Monofilament Thread Buying Guide
Monofilament Thread Information
Specifications and Use by Size
Monofilament Thread Properties
Monofilament Spools and Canisters
About Monofilament Thread
Monofilament thread, also known as invisible nylon, is exactly what its name says - a thread that has a single filament. Monofilament thread is semi-translucent, and it is the first choice for sewing "invisible" stitches. The Monofilament Thread Buying Guide helps customers get the right thread for their needs. Our approach is to help you decide if monofilament thread is right for your needs, identify which sizes (thicknesses) should be used for common monofilament applications, and provide specifications for each size.Our clear monofilament thread has a semi-translucent quality that helps it to blend in with the fabric that you are sewing. This makes monofilament thread an excellent choice for blind stitching, and making exposed stitches or seams as "invisible" as possible. It is also a good alternative if you cannot find a thread color that matches your fabric. Monofilament thread looks and feels like fishing line, but it is too prone to tangling on reels. Monofilament thread goes up to 0.012 inches, whereas fishing line usually starts at 0.013 inches. For best results, use clear monofilament with light colors and smoke monofilament with dark colors.
Monofilament Thread Sizes
Size refers to thread thickness - not the amount of thread on a spool or canister. Our monofilament thread sizes range from almost hair thin and delicate, to sizes strong enough for upholsery. As thickness increases, the thread's strength increases, it becomes more visible, and the yards-per-ounce decrease. Monofilament sizes are usually by the thousandths inch. For example, a size .007 monfilament thread is seven one-thousandths of one inch, or, 7/1000".
It is becoming more common for monofilament packages to be labeled in Tex and Denier. Equivalent Tex and Denier sizes are listed in the Specifications topic on this page.
Sizes .003 to .011 can be used with most home sewing machines. Size .012 normally requires a commercial machine.
Specifications and Use by Size
Monofilament - Size .004
Tex: Tex 8 (T-8)
Denier: 85 Denier (85/D)
Average Thickness: 4/1000" (0.004 In.), or 0.10 mm
Average Strength: 1.3 Lbs. (0.59 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 55/7 to 65/9
Uses: Hair wraps, Invisible seams, Quilting
Monofilament - Size .005
Tex: Tex 14 (T-14)
Denier: 130 (130/D)
Average Thickness: 5/1000" (0.005 In.), or 0.12 mm
Average Strength Pounds: 1.8 Lbs. (0.82 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 65/9 to 70/10
Uses: Hair wraps, Invisible seams, Quilting
Monofilament - Size .006
Tex: Tex 18 (T-18)
Denier: 180 (180/D)
Average Thickness: 6/1000" (0.006 In.), or 0.15 mm
Average Strength: 2.6 Lbs. (1.18 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 70/10 to 80/12
Uses: Applique, Garments, Hair wraps, Quilting
Monofilament - Size .007
Tex: Tex 27 (T-27)
Denier: 250 (250/D)
Average Thickness: 7/1000" (0.007 In.), or 0.18 mm
Average Strength: 3.7 Lbs. (1.68 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes 75/11 to 80/12
Uses: Applique, Garments, Quilting
Note: 40 Weight Embroidery Thread, 40 Weight Cotton Thread, and Maxi-Lock Sewing Thread are also Tex 27.
Monofilament Size .008
Tex Equivalent: Tex 35 (T-35)
Denier: 330 (330/D)
Average Thickness: 8/1000" (0.008 In.) or 0.20 mm
Average Strength: 4.6 Lbs. (2.09 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 80/12 to 90/14
Uses Applique, Garments, Quilting
Monofilament - Size .009
Tex: Tex 45 (T-45)
Denier: 420 (420/D)
Average Thickness: 9/1000" (0.009 In.) or 0.23 mm
Average Strength: 5.7 Lbs. (2.60 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 90/14 to 100/16
Uses: Applique, Drapes, Garments, Quilting
Monofilament - Size .010
Tex: Tex 50 (T-50)
Denier: 520 (520/D)
Average Thickness: 10/1000" (0.010 In.) or 0.25 mm
Average Strength: 7.0 Lbs. (3.18 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 100/16 to 110/18
Uses: Applique, Drapes, Upholstery
Monofilament - Size .011
Tex: Tex 60 (T-60)
Denier: 620 (620/D)
Average Thickness: 11/1000" (0.011 In.) or 0.28 mm
Average Strength: 8.7 Lbs. (3.95 kg)
Recommended Needle Sizes: 110/18 to 120/19
Uses: Applique, Drapes, Leather, Upholstery
Monofilament - Size .012
Tex: Tex 80 (T-80)
Denier: 720 (720/D)
Average Thickness: 12/1000" (0.012 In.) or 0.30 mm
Average Strength: 9.5 Lbs. (4.3 kg
Recommended Needle Sizes: 120/19 to 125/20
Uses: Applique, Drapes, Leather, Upholstery
Monofilament Thread Properties
Elongation - Monofilament thread has an average stretch of around 31% over time. This is beneficial for its end use, because it allows for the seams to stretch with the fabric, allowing for 'breaking in'. For activewear and lighter materials, Woolly Nylon thread has a greater stretch. Kevlar Thread has about a 2% stretch.
Heat - Monofilament thread can usually handle continuous heat up to 285F (140C) before breaking down. Its melting point is 509F (265C).
Abrasion - Monofilament thread has excellent abrasion resistance.
Chemicals - Monofilament thread has good resistance to bleaches, solvents, acids, and Alkalis.
Monofilament Spools and Canisters
Our monofilament thread is mostly sold on large canisters and smaller king spools. The standard monofilament canisters without tops (domes) are usually 5.25 inches at the base, and stand about 7.0 inches tall. Bases and domes for monofilament canisters are sold separately. 2 and 4 Ounce Monofilament king spools average 2.50 inches at the base, and stand about 4.50 inches tall.
Welcome to The Thread Exchange
Your source for sewing thread and needles since 2005. We offer a huge selection, fast shipping, personalized phone and email help, and thread in both small and large spool sizes. We are also a living-wage employer.
Thread Specials and Closeouts - Up to 50% Off
- Save big on closeouts while they last.
- Save up to 50% on thread closeouts.
- New specials are added often.
- Great for sewing practice or building a color stash.
Nylon Thread - Ten Sizes - Over 100 colors in some sizes.
- Nylon thread is strong, smooth-sewing, durable and easy to use.
- Nylon is a great thread for leather, canvas and vinyl.
- Use up to size 69 nylon in most home sewing machines.
- Buy what you need - We have nylon thread on single small spools, large spools and cases.
Polyester Thread - Nine Sizes - Great for outdoor use.
- Polyester looks and feels like nylon thread with comparable strength, durability, and ease of use.
- Polyester thread is UV resistant. It is great for outdoor use with fabric, leather, canvas and vinyl.
- Use up to size 69 polyester thread in most home sewing machines.
- Buy what you need - We have Polyester thread on single small spools, large spools and cases.
Kevlar (TM) Thread - Kevlar thread is strong and withstands temperatures up to 800F.
- Kevlar thread does not melt. It turns to ash.
- Size-for-size, Kevlar thread is on average 2.5 times stronger than nylon and polyester.
- Kevlar thread has a low stretch at around 2% over time.
- Buy what you need - We have Kevlar thread on single small spools and large spools.
The Robison-Anton Store
All Embroidery Products
Embroidery Information
Robison-Anton Conversion Charts
Thread to Needle Size Chart
Robison-Anton - The full line of 40-Wt Robison-Anton machine embroidery thread
Embroidery Thread - Backings - Hoops - Thread closeouts, backings and hoops for major makes and models.
- The full line of Robison-Anton thread in Super Brite Polyester, Super Strength Rayon, J Metallic, Moonglow, Super Strength Variegated, Twister Tweed and Color Cards.
- We also have great values on name-brand closeout king spools for under $6.00, and Grab-Bags by the Pound.
- Embroidery Backings and Stabilizers - Over 120 products available. Machine Embroidery Hoops - Snap hoops, sticky hoops, guides and parts.
All Needles
Needles Information
Thread To Needle Size Chart
Machine To Needle Reference
Groz-Beckert Publications
Machine Needles - Over 2,000 Groz-Beckert and Schmetz selections.
- Find the needles you need in one place.
- Machine To Needle Reference.
- Sequenced needle systems for harder to find needles.
- Thread to needle size chart.
- New - Needles for shoe patcher machines.
Prewound Bobbins
Prewound Bobbin Buying Guide
Bobbin Style to Machine Reference
Prewound Bobbin Style Guide
Prewound Bobbins - Save time with pre-loaded bobbins.
- Full-gross (144), half-gross (72), and packs of 12 for smaller jobs.
- Styles A (Class 15), G, L, M, and U - Other styles on closeout.
- Wide selection of half-price bobbins.
- Find the right bobbin for your machine.
Monofilament Thread - Also called invisible nylon thread.
- Similar texture to fishing line, but thinner.
- Comes in 9 sizes from ultra-thin size .004 to sturdy-size .012.
- Small spools in sizes .005 to .012.
- 1.5 Lb. canisters in all sizes - Case quantities available.
Cotton Thread - The full line of Mettler Silk-Finish Cotton and Aurifil closeouts.
- Mettler cotton from thinnest to thickest in 60, 50, 40, and 28-weights.
- Aurifil cotton closeouts at 35% off.
- Mettler and Aurifil are made from 100% long staple Egyptian cotton fibers.
- The lower the thread weight number, the thicker the thread.
Sewing and Serger Thread - Spun polyester, poly-core, silk closeout and more.
- Maxi-Lock - Tex 27 - Over 90 solid and variegated colors on 3000-Yd spools.
- Excell - Same as Maxi-Lock on 6000-Yd spools - Around 12 colors.
- Maxi-Lock Stretch - High elasticity thread in over 35 colors.
- Closeouts in spun polyester, poly-core silk, and more.
Crafts Threads: Waxed Thread - Imitation Sinew - For hand sewing. Most machines cannot handle waxed thread or sinew. Check owners manual.
- Waxing makes thread stiffer, stronger, and more water repellent.
- Great for leather, canvas, vinyl, and heavy fabrics.
- 70-Yd tubes from Maine Thread in 6 sizes - Over 36 colors.
- Closeout - Nylon coils, and waxed polyester-linen tubes.
Bag Closing Thread - FDA Compliant.
- Use to seal paper, polypropylene, cotton and jute bags.
- Also a strong, inexpensive, and knot free thread.
- Comes in 4-ply and 5-ply thicknesses.
- Available in 8-Oz, 5-Lb, and 20-Lb cones.
Sewing Accessories - Notions and accessories that make sewing easier.
- Thread cone holders let you use economical king spools with sewing machines that only accept mini spools.
- Thread sock stops puddling by gently holding the thread in place while it is on the spool.
- Scissors, shears, snips and cutters made by Kretzer, Consew Smooth Cut, Fiskar and Slice.
- Velcro (TM) and other hook-and loop, measuring tools and tool kits