Difference Between Yarn and Thread

If you're new to embroidery, sewing, crocheting, and knitting, you may way wonder if yarn and thread are the same thing.

This is a common question that many people new to these kinds of crafts ask.

In this guide, I will cover the differences between yarn and thread

Yarn Vs. Thread

Yarn and thread are not the same thing.

Technically thread is a type of yarn. But they are not the same.

The main difference between yarn and thread is what they are used for.

Yarn is primarily used for:

  • Crocheting
  • Knitting
  • Weaving
  • Sewing

Thread is used for:

  • Embroidery
  • Sewing

Yarn is usually used by crafters for making things like clothes and blankets, whereas thread is most often used for sewing 2 fabrics together

Yarn tends to be heavier than thread.

Thread tends to be much thinner yet stronger than yarn. Thread has to be strong to hold fabric together, so it's usually a much more tightly wound material.

What is Yarn?

Yarn is fibers twisted together to form a continuous piece.

Yarn is used for crocheting, knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidery, and for making textiles and fabric.

There are variety of materials that are used to make yarn.

Commonly you will find yarn made from natural materials like animal fiber or plant fiber. You will also commonly find yarn made from synthetic material.

What is Thread?

Thread is a thin strand of long continuous fiber.

Thread is a type of yarn so it can also be made from a wide range of material such animal fiber, plant fiber, or synthetic material.

Thread is usually thin and strong which is why it is used for joining fabrics together in sewing and embroidery.

There are different types of threads, so the type of thread used will depend on the project being done.

Conclusion

Inexperienced crafters, may get confused when they hear the terms "yarn" and "thread",

But hopefully by now you can start to see the differences.

If you're working on a project that calls for yarn, make sure you are not using thread, and if you're working on a project that needs thread, yarn will not suffice.

If you do need yarn for your project, make sure to check out selection by clicking the link below!

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