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.
