Some sewers might be stumped on what to use 12wt thread for, after all it isn’t your traditional medium sized thread. What a lot of people don’t realize is how beautiful, bold, and versatile this thicker thread can be, and what kind of effects you can create with it. We’ll also take a closer look at the different types of 12wt thread you can find and when you might want to choose one over the other.
1.Thread Painting
12wt threads are a fantastic choice for thread painting for a few reasons. Because the thread is thicker, you can actually cover more area with less thread, making it a lot more efficient to thread paint with a 12wt thread. In addition, you’ll also find that the thread sits a little higher from the fabric. This gives a bolder textural effect to your project than using a medium weight thread would.
Using Spagetti 12wt double gassed Egyptian cotton
2.Cross Stitch
These threads are thick enough for cross stitching projects, especially when you want to use a fabric or fibre with a finer weave. In this project, we used Spagetti™ and Fruitti™ 12wt cotton threads, which pull smoothly through the fabric due to their ultra low lint finish.
Using Spagetti 12wt double gassed Egyptian cotton
3.Machine Embroidery
40wt threads are the standard when it comes to machine embroidery, but you can create a new look by using 12wt thread in your embroidery machine. If you have a larger design, or a design that isn’t too intricate, a 12wt thread will show the pattern much more boldly without needing to double stitch the same lines. Your pattern will also show off better due to the thicker thread.
Using GlaMore 12wt rayon & metallic
4.Hand Embroidery
If you love doing hand embroidery and sometimes split the strands of embroidery thread to make a finer thread, we would caution you against this. Splitting the strands of a thicker thread can weaken the thread while also giving it a lintier look. Instead of doing this, try using a 12wt thread which is comparable in size to an 8wt thread that’s been split in two. This way you won’t damage the thread, and you’ll keep your stitches looking clean and beautiful.
Using Fruitti 12wt variegated double gassed Egyptian cotton
5.Decorative Stitching
The decorative stitches built into most sewing machines are perfect for utilizing 12wt threads for fun, stand-out stitches. They’re perfect for decorating any project, whether it’s a stocking for your family, adding a small decorative line of stitching to a piece of clothing, or embellishing any quilt or table runner. A 12wt thread will give every decorative stitch a little more emphasis than a regular medium weight thread would.
Using Fruitti 12wt variegated double gassed Egyptian cotton
6.Needle Punch
Needle punching is a tool that can be used to create incredible textural effects, and it works best with thicker threads like 12wt. Depending on how you use the tool, you can make either dense loops or weave back and forth to fill in a space. This is a fantastic way to add a unique look to any project.
7.Big Stitch Hand Quilting
12wt is one of the best threads to use for big stitch hand quilting because the thick thread really stands out against the fabric. You’ll also find it easier to handle a 12wt thread versus a medium weight thread as it is less delicate and sits better in a wide running stitch.
Using Spagetti 12wt double gassed Egyptian cotton
8.Machine Quilting & Longarm Quilting
If you’re not afraid of bold stitches that love to show off, a 12wt thread is the perfect choice when used for quilting. 12wt is actually the thickest thread you can put through the eye of a machine needle, so you can guarantee a quilted look where the thread adds another dimension of texture and colour.
Using GlaMore 12wt rayon & metallic
9.Red Work
Red work is a form of American embroidery that traditionally uses red thread and basic stitches to decorate household items. It can be completed with a simple backstitch following a traced pattern to create motifs that can decorate anything from dishcloths to quilts to cushion covers. A 12wt thread stands out beautifully against white fabric, making it ideal for outlining patterns.
Using Spagetti 12wt double gassed Egyptian cotton
10.Sashiko
Sashiko is a Japanese embroidery technique that uses a simple running stitch to create beautiful geometric patterns or imagery. Traditionally they use white thread on an indigo dyed fabric, but these days, you can use any colours you like. Sashiko can be done by hand using a running stitch and a long hand embroidery or sashiko needle. However, you can also purchase a sashiko machine which replicates the look of a hand stitch.
Using Spagetti 12wt double gassed Egyptian cotton
Tell us in the comments where you’ve used 12wt threads, or where you would like to try them in a project! You can find a list of stores that carry WonderFil threads on www.shopwonderfil.com/shop-local/. You can also sign up to receive weekly sewing tips, free patterns, and tutorials in our newsletter. Register by clicking here! You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe button on the footer of every email you receive.
Can a 12 wt thread be used with machine embroidery? It wasn,t clear if bobbin work or top thread is used. Thank you.
Great question! 12wt can absolutely be used as a top thread for machine embroidery, but you should always use a fine bobbin thread with it (don’t use 12wt in the bobbin with 12wt in the needle or you can have a lot of tension problems). We recommend a fine bobbin thread like DecoBob 80wt as this finer thread will always give way to the top thread, allowing for a smooth tension in your machine. It’s especially important with machine embroidery as it will keep the stitches from getting too dense in the fabric and let everything lay flatter.
Your video clarified my questions on various threads & use. I haven’t tried any of these. It would be nice if you put together a sampler kit for us to test on our machines and see the effects ourself! I would love it!
We’re actually on planning to do that very soon! If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the home page to be notified when our thread samplers will be available.
Once I have a motor connected to my Singer 240 I will be using heavy weight thread to stitch fancy chain stitch designs.
How exciting! Please tell us know it turns out 🙂
I’ve tried to use the 12 wt. in my domestic machine with a top stitch needle and fine bobbin thread and it is always breaking or unraveling. Using it on regular cotton quilt as decoration. I’ve adjusted the tension several times and ways but not have any success. Any suggestions. I bought a spagetti pack and have only used a little to experiment and now unable to use it on the quilt I bought it for.
Hi Janet, there’s a few things you can look at. The first is what size topstitch needle are you using? You can try a 100/16 topstitch needle for this weight of thread since you’re experiencing these issues. Another needle you can try is a 100/16 super non-stick needle. Schmetz makes these needles with a non-stick coating that helps reduce the friction as the thread passes through the fabric.
Another thing to look at is increasing your stitch length. Since the thread is thicker, increasing the stitch length will ensure the thread isn’t stitching too densely together. You can also look at what decorative stitch you’re using. Something like a satin stitch may be too dense with this thicker thread.
You should also keep a steady needle action, so making sure there is no pushing or pulling on the fabric and letting the feed dogs do their thing. The bobbin thread should be around 80wt if you have it, as this will really help with tension issues and pulling less on the top thread.
Hope this helps and please let us know if you continue having issues even after trying these changes!