Madeira Threads & Supplies

Threads and Essentials for Commercial Embroidery

Explore Madeira’s range of embroidery threads, backings, toppings, underthreads and accessories for your embroidery business.

Visit Madeira UK for product information and ordering, or contact Paul for practical advice on choosing supplies for your specific embroidery work.

Our relationship

Shared knowledge.
Better embroidery.

Madeira has been part of the embroidery industry since 1919. Today, its range includes embroidery threads, backings, toppings, underthreads and accessories for commercial embroidery.

I work with Madeira on embroidery training, bringing practical advice on machines, software and production together with their knowledge of embroidery materials.

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Materials, technique and practical advice

Good embroidery starts with choosing the right thread and backing for your fabric and design, then putting them to work with sound technique. Understanding how these choices affect the finished result helps you solve problems and produce consistent embroidery.

Learning & putting it into practice

From the training room to the machine

Participants attending an embroidery training session at Madeira

Training with Madeira

I work with Madeira on practical embroidery courses designed to help you understand your equipment, choose suitable materials and tackle everyday production problems. Explore the courses to find out more and enquire about future sessions.

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Crown and lettering embroidered on purple fabric using Madeira Classic 60 thread

Putting the knowledge to work

Choosing supplies is only part of the process. The design, garment preparation and machine settings matter too. Looking closely at a stitched sample helps connect those choices to the finished result.

Image features CLASSIC 60s weight Rayon Viscose thread for fine details and small lettering.

paul's picks

A few favourites from my workbench

Madeira Classic 40 embroidery thread starter set

Classic 40s thread

I love Classic 40 for its beautiful sheen and the finish it gives to embroidery. It runs smoothly and is easy to work with, making it a dependable choice for everyday stitching. The rich colours bring designs to life, from simple lettering to decorative work. When I want an attractive finish without fuss, it’s one of the first threads I reach for.

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Madeira Weblon backing in white and black

Weblon backing

Weblon is one of my favourite backings for reducing puckering on lightweight and stretchy fabrics. It helps the embroidery sit neatly without adding bulk or making the garment stiff. Light and unobtrusive, it gives me dependable support while preserving the fabric’s soft, flexible feel.

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Superman curved embroidery scissors with large handles

Superman scissors

I like these scissors for their comfortable handles and sharp, clean cut. The curved blades make trimming close to embroidery easier, keeping the tips away from the fabric and reducing the risk of accidental damage. They’re easy to control and a dependable tool for tidying loose threads and giving your work a neat finish.

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Low-profile ratchet screwdriver with interchangeable bits

Ratchet screwdriver

This screwdriver makes removing needle plates quicker, giving access to clean around the trimming knives underneath, where thread tails and lint collect. The time savings really add up on a multi-head machine! I’ve tried sourcing alternatives over the years, but never found one this slim. It’s a simple tool that saves time and makes routine maintenance far less fiddly.

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LB5 hook lubricant spray

LB5 Hook lubricant

I like LB5 for the control it gives me when lubricating the hook area. Its extra-long straw reaches into tight spaces and helps avoid overspray. Most usefully, each press delivers a measured dose rather than a continuous stream, making it easy to apply a small amount precisely without excessive oiling. It makes a routine job cleaner and easier.

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Madeira thread shade cards showing actual thread colours

Shade cards

There’s nothing like seeing real thread when matching colours to garments or comparing shades in different lighting. Madeira’s shade cards are beautifully laid out and make those decisions easier. They also include washing guidance, Pantone references and needle recommendations. I keep them close at hand for colour matching and practical advice.

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Not sure which supplies to choose?

Tell me what you’re embroidering and I’ll help you find a starting point.

Just practical advice backed by decades of commercial embroidery experience.