Sewing Threads & Twines

Upholstery Sewing Threads and Twines for Professional Workrooms

Shop upholstery sewing threads and twines for furniture manufacturing, reupholstery, cushion making, mattress production, automotive trimming and traditional furniture restoration. Livedale supplies bonded nylon sewing thread, polycotton corespun thread, spun-polyester overlocking thread, nylon monofilament, pre-wound bobbins, linen and flax stitching twines, buttoning twine and waxed slipping thread.

Sewing thread and upholstery twine perform very different jobs. Machine-sewing thread is used to construct covers, join furniture panels, sew cushion borders and produce finished seams. Heavier upholstery twines are used for hand stitching, spring tying, buttoning, edge formation and closing completed furniture sections.

The correct product depends on the sewing machine, needle, material, seam construction and amount of tension the finished work will carry. A fine overlocking thread, strong bonded nylon and heavy springing twine cannot be substituted freely simply because all three arrive wound around something.

Shop Upholstery Threads and Twines by Type

The range is divided into two specialist categories:

• Sewing Threads and Bobbins
• Upholstery Twines

These sections provide direct routes to machine-sewing products and heavier hand-stitching or furniture-construction twines.

Sewing Threads and Bobbins

Browse sewing threads and bobbins for industrial sewing machines, overlockers and suitable upholstery or soft-furnishing applications.

The range includes:

• Bonded nylon sewing thread
• Polycotton corespun sewing thread
• Spun-polyester overlocking thread
• Nylon monofilament thread
• Type G pre-wound bobbins
• Type L pre-wound bobbins

Different thread constructions offer different combinations of strength, appearance, flexibility, heat resistance and sewing performance.

The thread should be selected according to the material and intended seam rather than colour alone.

Bonded Nylon Upholstery Thread

Bonded nylon is widely used for sewing upholstery covers, mattresses, bedding, automotive trim and other products requiring a strong machine-sewn seam.

The individual nylon filaments are treated to help keep the thread together during sewing. This can improve its resistance to abrasion and reduce the likelihood of the plies separating as they pass through the needle, material and sewing-machine tension system.

Bonded nylon can be considered for:

• Furniture upholstery
• Cushion covers
• Mattress borders
• Bedding manufacture
• Automotive upholstery
• Campervan interiors
• Vinyl and faux-leather covers
• Heavy woven fabrics
• Piped upholstery seams
• Suitable outdoor or leisure projects

The correct thread size must still be matched to the machine, needle and material.

A strong thread does not automatically create a strong seam. The seam allowance, stitch length, material backing and accuracy of the sewing all contribute to the finished result.

If the thread is too heavy for the needle or machine, it may cause skipped stitches, tension problems, damaged material or poor-looking seams. If it is too fine for the application, it may break or wear prematurely.

Test the complete combination before beginning a finished cover.

Somabond Bonded Nylon Thread

The current Livedale range includes Somabond 40’s bonded nylon thread on large cones and in an extensive choice of colours.

It is intended for professional machine sewing across upholstery, bedding and mattress applications.

When selecting a colour, decide whether the stitching should:

• Blend into the upholstery material
• Match a piping or trim colour
• Provide a deliberate contrast
• Remain hidden inside the seam
• Coordinate with an existing repair

For visible topstitching, colour matching should be carried out using a physical thread sample wherever possible. A computer screen cannot show the precise shade, sheen or thickness of a sewn thread.

The final appearance will also depend on the stitch length and whether the thread sits on the surface or sinks into the material.

Polycotton Corespun Sewing Thread

Polycotton corespun thread combines a strong continuous polyester core with an outer covering of cotton fibres.

This construction provides the strength of the polyester core together with the softer surface characteristics of cotton. The cotton covering can also help the thread retain lubricant and cope with heat generated around the sewing-machine needle.

Corespun thread can be useful for:

• Furniture upholstery
• Soft furnishings
• Cushion covers
• Mattress manufacture
• Natural and blended upholstery fabrics
• General industrial sewing
• Seams where a softer thread appearance is preferred

The current Livedale range includes M36 polycotton corespun sewing thread on 4,000-metre cones in a broad selection of colours.

Corespun and bonded nylon threads should not be selected solely by comparing cone size or apparent thickness. Their construction and sewing characteristics differ.

Test the thread through the intended fabric layers, piping and seam allowances before producing a complete furniture cover.

Spun-Polyester Overlocking Thread

Spun-polyester thread is made from shorter polyester fibres spun together to create a softer, more textile-like thread.

The current 120’s spun-polyester product is intended primarily as an overlocking thread.

Overlocking can be used to neaten and secure cut fabric edges, helping reduce fraying before or during the construction of an upholstery cover.

Potential uses include:

• Overlocking upholstery panels
• Neatening cushion-cover seams
• Securing woven fabric edges
• Soft-furnishing production
• Suitable domestic and industrial overlocking
• Preparing fabric before final assembly

An overlocking thread should not automatically be substituted for the main construction thread in heavily loaded upholstery seams.

The overlocked edge and the structural seam normally perform different jobs. The overlocking controls the raw edge, while the main seam carries the load between the joined panels.

Check that the cone size and thread are suitable for the overlocker or industrial machine being used.

Nylon Monofilament Thread

Monofilament sewing thread consists of one continuous nylon filament rather than several spun or twisted plies.

Natural or translucent monofilament can be useful where the thread needs to remain relatively unobtrusive across different upholstery colours.

Potential applications include:

• Upholstery
• Soft furnishings
• Suitable blind or concealed stitching
• Decorative attachment work
• Multi-colour fabrics
• Work where frequent thread-colour changes are undesirable

The current range includes 320 and 500 monofilament options.

The product number should not be treated as a universal indication that one thread is correct for every sewing machine or material. Check the thread diameter, intended use, needle and machine settings before ordering.

Monofilament can behave differently from conventional spun or bonded thread. It may feel stiffer, sit differently within a seam and require adjustments to machine tension.

Test it on the actual material, particularly where the stitching will remain visible.

Pre-Wound Bobbins and Barbobs

Pre-wound bobbins provide a ready-to-use alternative to winding bobbin thread in the workroom.

They can help reduce preparation time and provide a consistent quantity of thread across repeated sewing operations.

The term Barbob is an established industry term for a type of pre-wound bobbin. The current Livedale range includes Type G and Type L Barbobs in several practical upholstery colours.

Pre-wound bobbins can be useful for:

• Furniture upholstery production
• Cushion-cover manufacturing
• Soft furnishings
• Mattress and bedding work
• Repeated commercial sewing
• Workrooms seeking fewer interruptions for bobbin winding

The bobbin style must match the sewing machine.

Type G and Type L bobbins are different sizes and should not be treated as interchangeable. Check the machine manual, existing bobbin or manufacturer’s specification before ordering.

Also confirm:

• Bobbin type
• Overall diameter
• Width
• Core construction
• Thread colour
• Box quantity
• Compatibility with the bobbin case
• Suitability for the upper thread being used

A pre-wound bobbin that almost fits is not compatible. At best it will sew badly; at worst it can become an expensive method of discovering how to remove a jammed bobbin case.

Matching Upper and Bobbin Thread

The upper and bobbin threads work together to form the stitch.

They do not always need to be identical, but they must work together correctly within the machine and seam.

Consider:

• Thread construction
• Thread size
• Colour
• Machine tension
• Needle size
• Material thickness
• Seam appearance on both sides
• Whether one side will remain visible

A darker bobbin thread beneath a pale fabric can sometimes become visible where the stitch balance is incorrect or the material is thin.

Test the complete seam from both sides and adjust the machine according to its instructions.

Upholstery Twines

Browse upholstery twines for traditional furniture upholstery, hand stitching, spring work, buttoning and closing finished furniture sections.

The range includes:

• Barbour’s linen stitching twine
• Everlasto flax stitching twine
• Laidcord
• Buttoning twine
• Waxed polyester slipping thread

Upholstery twines are generally heavier than machine-sewing threads and are intended for hand work or specific furniture-construction methods.

The required thickness depends on the task. Edge stitching, sewing springs, buttoning and invisible closing all place different demands on the twine.

Linen and Flax Stitching Twines

Traditional linen or flax stitching twines are used throughout hand upholstery.

The current Barbour’s and Everlasto ranges are available in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6.

The lighter sizes 3 and 4 are suited to jobs such as:

• Edge stitching
• Hand sewing
• Sewing through suitable upholstery fillings
• General traditional upholstery work
• Controlled stitching where a finer twine is required

The thicker sizes 5 and 6 are more suited to:

• Blind stitching
• Sewing upholstery springs to hessian
• Heavier traditional upholstery work
• Tasks requiring a more substantial twine

The size should be selected according to the needle, material and load carried by the stitch.

Using an unnecessarily thick twine can make the work difficult to pull through, create oversized holes and leave a bulky result. Using twine that is too light can lead to breakage or inadequate support.

Sewing Springs into Position

Traditional double cone springs may be stitched to suitable hessian after the springing system has been assembled and covered.

A strong stitching twine helps hold the springs in their intended positions and connects them to the upholstery foundation above.

The exact method depends on the furniture and traditional upholstery technique being used.

Before stitching:

• Check that the spring system is properly positioned
• Make sure the hessian is evenly tensioned
• Use a suitable curved or straight upholstery needle
• Select a twine heavy enough for the work
• Avoid damaging the hessian weave
• Keep stitches controlled and evenly placed
• Secure knots correctly
• Check the springs remain upright and aligned

The stitching should support the established spring arrangement rather than drag poorly positioned springs into shape.

For suitable springs and springing components, browse upholstery springs and webbing.

Upholstery Edge Stitching

Edge stitching is used in traditional upholstery to shape and strengthen the edge created from fillings beneath the cover.

The process requires suitable filling materials, hessian, twine and upholstery needles.

The stitches help control the filling and establish the final shape of the furniture edge. Their spacing, depth and tension influence how firm and even the result becomes.

A lighter stitching twine is generally easier to control for detailed edge work than the heavier twine used for sewing springs.

The twine should be pulled firmly enough to shape the edge without cutting through the hessian or creating an uneven, over-compressed section.

Blind Stitching

Blind stitching is used where upholstery layers need to be secured without leaving prominent stitching on the finished face.

Heavier stitching twine may be selected for suitable blind-stitching operations within traditional furniture construction.

The needle path, stitch depth and tension must be controlled carefully.

The stitch should secure the intended layers without catching unwanted material or emerging through the visible covering.

Practice on a concealed or sample section where the method is unfamiliar.

Laidcord

Laidcord is a traditional cord used in suitable upholstery and furniture-making applications.

It is formed from several strands laid or twisted together to create a relatively substantial cord.

Potential uses may include:

• Traditional upholstery work
• Lashing or securing suitable components
• Furniture construction
• General workroom tying
• Applications requiring a heavier cord than ordinary sewing thread

Check the product thickness and intended application before ordering.

Laidcord should not automatically be substituted for specialist buttoning twine, slipping thread or springing twine. These materials are manufactured and selected for different purposes.

Upholstery Buttoning Twine

Buttoning twine is used to secure upholstery buttons through cushions, headboards, furniture backs and other padded sections.

It must withstand the tension created when the button is pulled into the upholstery and held at the required depth.

Buttoning twine can be used for:

• Deep-buttoned furniture
• Upholstered headboards
• Seat and back buttons
• Mattress-style buttoning
• Cushion buttoning
• Replacing broken button ties
• Suitable decorative upholstery work

The twine should be used with an appropriate buttoning needle and compatible button components.

Before buttoning, establish:

• Button position
• Required depth
• Direction of pleats
• Anchor point
• Twine length
• Number of passes required
• Whether the button is decorative or functional
• Strength of the surrounding upholstery construction

Do not pull the button deeply into unsupported soft filling without considering the structure behind it. The twine requires a secure anchor and an upholstery construction capable of carrying the tension.

Browse buttoning parts and equipment for buttons, backs and related components.

Waxed Polyester Slipping Thread

Waxed polyester slipping thread is used for slip stitching where an inconspicuous or hidden closing seam is required.

This method is commonly used to close:

• Cushion openings
• Outside furniture backs
• Outside arms
• Upholstered panels
• Hand-finished seams
• Areas that cannot be completed entirely by machine

The waxed surface helps the thread pass through the material and can reduce unwanted movement while the hand seam is being formed.

The current range is available in several upholstery colours, helping the thread blend with the surrounding fabric.

Choose a colour close to the covering material where the stitches may be faintly visible.

The seam should be closed progressively and evenly. Pulling a long section tight in one movement can gather the material, distort piping or place excessive load on individual stitches.

Use a suitable curved or straight hand-sewing needle according to the access available.

Choosing the Correct Upholstery Sewing Thread

Begin with the finished application.

Consider whether the thread will be used for:

• Main cover construction
• Piping
• Topstitching
• Overlocking
• Cushion borders
• Vinyl or leather-look materials
• Automotive trim
• Mattress or bedding work
• Hand closing
• Traditional edge stitching
• Spring work
• Buttoning

Then check the thread against:

• Sewing-machine type
• Needle system
• Needle size
• Material thickness
• Number of layers
• Seam construction
• Stitch length
• Expected load
• Required colour
• Indoor or specialist use
• Cleaning and maintenance conditions

No thread is best for every seam.

Bonded nylon may suit strong upholstery and automotive work. Corespun thread may provide a softer surface and good machine performance. Spun polyester can suit overlocking, while monofilament may be useful where a less conspicuous thread is wanted.

Twine should be selected separately for the particular hand-upholstery task.

Thread Size and Numbering

Thread products can use different numbering systems according to their manufacturer, construction and intended market.

Numbers such as 40’s, 120’s, M36, 320 or 500 should not be compared as though they all belong to one simple scale.

Before selecting a replacement, check:

• Product construction
• Manufacturer’s reference
• Thread diameter
• Recommended needle size
• Intended application
• Cone length
• Machine suitability
• Existing thread specification

Where an existing thread has performed successfully, retain the cone label or record the complete product name before it runs out.

Ordering “the same thickness as the old one” without any further information is a fairly efficient way of obtaining something entirely different.

Choosing the Correct Sewing-Machine Needle

The needle must create a hole large enough for the thread to pass through without excessive friction, but not so large that it unnecessarily damages the material.

Consider:

• Needle system required by the machine
• Needle size
• Point shape
• Thread thickness
• Woven fabric, vinyl or leather application
• Number of material layers
• Piping and seam thickness
• Sewing speed

A needle that is too small can cause thread damage, breakage, skipped stitches and overheating.

A needle that is too large can leave visible holes, damage the material and produce poor-looking stitching.

Use a suitable needle point for the material. A point designed for ordinary woven fabric may not be the best choice for leather, vinyl or specialist automotive material.

Browse needles, pins and skewers for hand-upholstery and specialist furniture-making needles.

Testing Sewing-Machine Tension

Machine tension should be tested using the actual thread, needle and material layers intended for the finished product.

A satisfactory stitch should normally lock within the seam rather than pulling predominantly to the top or underside.

Test across:

• A normal seam
• Several folded layers
• Piping
• Crossed seam allowances
• Corners
• Any topstitched areas

The machine may sew correctly through two flat layers and then struggle when crossing a thick piped junction.

Adjust only one setting at a time and keep a record of successful machine, needle and thread combinations used regularly in the workroom.

Do not attempt to correct every sewing fault by tightening the tension. Incorrect threading, a damaged needle, unsuitable bobbin, poor thread path or dirty machine can produce similar symptoms.

Stitch Length and Upholstery Materials

Stitch length affects both appearance and seam performance.

Very short stitches place more needle holes into the material. This can weaken vinyl, faux leather and other non-woven coverings by creating a perforated line.

Very long stitches may not hold tightly enough around curves or heavily stressed seams.

Choose a stitch length appropriate to:

• Thread thickness
• Material construction
• Seam type
• Curve radius
• Visible appearance
• Expected load
• Whether the seam will be topstitched

Test decorative stitching and topstitching before sewing the finished panels.

Once vinyl or faux leather has been pierced, the needle holes remain. Unpicking and repeatedly resewing the same seam can weaken the material and leave an unattractive line of abandoned holes.

Thread Colour Matching

Thread can be selected to blend with the upholstery material or provide a deliberate contrast.

For blended stitching, compare thread against the material in natural and artificial light.

A thread that matches the loose fabric may appear lighter or darker once sewn because the stitch direction, surface sheen and surrounding shadows change its appearance.

For contrast stitching, consider:

• Stitch length
• Needle-hole visibility
• Accuracy of the sewing line
• Piping colour
• Other trims and furniture details
• Consistency across adjoining panels

Contrast thread draws attention to every deviation in the seam. It is a handsome choice when the stitching is right and a remarkably efficient critic when it is not.

Order enough thread for the complete project, particularly where several matching items are being produced.

Sewing Piping and Cushion Covers

Piped seams place several layers of fabric around the piping cord and can be substantially thicker than an ordinary panel seam.

The thread, needle and machine must cope with:

• Outer covering material
• Piping strip
• Piping cord
• Cushion border
• Additional seam intersections
• Zip panels where applicable

Use a suitable piping or zipper foot and test the needle position before beginning the finished cover.

Keep the stitching close enough to the cord to create a neat edge without sewing into or damaging the piping cord.

Browse upholstery piping cords for cushion and furniture-edge applications.

For removable covers, browse zipping supplies for zip chain, sliders and related components.

Hand Sewing and Slip Stitching

Hand sewing remains essential in upholstery even where most cover construction is completed by machine.

Outside backs, arms, cushion openings and difficult furniture sections may require the final seam to be closed after the cover has been fitted.

Choose a needle that provides suitable access and a thread or twine strong enough for the seam.

When slip stitching:

• Align the two edges before beginning
• Keep piping and patterns matched
• Use consistent stitch spacing
• Catch sufficient material on both sides
• Tighten the seam progressively
• Avoid pulling the fabric into gathers
• Secure the finishing knot properly
• Conceal the thread end where possible

Work from a comfortable direction and keep the furniture stable. Trying to produce a neat invisible seam while balancing a chair on one knee is a method, certainly, but not one worth recommending.

Storing Sewing Thread and Twine

Store thread and twine in a clean, dry workroom away from direct sunlight, damp and excessive heat.

Keep cones protected from dust, adhesive overspray, oil and loose fibres.

Thread that has collected dirt can carry it directly through the sewing-machine tension system and needle.

Avoid crushing cones or allowing thread to unravel loosely around shelving and machinery.

Label partial cones where the original product information is no longer visible. Useful details include:

• Thread type
• Size
• Colour
• Supplier
• Product reference
• Intended machine
• Date purchased

Keep pre-wound bobbins in their original boxes or a divided container so Type G and Type L bobbins are not mixed together.

Twines should be kept dry and protected from contamination that could affect handling, colour or strength.

Common Sewing Problems

Repeated thread breakage may be caused by:

• Incorrect needle size
• Damaged or blunt needle
• Incorrect machine threading
• Excessive tension
• Poor-quality or damaged thread
• Rough thread guides
• Needle overheating
• Thread catching on the cone
• Incorrect needle orientation
• Unsuitable thread for the material

Skipped stitches may be associated with:

• Incorrect needle system
• Bent or damaged needle
• Needle too small for the thread
• Incorrect needle point
• Poor machine timing
• Material lifting with the needle
• Excessive seam thickness

Uneven stitches or loops beneath the work can result from incorrect threading, unsuitable tension, bobbin problems or debris within the machine.

Consult the sewing-machine instructions and correct the underlying cause rather than repeatedly turning every available tension dial and hoping one eventually surrenders.

Related Upholstery Supplies

Sewing thread and twine are normally used alongside other furniture-making materials.

Browse upholstery vinyl and fabric for contract vinyl, automotive materials, vehicle headlining and waterproof fabrics.

Explore piping cords for making piped cushion borders and furniture edges.

Our zipping supplies include zip chain, sliders and components for removable cushion covers.

Browse buttoning and finishing supplies for upholstery buttons, buttoning equipment and decorative finishing products.

Explore upholstery needles, pins and skewers for hand sewing, buttoning, regulating and traditional upholstery work.

For spring tying and traditional furniture support, browse upholstery springs and webbing.

Explore the complete Workroom Supplies hub for adhesives, tapes, fixings, lining materials, packaging and other everyday upholstery sundries.

Trade Upholstery Threads and Twines

Livedale supplies sewing threads, pre-wound bobbins and specialist upholstery twines to professional upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, mattress makers, automotive trimmers, soft-furnishing workrooms and repair businesses throughout the UK.

Approved trade customers can access preferential trade pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Browse the categories above to find the correct sewing thread, bobbin or upholstery twine for your next furniture, cushion, vehicle-trimming or restoration project.