Aurifil Buying Guide Aurifil is 100% Egyptian cotton grown in the Mako region on the Nile. Like wine, geography affects quality. The Mako region is famous for the its long staple cotton that is stronger, softer, and more durable than other kinds of cotton. We currently sell Aurifil's 40-weight, 50-weight, and Forty3 -- a 3-ply 40-weight thread designed for high speed Longarm quilting.
About Aurifil Cotton Aurifil cotton is made in Milan, Italy using a 15-step process to ensure quality. The thread is mercerized to add strength and a beautiful sheen. During winding, it is passed through a transparent paraffin oil to help it glide through your machine without leaving any type of residue.
Caring for Aurifil Cotton Like all colorful textiles, Aurifil colors may bleed if not cared for properly. Aurifil uses the Indanthren method to dye 249 of its 270 colors because it gives the highest level of colorfastness. There are 21 colors dyed using the slightly less stable Reactive method. They are identified on our site. For best results Aurifil recommends following thread care standards:
Indanthren Dyed Maximum washing temperature: 160F / 70C Maximum ironing temperature:
300F / 150C Use chlorine: Yes - In cold water Dry cleaning: Yes Tumble dry in warm air: No
Reactive Dyed Maximum washing temperature:
140F / 60C Maximum ironing temperature: 300F / 150C Use chlorine: No Dry cleaning: Yes Tumble dry in warm air: No
Multicolored / Variegated Maximum washing temperature: 85F / 30C Maximum ironing temperature:
110C / 230F Use chlorine: No Dry cleaning: Yes Tumble dry in warm air: No
Aurifil threads are not organic. They are Oeko-Tex certified. This means that Aurifil threads are free from harmful chemicals and are safe for human use. In quilter's terms you and your loved ones can wrap yourselves and your quilts without worry.
Our Aurifil Products
Currently, we sell Aurifil Cotton on 40-Weight and 50-Weight large spools and cones in 270 colors. We also sell Aurifil 40-Weight / 3-Ply cotton cones in 50 colors. Note: 40-Weight thread is thicker and stronger than 50-Weight thread.
40-Weight Aurifil 40-Weight 100% Egyptian, Mako cotton comes on 1000-meter / 1094-yard spools and 4700-meter / 5140-yard cones and is available in 270 colors. Use an 80 /12 microtex / sharp, universal, or denim needle, OR a 90 / 14 or 75 / 11 quilting needle, OR a 3.5 or 4.0 longarm quilting needle. Use 50-weight bobbin thread. 40-weight cotton is slightly thicker than 50-weight making it perfect for sewing bags, toys or dolls, garments, or when a more defined topstitching or quilting pattern is desired. It is recommended for:
Bobbin lace Cross stitch Edge-to-edge sewing
Hand piecing Longarm quilting Machine applique
Machine embroidery Machine lace
Pantographs
Aurifil 40-Weight cotton thread is wound on green spools. The 1000 meter / 1094 yard spools are approximately 1.25 inches at the base, and stand about 2.75 inches tall.
Aurifil 40-Weight cotton thread is wound on green cones. The 4700 meter / 5140 yard cones are approximately 2.50 inches at the base without the thread, and stand about 4.75 inches tall.
50-Weight Aurifil 50-Weight 100% Egyptian Mako cotton comes on 1300-meter / 1422-yard spools and 5,900 meter / 6,452-yard cones. It is available in 270 colors. Use an 80 / 12 microtex, sharp, universal or denim 4.0 needle and 50-weight bobbin thread. This lighter weight thread is recommended for:
Basting Bobbin lace background designs
Dense machine quilting English paper piecing Hand piecing
Longarm quilting Machine applique
Machine lace
Aurifil 50-Weight cotton thread is wound on orange spools. The 1300-meter / 1422-yard spools are approximately 1.25 inches at the base, and stand about 2.75 inches tall.
Aurifil 50-Weight cotton thread is wound on orange cones. The 5,900 meter / 6,452-yard cones are approximately 2.50 inches at the base without the thread, and stand about 4.75 inches tall.
Forty3 40-Weight / 3-Ply - Aurifil 40-Weight / 3-Ply 100% Egyptian cotton comes on 3000-meter / 3280-yard cones in 50 colors. Use a 90 / 14 or 100 / 16 topstitching needle, OR a 4.0 or 4.5 Longarm needle. Use either 40-weight or 50-weight bobbin thread. It is specifically designed for today's high-speed, high tech Longarm machines. It retains the versatility, lustrous color and virtually lint free properties of 40-weight / 2-ply cotton with the added benefit of extra strength. It is recommended for:
Aurifil Forty3 cotton thread is wound on yellow cones. The 3000-meter / 3280-yard cones are approximately 2.50 inches at the base without the thread, and stand about 4.75 inches tall.
The Thread Exchange, Inc.
Thread and Needle Selections
Nylon Thread
Nylon Thread
Strong and easy to use. Great for sewing fabric, leather, canvas, and vinyl. 10 sizes. Some sizes have over 100 colors. Most home sewing machines can use up to size 69.
Nylon Thread
Polyester Thread
Polyester Thread
Looks and feels like nylon thread, but with a greater UV resistance. This makes polyester great for outdoor use. Most home sewing machines can use up to size 69.
Polyester Thread
Lower everyday price.
Robison-Anton
Our flagship embroidery thread brand. The full line of Robison-Anton polyester, rayon, J Metallic, Moonglow, variegated and Twister Tweed embroidery thread, and color cards.
Robison-Anton
2,000 different needles
Machine Needles
We make it easier to buy the right needle with our Needle Buying Guide, Needle to Thread Size Guide, Machine to Needle Reference, and Groz-Beckert publications.
Machine Needles
Kevlar (tm) Thread
Kevlar (tm) Thread
Strong and Heat Resistant. Kevlar thread is about 2.5 times stronger than nylon or polyester. It comes in a pale yellow color. It has almost no stretch, it doesn't melt, and ashes at 800F.
Kevlar Thread
Cotton Thread
Mettler Cotton Thread
The full line of Mettler in 28, 40, 50 and 60-Wt, Aurifil closeouts, Valdani closeouts and more. The lower the thread-weight number, the thicker the thread.
Cotton Thread
Thread - Stabilizers - Bobbins
All Embroidery
King spool closeouts as low as $3 per spool, metallic specials, stabilizers, bobbins, and much more.
All Embroidery
Sewing and Serger Thread
Sewing Thread
Regular stock includes Maxi-Lock and Maxi-Lock Stretch. Also featuring spun polyester closeouts, polyester-core closeouts, and more.
Sewing Thread
Monofilament Thread
Monofilament Thread
Clear nylon "invisible" monofilament thread. Transparent so stitches are as invisible as possible for inconspicuous stitch appearance.
Monofilament
Bobbins - Prewound
Prewound Bobbins
Nylon and Polyester bobbins in styles A, G, L, M, U, and other styles. Embroidery bobbins, Half price specials, and new budget-friendly 12-packs.
Bobbins
Save time with prewound bobbins.
Half-Price Bobbins and New 12-Packs
Check out over 90 half-price bobbins. Some of the boxes are battered, but the bobbins are in perfect condition. Nylon and Polyester bobbins in styles A, G, L, M, U, and other styles. Sometimes boxes of 144 or 72 are more than you need. Our new budget-friendly 12-packs are great for smaller jobs.
Shop Now
Sewing and Serger Thread
Sewing Thread
Maxi-Lock, Maxi-Lock Stretch, spun polyester closeouts, polyester-core closeouts, and more.
Sewing Thread
Waxed Thread
Waxed Thread
Maine Thread in 6 sizes, close out coils, beeswax, tapered waxed cord, waxed linen blend and more.
Waxed Thread
Imitation Sinew
Imitation Sinew
Imitation sinew made from polypropylene or nylon. Waxed and flat. Easy to split to make thinner.
Imitation Sinew
Hand Stitching Thread
Hand Stitching Thread
Use of tubes of nylon, polyester, and Kevlar thread for hand sewing and with speedy stitcher awls.
Hand Stitch Thread
Hand Sewing Needles
Hand Sewing Needles
C.S. Osborne needles for hand sewing upholstery, leather, canvas, carpet, fabric, and darning.
Hand Needles
Sewing Accessories
Sewing Accessories
Thread cone holders, thread sock. elastic, scissors and shears, tape measures, and tool kits and cutters.
Sewing Accessories
Polyester-Linen Blend
Polyester-Linen
Polyester-Linen thread has brilliant colors and a silky, smooth texture. Ideal for fine leather and upholstery.
Polyester-Linen Thread
1 mm Hemp Twine
Hemp Twine
Hemp is the strongest of all natural fibers. It is also also ultra-violet and salt water resistant.
Hemp Twine
Highest Operating Temp.
PTFE Fiberglass
PTFE coated fiberglass thread - operating temperatures to around 1022 F (550 C) after the PTFE coating burns off.
PTFE Thread
All Specials
All Specials
Over 1,200 thread and sewing needle specials all in one place. Many products are about 50% off their original price.
All Specials
For sewing bags shut
Bag Closing Thread
FDA Compliant to 21-CFR-177.1630(f), 21-CFR-177.2800 and 21-CFR-178.3570.
Bag Closing Thread
For tight knots and cordage.
Bank Line
Bank line is a black polypropylene twine that is like tennis netting. It is strong and UV resistant.
Bank Line
Great for levitation tricks
Magicians Thread
When you separate the yarn filaments you get a strong thread that is invisible to your audience.
Magicians Thread
About our products
Buying Guides
Use our buying guides to learn more about the thread on our site and get the right thread and needles.
Product Information
Welcome to The Thread Exchange
Since 2005 we have specialized in sewing thread and needles. We are known for our huge product selection, personalized telephone and email help, fast shipping, and having most threads in small and large spool sizes. We are proud to be a living wage employer.
