The Short Answer
Polyester thread can be a good choice for beading and bead embroidery. It is generally strong, has little stretch, and many types resist fraying and moisture. It is not the right answer for every project, though. Pearls often call for silk, heavy or sharp-edged beads may need bonded thread or wire, and stretchy bracelets use elastic cord instead.
The right choice depends on your bead type, the technique, and how the piece will be worn.
Why Polyester Works for Beading
- Low stretch: beadwork keeps its shape because the thread does not stretch over time.
- Strength: many polyester threads are strong for their thickness.
- Fray and moisture resistance: polyester does not absorb water like natural fibers can, which helps with durability.
- Wide color range: it is easy to match thread to beads or fabric.
- Easy to find: sewing thread is widely available, which is handy for bead embroidery on fabric.
Polyester Compared With Other Beading Threads
| Material | Common uses | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Bead embroidery, beadweaving, stitching beads onto fabric | May be abraded by sharp-edged beads; check the product label |
| Nylon | Beadweaving (many popular beading threads are nylon) | Can stretch slightly and may weaken with light exposure |
| Bonded thread | Seed beads, crystals, tight weaving | Stiffer and less flexible; coating helps resist fraying |
| Silk | Pearls and gemstones, traditional knotted strands | Can stretch and cost more; shorter lifespan with wear |
| Beading wire | Heavier beads, structured designs | Stiffer; uses crimps and clasps rather than knots |
| Elastic cord | Stretch bracelets | Not suitable for delicate designs; knots can loosen over time |
Packaging often describes thread as “nylon,” “polyester” or “bonded,” and the same brand name may be used across different materials. Read the label to know what you are buying.
Types of Polyester Thread You Might Use
Regular Polyester Sewing Thread
A good-quality all-purpose polyester sewing thread can work for sewing beads onto fabric, especially larger beads and bead embroidery. It is usually inexpensive and comes in many colors. For its full range of uses, see our overview of sewing machine thread types.
Polyester Beading Thread
Some brands sell polyester or polyester-blend threads specifically for beading. These tend to be smoother, a bit more controlled and sold in beading-friendly sizes and spools.
Bonded and Coated Threads
Bonded threads have a coating that helps resist fraying and gives a stiffer feel, which some beaders like for tight weaving and for feeding the thread through beads without a needle. Many are sold as polyester or nylon, so check the label.
Bead Embroidery Basics
If you want to start bead embroidery, the usual supply list includes:
- Beads: seed beads in a size you can handle comfortably, plus any larger accent beads or cabochons.
- Thread: a strong, fine thread that suits the beads, often polyester or nylon. Many beaders use a color that blends with the fabric or beads.
- Needles: beading needles are long and thin to pass through small bead holes. Sizes are numbered, and a higher number means a finer needle.
- Backing fabric: a stable foundation such as a firm interfacing or specialty bead backing.
- Fabric and scissors: sharp scissors for trimming thread and backing.
- Optional extras: beeswax or thread conditioner, a hoop or frame, a bead mat, and glue for edge finishing.
Bead embroidery generally involves stitching beads to the backing one at a time or in short strings, and then securing and finishing the back. Techniques like backstitch beading and tambour work each have their own tips, which are beyond the scope of this guide.
Thread for Pearls
Pearls are traditionally strung on silk, often with a knot between each pearl, so they do not rub together and so a break does not scatter the whole strand. Some people use nylon or polyester cord instead, which resists moisture and wear better than silk. Choose a thread thin enough to pass through the pearl hole and strong enough to hold the weight, and consider asking a jeweler if the pearls are valuable.
What String for Seed Bead Bracelets?
It depends on the style:
- Stretch bracelets: elastic cord designed for beading.
- Woven or stitched bracelets: beading thread such as nylon, polyester or bonded thread in a thickness that passes through the beads several times.
- Simple strung bracelets: thread or flexible beading wire with a clasp.
Seed bead holes are small, so test how many passes of thread the holes can take before choosing a thickness.
Tips for Working With Polyester Thread
- Check bead edges. Glass beads and crystals can have sharp edges that wear thread. Inspect the holes and consider a more abrasion-resistant option for those.
- Use a short working length, since thread gets weaker and tangled the more it passes through beads.
- Condition thread lightly, if you like, to reduce tangling. Test on a scrap first.
- Pull gently. Polyester has little stretch, so pulling too tightly can make the beadwork stiff.
- Secure ends carefully. Weave in tail ends, use small knots, and consider a tiny dab of clear glue on the knot if suitable.
- Test the finished piece. Give it a gentle tug before wearing or gifting it.
Choosing the Best Polyester Thread
There is no single “best” polyester thread. Look for:
- A smooth, even finish
- A thickness suited to your beads
- A color that blends in
- Good reviews from beaders who use similar beads
If you are choosing between thread sold for sewing and thread sold for beading, try a small amount of each on your actual beads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sewing thread for beading? For bead embroidery on fabric, often yes, especially with larger beads. For heavily worked beadweaving, thread sold for beading usually holds up better.
Is polyester better than nylon for beading? Neither is better in every case. Polyester is often valued for low stretch and moisture resistance, while nylon is widely used for beadweaving. Choose by project and bead type.
Will polyester thread cut on crystals? It can, since sharp edges can saw through many threads over time. Bonded threads or wire are often used for sharp-edged beads.