Monofilament Thread Information

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.

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Nylon Thread

Polyester Thread

Robison-Anton

Kevlar (tm) Thread

Cotton Thread

Monofilament Thread

Machine Needles - Over 2,000 Groz-Beckert and Schmetz selections.

Needles

Find the needles you need in one place.
Needle to Machine Reference.
Sequenced needle systems for harder to find needles.
Thread by needle size.

Shop All Needles - Find the right needle for your machine

Home Sewing Needles (flat side on shank)

130/705 - Home Sewing Needles - Same As HAX1, and 15X1

Accessories - To make sewing easier.

Accessories

We have a growing selection of notions and accessories that make sewing easier. They include thread cone holders, thread sock. elastic tubing, scissors and shears, tape measures, and tool kits and cutters.

Nylon Thread - Ten Sizes - Over 100 colors in some sizes.

Polyester Thread - Nine Sizes - Great for outdoor use.

Robison-Anton - The full line of R/A 40-Weight embroidery thread.

Kevlar (TM) Thread - Withstands temperatures up to 800F.

Bobbins - Prewound - Save time with pre-loaded bobbins.

Monofilament Thread - Also called invisible nylon thread.

Cotton Thread - The full line of Mettler Silk-Finish cotton and Aurifil closeouts.

Cotton Thread

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.

Cotton Thread - All Selections Mettler 60-Weight Cotton Thread Mettler 50-Weight Cotton Thread Mettler 40-Weight Cotton Thread Mettler 28-Weight Cotton Thread Aurifil Cotton Thread Closeout All Cotton Thread Specials Mettler Silk-Finish Cotton Thread Buying Guide

Sewing and Serger Thread - Spun polyester, poly-core, silk closeout and more.

Sewing and Serger Thread

Tex 27 Maxi-Lock - 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.

Waxed Thread - For hand sewing. Most machines cannot handle waxed thread. Check owners manual.

Waxed Thread

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.

Waxed Thread - All Sizes Waxed Thread - 70-Yard Tubes - Polyester Waxed Thread - 24-Yard Coils - Size 277 (0.025" / 0.64 mm) - Nylon Waxed Thread - 12-Yard Coils - Size 415 (0.030" / 0.76 mm) - Nylon Waxed Embalmers Thread Waxed Thread Buying Guide

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Monofilament Thread Buying Guide