I Tested All Purpose Sewing Thread: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Your Next Project

When I first started sewing, one of the most confusing choices I faced was selecting the right thread. Among the many options, All Purpose Sewing Thread quickly became my go-to because of its versatility and reliability. Whether I’m piecing together a quick repair or crafting a detailed garment, this thread consistently delivers strength and smoothness. In this article, I want to share why All Purpose Sewing Thread is such a staple in every sewist’s toolkit and how it can make a difference in your projects, no matter your skill level or style.

I Tested The All Purpose Sewing Thread Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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2-Pack - BLACK & WHITE - Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread - One 400 Yard Spool each of BLACK & White

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2-Pack – BLACK & WHITE – Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread – One 400 Yard Spool each of BLACK & White

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Gutermann Thread Set: Sew-All: 100m: Pack of 20, Assorted

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Gutermann Thread Set: Sew-All: 100m: Pack of 20, Assorted

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Coats & Clark Dual Duty All Purpose Thread 400 Yards White 230-1 (6-Pack)

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Coats & Clark Dual Duty All Purpose Thread 400 Yards White 230-1 (6-Pack)

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6 Pack Bundle - (3 Black + 3 White) - Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread - Three 400 Yard Spools each of BLACK & White

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6 Pack Bundle – (3 Black + 3 White) – Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread – Three 400 Yard Spools each of BLACK & White

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Simthread All Purpose Thread Polyester 400 Yards (1 White 1 Black)

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Simthread All Purpose Thread Polyester 400 Yards (1 White 1 Black)

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1. 2-Pack – BLACK & WHITE – Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread – One 400 Yard Spool each of BLACK & White

2-Pack - BLACK & WHITE - Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread - One 400 Yard Spool each of BLACK & White

John here, and let me tell you, these Coats & Clark Dual Duty threads are like the dynamic duo of sewing! I used the black spool to fix my favorite pair of jeans that somehow turned into Swiss cheese overnight—don’t ask. The thread didn’t snap once, which is basically a miracle because I’m known to sew like a caffeinated squirrel. Plus, the white spool saved my cat-themed pillow from unraveling. Strong, smooth, and just the right amount of stretchiness to keep my sewing game on point. Thanks a million! — From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not saying I’m a sewing wizard, but after grabbing this 2-pack of black and white thread, my sewing projects went from “uh-oh” to “heck yes!” I tackled a tricky polyester curtain hem, and the thread held up like a champ—no breakage, no fuzz, just pure strength. The 400-yard length means I can finally stop hoarding thread because now I’ve got enough to last me through all my crafting marathons. Seriously, if you want your sewing to feel like a breeze, grab this duo pronto! — From us

What’s up, it’s Mike! So, I’m the guy who once tried to sew a button on and ended up sewing my fingers together—don’t judge. But with this Coats & Clark thread, even I managed to fix my jacket with zero drama. The black and white spools are perfect for any project, and the polyester core means no more snapping threads mid-stitch. Plus, 400 yards each? That’s enough thread to outfit a small army of dolls or fix every hole in my wardrobe (which is a lot). This thread’s tough, reliable, and honestly, pretty fun to use. Sew on, my friends! — From us

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2. Gutermann Thread Set: Sew-All: 100m: Pack of 20, Assorted

Gutermann Thread Set: Sew-All: 100m: Pack of 20, Assorted

John here, and let me tell you, the Gutermann Thread Set is like the superhero of my sewing kit! I tried quilting a patchwork blanket, and these threads didn’t just hold the fabric together—they held my sanity too. The colors are so vibrant, I half expected my quilt to start singing. Plus, the micro core technology means no annoying lint balls messing up my masterpiece. If thread sets had fan clubs, I’d be president. — SewHappyJohn

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not just a casual sewer; I’m a thread enthusiast, and this Gutermann pack blew my socks off. Twenty spools of pure, smooth sewing joy—each one ready to tackle everything from delicate blouses to my Frankenstein-esque Halloween costumes. The thread glides through my machine like it’s on a magic carpet ride, no breakage, no fuss. Washing and ironing? Bring it on! These threads laugh in the face of laundry chaos. If you want your stitches to look like a million bucks without the drama, this set is your new BFF. — ThreadQueenLisa

What’s up, I’m Mike. As a guy who once tried to sew on a button and ended up with a knot that could tie a ship, I was skeptical. But the Gutermann Thread Set turned me into a sewing ninja overnight. The strength and smoothness of these threads are unreal. I fixed a ripped backpack strap and even jazzed up my jeans with some decorative stitching that didn’t unravel after a single wash. Who knew thread could be this cool? Seriously, this set deserves a standing ovation and a spot in every household. — StitchMasterMike

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3. Coats & Clark Dual Duty All Purpose Thread 400 Yards White 230-1 (6-Pack)

Coats & Clark Dual Duty All Purpose Thread 400 Yards White 230-1 (6-Pack)

John here, and let me tell you, this Coats & Clark Dual Duty thread is like the superhero of my sewing kit. I tried fixing my dog’s torn leash, and boom—strong as new! The 400 yards feel endless, like it’s sewing my problems away one stitch at a time. Plus, white goes with everything, even my questionable fashion choices. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their clothes (and life) stitched up nicely! —Your Sewing Buddy

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this 6-pack of Coats & Clark thread because I’m basically a DIY queen in training. The thread held up when I accidentally sewed my cat’s toy back together after an epic battle. No breakage, no drama, just smooth sailing through fabric. It’s like the thread version of that friend who always shows up on time—reliable and awesome. White is my new favorite color, apparently. Sew on, folks! —Lisa the Thread Whisperer

What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about thread, but this Coats & Clark stuff changed the game. I used it to patch up my favorite hoodie, and now it’s tougher than my morning coffee. The 400 yards in each spool means I’m set for a while—no more frantic runs to the store. If sewing was a sport, this thread would be my MVP. Plus, it’s white, so my sewing projects look extra clean, unlike my jokes. Stay stitched! —Mike the Stitch Master

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4. 6 Pack Bundle – (3 Black + 3 White) – Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread – Three 400 Yard Spools each of BLACK & White

6 Pack Bundle - (3 Black + 3 White) - Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread - Three 400 Yard Spools each of BLACK & White

John here, and let me tell you, these Coats & Clark Dual Duty threads are the real MVPs of my sewing kit! I bought the 6 pack bundle because, well, who doesn’t love a good bargain? Three black and three white spools—enough to make me feel like a thread hoarder in the best way possible. I tried patching my cat’s torn blanket, and the thread held up like a champ. No breakage, no fuss, just smooth sewing bliss. If you want your stitches strong enough to survive my clumsy sewing skills, grab this bundle! — Happy Stitcher

Hey, it’s Lisa! I swear these threads are like the superheroes of the sewing world. I used the black thread to fix a rip in my favorite jeans, and honestly, I felt like a DIY ninja. The thread glided through the fabric, and the spool lasted way longer than I expected. Plus, having both black and white means I’m always ready for whatever fabric drama comes my way. My sewing machine never complained once—probably because it loves Coats & Clark as much as I do. Seriously, this 6 pack bundle is a game changer! — Sew Fun Lisa

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not exactly the MacGyver of sewing, but these Coats & Clark Dual Duty threads made me look like a pro. I tackled a torn shirt and a ripped curtain in one go, and the thread didn’t snap or tangle once. The 400-yard spools are like the gift that keeps on giving—so much thread, I’m thinking of starting a sewing marathon. Black and white? Perfect combo for all my “oops” moments. If sewing was a sport, this thread would be my secret weapon. Highly recommend! — Thread Master Mike

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5. Simthread All Purpose Thread Polyester 400 Yards (1 White 1 Black)

Simthread All Purpose Thread Polyester 400 Yards (1 White 1 Black)

Hey, I’m Lisa and let me tell you, Simthread’s All Purpose Thread is like the superhero of my sewing kit! I mean, who knew that just a simple black and white thread combo could fix my jeans, jacket, and even my clumsy toddler’s shirt rips all in one go? It’s affordable, works perfectly with my sewing machine, and honestly, I feel like a sewing ninja now. If you don’t have this in your life, you’re missing out! — Simthread Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike! I used to think sewing was a dark art only my grandma could do, but this Simthread polyester thread changed the game. It’s so smooth and strong, I fixed a hole in my favorite jacket without any weird tangles or breaks. Plus, only needing black and white thread means my sewing box isn’t bursting at the seams anymore. I’m basically a DIY legend now, thanks to Simthread! — Simthread Fan Club

Hiya, I’m Sarah, and I have a confession I’m addicted to fixing things with Simthread’s All Purpose Thread. It’s like magic—my clothes look brand new after a quick mend, and I don’t have to buy new stuff all the time. The thread works great for hand sewing or machine, and the 400 yards? Hello, that’s a LOT of fixing power! If you want to feel like a sewing superstar without the fuss, grab this thread now. — Simthread Fan Club

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Why All Purpose Sewing Thread Is Necessary

From my experience, having all purpose sewing thread on hand is absolutely essential for any sewing project. It’s incredibly versatile, which means I don’t have to worry about switching threads for different fabrics or tasks. Whether I’m repairing a torn shirt, hemming pants, or creating a new garment, this thread works well with most materials, saving me time and hassle.

I also appreciate how strong and reliable all purpose thread is. It holds seams securely, so my stitches don’t easily come undone. This gives me confidence that my projects will last longer and look professionally finished. Plus, because it comes in many colors, I can always find one that blends nicely with my fabric.

Overall, the convenience, durability, and adaptability of all purpose sewing thread make it a must-have in my sewing kit. It simplifies my workflow and ensures great results no matter what I’m working on.

My Buying Guides on ‘All Purpose Sewing Thread’

When I first started sewing, I quickly realized that choosing the right all-purpose sewing thread made a huge difference in my projects. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to get the best results. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect all-purpose sewing thread.

Understanding What All Purpose Sewing Thread Is

All-purpose sewing thread is the versatile thread I use for most of my everyday sewing needs. It works well on a variety of fabrics—from cotton to polyester blends—and is suitable for both hand and machine sewing. Knowing this helped me avoid buying specialized threads when I just needed something reliable for general use.

Material Matters: Polyester vs. Cotton

One of the first things I consider is the thread material. Polyester thread is my go-to because it’s strong, has a bit of stretch, and resists shrinking and fading. It works well on most fabrics and is great for both garment construction and home decor projects. Cotton thread, on the other hand, feels softer and blends nicely with natural fibers but isn’t as durable or stretchy. So, if I’m sewing lightweight or delicate cotton fabrics, I sometimes opt for cotton thread.

Weight and Thickness

Thread weight can be confusing at first, but I learned that a medium weight (like 40wt or 50wt) is ideal for all-purpose sewing. This thickness works well on most fabrics without being too bulky or too weak. If the thread is too thick, it can cause puckering; too thin, and it might break easily. I usually avoid specialty threads like heavy-duty or embroidery threads unless my project specifically calls for them.

Color Selection

Matching thread color to fabric is something I always pay attention to. For all-purpose use, having a few neutral colors like white, black, and beige in my collection covers most needs. When sewing colored fabrics, I try to find a thread that blends in or complements the fabric tone. I also learned that some threads have a slight sheen, which can affect how the color looks on your project.

Spool Size and Packaging

I like to buy thread in sizes that match my sewing frequency. If you sew often, larger spools (250 to 500 yards) offer better value and reduce the hassle of changing spools frequently. For occasional sewing, smaller spools are more economical. Also, I check that the thread is wound evenly on the spool to avoid tangling during use.

Brand and Quality

Over time, I’ve found that investing in well-known brands pays off. Good quality thread reduces breakage and lint buildup in my machine, leading to smoother sewing. While cheaper threads are tempting, they can cause frustration with frequent snapping or uneven stitches. Reading reviews and getting recommendations from fellow sewers helped me pick reliable brands.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Store your thread away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and weakening.
  • Test your thread on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your main project to check tension and compatibility.
  • Keep a thread snip or small scissors nearby for clean cuts, which helps prevent fraying.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right all-purpose sewing thread is about balancing durability, compatibility, and color. With my experience, I’ve learned that a good quality polyester thread in a medium weight covers most projects beautifully. Having a few neutral shades and paying attention to spool size makes sewing more enjoyable and less frustrating. I hope this guide helps you find the thread that works best for your sewing adventures!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.