Overlock and Speciality Threads Explained

Walk into any tailoring unit and you will see a wall of thread cones in a dozen finishes. They are not interchangeable. An overlock cone behaves nothing like an embroidery thread, and crochet thread is a different animal again. Using the wrong one means skipped stitches, frayed edges or a finish that looks cheap. Here is a plain breakdown of the threads tailors and units in Chennai ask us for most, and what each is actually for.

Everyday sewing thread: spade poly and Ameto

For straight machine stitching, polyester threads like spade poly and Ameto do the daily work. They are strong, smooth and colour-fast, so seams hold and the colour does not bleed in the wash. Ameto thread is a trade favourite for its even tension on power machines, which is why units buy it by the box. We sell Ameto and general sewing threads in the full shade card, and you can ask for wholesale rates on bulk cones.

Overlock thread: Nevlock and edge finishing

Overlock machines run three to five cones at once to finish raw edges, so they need a lighter, faster-feeding thread. Nevlock and similar overlock threads are spun for exactly this: they run fast without snapping and give a soft, full edge without adding bulk. Buy them in matching sets of cones so your overlocked seams stay neat in one colour. Always keep your edge thread separate from your seam thread.

Embroidery and crochet threads

Embroidery threads are made to shine. The rayon and polyester embroidery cones used on computerised and hand machines have a sheen that ordinary sewing thread lacks, which is what makes motifs stand out. Crochet thread is thicker, mercerised cotton meant for hand crochet, tassels, edgings and aari work, not for machine seams. If you searched for a crochet thread shop near me, this is the counter: we keep both embroidery and crochet ranges in the shop in Sowcarpet. See the full speciality threads range for the shades and weights.

Do not forget the bobbins

Whatever top thread you run, the bobbin underneath has to match in weight or the tension fights itself. Pre-wound bobbins save time on busy units, and keeping a few extra metal and plastic bobbins on hand means you never stop mid-order. Stock spare bobbins alongside your main thread so a colour change takes seconds, not minutes.

Match the thread to the job

Spade poly and Ameto for everyday seams, Nevlock for overlocked edges, sheen embroidery cones for motifs, and mercerised crochet thread for handwork. Buy seam and edge threads in the same shade family so a finished garment looks consistent. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 98402 69851 with your machine type and we will recommend the right cone and bobbin to go with it.