Dressmaking supplies: threads, needles and notions
The thread, needles and notions most dressmaking projects need, matched to fabric weight.
Bobbin's checklist
Match thread to fabric weight and needle to fabric type. All-purpose polyester (for example Gütermann Sew-all, No. 100 with a universal 70–90 needle per the maker) covers most garments.
Match thread to fabric weight and needle to fabric type. All-purpose polyester (for example Gütermann Sew-all, No. 100 with a universal 70–90 needle per the maker) covers most garments.
£Every project
- All-purpose polyester thread: Gütermann says Sew-all suits hand and machine sewing on all fabrics.
- Universal needles 70/10–90/14: SCHMETZ describes universal as general purpose for wovens and some knits.
- Pins or clips, chalk, tape measure: for marking and measuring.
££By fabric
- Jersey (ballpoint) needles: for knits, so fibres aren't broken (SCHMETZ).
- Stretch needles: for highly elastic knits with elastane (SCHMETZ).
- Microtex (sharp) needles: for silk, microfibre and fine wovens (SCHMETZ).
£££Heavier and visible stitching
- Jeans/denim needles: reinforced blade for thick wovens (SCHMETZ).
- Topstitch needles and topstitch thread: elongated eye for heavy thread (SCHMETZ).
- Extra-strong thread: Gütermann rates its Extra Strong thread for heavily stressed seams.
Skip for now
- Embroidery thread for structural seams: it isn't made for strength.
- Cheap unbranded thread that sheds lint and snaps.
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.