quality, elastic bulk thread in thickness No. 160. For use with overlock and coverstitch sewing machines. Suitable for light to medium weight elastic fabrics. Excellent when used as needle and looper thread.

Thickness: No. 160
Needle Size: Overlock Needle NM 70-80

Needle Suggestion: Prym Overlock Machine Needles
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Gutermann Miniking Thread is a Polyester Thread.

Miniking Thread is sold as a 1000m Spool

More Details

Universal sewing thread for all household, overlock and coverstitch sewing machines. Masters all closing seams, lockstitch seams and serging. Suitable for all fabrics, including find and light fabrics.

Thickness: No. 120
Needle Size: Overlock Needle NM 60-80

Needle Suggestion: Prym Overlock Machine Needles
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Please note variegated shades do not feature on the Shade Cards

Gutermann Toldi-Lock is a Polyester Thread

Toldi-Lock Thread is sold as a 2,500m Cone

More Details

Specialist sewing thread for all overlock and coverstitch sewing machines. Suitable for overlock seams, safety seams, coverstitch seams and flatlock seams.

Thickness: No. 120
Needle Size: Overlock Needle NM 70-90

Needle Suggestion: Prym Overlock Machine Needles
Toldi-Lock Shade Card: View as PDF

Gutermann Tera 180 Thread is a Polyester Thread

Tera 180 is sold as a 2000m Spool

More Details

Specialist sewing thread for fine overlock and coverstitch seams. This semi-transparent continuous filament in thickness No. 180, is particularly suited for very fine and light fabrics because of its very smooth thread surface.

Thickness: No. 180
Needle Size: Overlock Needle NM 60-70

Needle Suggestion: Prym Overlock Machine Needles
Polyester Shade Card: Printed / Real Thread / View as PDF

Back to top


Colouring

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the colours are as accurate as possible, we cannot account for variations in screen/monitor settings that may affect their appearance. We would always recommend checking the colour against a Gutermann Shade Card. 

These are available to view/purchase from our website;

Polyester Shade Card – Printed – Real Thread – View PDF copy

Cotton Shade Card – Printed – View PDF Copy


Did you find this guide helpful?

If you found this guide helpful, then feel free to share with friends/family using the Social Media links at the top of the page.

If you have happened to stumble across our helpful guide, then please like and follow our page on…

Facebook – Instagram – Pinterest – Twitter – Threads


Did we make a mistake?

The information contained within this blog has been provided for your convenience, and while we make every effort to ensure all information is correct and accurate, sometimes we make mistakes (like tyops or copying and copying & pasting errors).

If you do spot a mistake, and would like us to correct it, please drop us an email with as much information as possible, and we will update the information as soon as possible. 

Thank you for reading
#wearemoc

Response to “Essential Guide to Gutermann Thread”

  1. Embroidery Month: Hand vs Machine – Minions of Craft Blog

    […] Read our Essential Guide to Gutermann Thread […]

    Like

Leave a reply to Embroidery Month: Hand vs Machine – Minions of Craft Blog Cancel reply