Essential Embroidery Supplies Guide: Threads, Bobbins, Backings & More

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Essential Guide for Embroiders: How to Pick the Best Supplies

(Threads, Bobbins, Backings & More)

Whether you are just getting started in customization or are a seasoned embroider, your tools are the essence of your craft. Picking the right supplies can be a daunting task with all these different suppliers and browsing all these sites to find everything from bobbins to backings. Thankfully, in this guide we will detail what supplies you will need and where to start your search for best materials.

Let’s dive in!

Beginning with the Basics: Premium #40 Embroidery Thread

Depending on the type of custom project, the thread you will need vary. However, thread for embroidery is typically meant to be used on highspeed machines, so one thing that all projects need is a thread that is going to be consistently strong.

The search for the right type starts with the quality. If you want to make designs that last you will need to find a supplier that offers a thread with:

High Tenacity
Low Elongation
Low Friction

The tenacity of your thread will ensure it withstands high-speed production. Heavy usage with embroidery machines requires a higher linear density within the fibers to withstand the force. The last thing you need is cheap thread ruining your design project.

Higher quality thread with low elongation allows for more precise design stitching. Lower friction helps reduce the chance of tangling. Fewer thread breaks and improved accuracy means you not only increase productivity but also have the best end results.

Keep in mind that the higher the thread quality, the fewer issues you’ll encounter. The key is choosing a thread that delivers strong performance without breaking your budget.

Common Thread Materials

Embroidery suppliers offer thread in a range materials such as polyester, nylon, rayon, lyocell, and more. Each created with its own unique characteristics.

Rayon being one of the most common is made of viscose rayon fibers usually crafted with eucalyptus trees, which makes it soft and strong. The only downside is that it is weaker in strength compared to other materials like polyester. Nylon is the next best with strength and quality, and it is typically best for sewing fabric, leather and canvas. It is a durable and light weight synthetic fiber.

Polyester is above all the strongest material. Intended to eliminate thread breaks, while also providing a vibrant and glossy look. This thread is ideal for commercial use and personal projects making it versatile. It even does well in resisting stains. Embroiders alike can agree it is a perfect all-tasks thread.

However, the best perk is it is the best quality for cost. Poly thread is a staple thread for embroidery. OTTO® has a selection of threads available crafted with materials such as rayon, nylon and polyester. Tiered bulk pricing also offers outstanding savings for high-volume embroiderers.

Tip: The “weight number” is meant to show how “thicker” or “thin” a thread is. The most used number amongst machines is 40-weight. 40-weight is top performance for most “digitized” embroidery designs, which is a good basic size.

Thread Cards

Acting as a palette for you design creations, a thread color card helps inspire creativity. With this you will be able to compare colors and find the right match for you. OTTO® offers a detailed and organized poly thread color cared for easy reference and use.

This is perfect for professional embroiders who need this. Add it to your cart before checking out with OTTO®.

Understanding the Importance of Backing / Stabilizers

Fabrics you use for your designs may not have a natural structure to them. The soft material makes it difficult to embroider, which makes the stabilizer necessary. The backing is placed behind to hold the shape while a machine does the embroidering.

Stabilizers act as the backbone to any embroidery project and work as a canvas to the artwork. Just as it is important to pick the right thread for your project, the backings are one of the unrecognized key parts of any design project. These foundational products ensure there is no distortion in the stitching process.

Adding a backing means:

Extended design life
Less “puckering”: bunching of fabric around stitched area of embroidery where the material no longer lies flat

Elements of Stabilizers

Fabric = Type of Backing

Design = Weight of the Backing

Depending on the fabric you are working with, this will help determine whether you need cutaway or tear-away stabilizers. The design you plan to use for your project will also factor in whether you need a more dense or lighter backing.

Cutaway Stabilizer: Meant for stretchy, lightweight fabrics that need a stable foundation.

Tear-Away Stabilizer: Used best for more durable fabrics like denim and can allow the backing to be gently torn away from the design.

OTTO® is not only a trusted source for blank wholesale headwear but also a source for professional embroidery supply needs. We provide high-quality embroidery products for all embroiders and apparel decorators.

We provide a comprehensive selection of embroidery backings and stabilizers to suit any project, including both Tear‑Away and Cutaway varieties.

OTTO® Cutaway: Maintains shape wash after wash.

OTTO® Tear-Away: Easy to remove, leaves a clean finish and eco-friendly.

Our stabilizers feature options like poly mesh, nylon tricot, vinyl and more. The fabric and materials used in these backings are made from the toughest material out there. Bulk quantities are available for an easy shopping experience for customers. Convenience and value are at your fingertips, as our warehouse provides a wide variety of inventory to choose from.

Pre-Wound Bobbins: The Final Piece

Bobbins are an essential piece of any embroidery machine and no embroider can work without it. The bobbin goes under the needle and with the wheel create a loop with your main thread to wrap around and get a stich.

Pre-wound bobbins with thread save time and help you turn out designs quicker. This eliminates the need to wind the thread yourself or the need to buy a bobbin winder. OTTO® offers black and white bobbins to match the color tone of your design and for you to create seamless looking designs.

Everything You Need in One Place

OTTO® is a one-stop-shop for all your embroidery essentials. No more wasted time endlessly searching for every material you need for your custom headwear project. Start your next design project with the highest-quality embroidery supplies you can find in once place.

Visit our website to learn more:

https://ottocap.com