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Monofilament Thread Buying Guide

Monofilament Thread Information

About Monofilament Thread

Monofilament Thread Sizes

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.

The Thread Exchange, Inc.
Thread and Needle Selections Nylon Thread 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 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 Robison-Anton 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 Machine Needles 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 Nylon Thread 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 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 Hand Sewing Needles Hand Sewing Needles C.S. Osborne needles for hand sewing upholstery, leather, canvas, carpet, fabric, and darning.C.S. Osborne needles for hand sewing upholstery, leather, canvas, carpet, fabric, and darning. Hand Needles 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 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 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 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 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