You’ve finally dialed in the tension on your Brother, Babylock, or Janome. The design is digitized. The fabric is hooped tight. Then, three minutes into the first color change, the thread snaps. You re-thread, hit start, and it snaps again. That’s not a machine problem. That’s a thread problem. A cheap, inconsistent spool can turn an hour-long project into a frustrating afternoon of re-threading and skipped stitches.
At its core, a good machine embroidery thread set needs three things: consistent thickness (weight), enough colorfastness to survive washing, and a finish that doesn’t shed lint into your machine. Most sets on the market are polyester these days, which outperforms rayon in strength and fade resistance for daily use. But not all polyester is equal. The difference lies in the raw material, the manufacturing process, and how the set is organized for real workflow.
I’ve tested sets from New brothread and Simthread that cover the most popular machine brands. Below you’ll find a comparison table, detailed reviews, and a frank look at trade-offs. If you want one recommendation that works for nearly everyone, skip to the top recommendation. But read the buying guide first — it’ll save you mistakes I’ve made myself.
Here’s a quick side-by-side of the key specs that separate these five kits. Use it to narrow down your options before reading the in-depth reviews.
| Features | New brothread 40-Count | Simthread 63-Count | New brothread 80 w/ Box | New brothread 80 Plain | New brothread 40 w/ Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spool Count | 40 spools | 63 spools | 80 spools | 80 spools | 40 spools |
| Length per Spool | 500m (550 yds) | 500m (550 yds) | 500m | 500m (550 yds) | 500m |
| Weight | 40 WT | 40 WT | 40 WT | 40 WT | 40 WT |
| Color Matching | Brother numbers + Madeira conversion | Brother numbers + Madeira conversion | Janome & Robison-Anton numbers | Janome & Robison-Anton numbers | Brother numbers |
| Storage Box | No (sold separately) | No | Yes, 4-layer lockable clear box | No | Yes, 2-layer lockable clear box |
| Best For | Brother machine owners starting out | Those who want the most colors per dollar | Janome users who need organized storage | High-volume projects needing same brand as Janome | Brother fans who want a portable kit |
New brothread 40 Colors
New brothread
New brothread 40 Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread Kit
★ 40 SPOOLS PER KIT + COLOR CHART - 40 spools great assorted bright and beautiful colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread to brighten and beautify all sort of your embroidery projects. Using Color Chart to find compatible with Brother Color No. and name, Conversion Chart of Madeira is also available.
Buy on AmazonThis is the entry-level kit that gets recommended in sewing groups for a reason. It gives you 40 spools of polyester thread in Brother-compatible colors, each 500 meters long. If you own a Brother, Babylock, or Singer that uses Brother’s color numbering system, this set will match most built-in designs without guesswork. The included color chart shows which spool matches which Brother number, and there’s a Madeira conversion chart as a bonus.
The thread runs smoothly at moderate speeds. The 40-weight thickness is standard for machine embroidery — thick enough to cover well but thin enough to avoid bulky stitching on dense designs. I’ve used it on cotton twill and microfiber towels with zero breakage issues. The color range covers basics: reds, blues, greens, yellows, neutrals, and a few metallics. It’s a solid starter set for someone who is tired of using the six colors that came with their machine and wants real variety.
Here’s the honest trade-off: you get what you pay for. The sheen is decent but not dazzling — it’s a matte finish compared to premium rayon or trilobal polyester. Also, the spools are small and don’t come with any storage case. You’ll need to either buy a separate rack or keep them in a bag. The lack of a box means threads may collect dust or get tangled. If you plan to build your collection slowly, this works fine. If you want a tidy all-in-one solution, look at the boxed versions below.
- 40 spools, 500m per spool, 40 weight
- Color numbers match Brother system; includes Madeira conversion chart
- Good tensile strength — lower risk of breakage at normal speeds
- Colorfast in commercial laundering and bleach — good for uniforms and linens
- No storage box or wood rack included
Best for: Someone with a Brother or compatible machine who wants an affordable, reliable starter kit without frills.
Simthread 63 Colors
Simthread
Simthread 63 Colors Polyester Compatible with Brother Embroidery Machine Thread Kit 40 Weight Compatible with Brother Babylock Janome Singer Pfaff Husqvarna Bernina Embroidery Sewing Machines 550Y
✔ 63COLORS PER KIT 63 spools variety of colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread brighten your Embroidery and Sewing projects. All spools are labeled with the matching brother color number. Include a Color Chart to match up with your design files, conversion Chart of famous brands like Madeira is also available.
Buy on AmazonSimthread’s 63-color kit is the set for color variety addicts. It packs three more spools than the 40-count kits but keeps the same 500-meter length and 40 weight. The real story here is the thread quality: Simthread uses 100% trilobal polyester. That means each filament has a triangular cross-section that reflects light better than standard round polyester. The result is a noticeable shine — closer to rayon but with polyester’s strength and fade resistance.
For anyone doing commercial embroidery where appearance matters — think hats, uniform logos, or gifts — this extra sheen makes a visible difference. The colors pop without looking plastic. I also appreciate that each spool is individually wrapped in shrink film, which keeps them dust-free until you open them. You get a printout color chart matching Brother numbers, plus a Madeira conversion. Inside the box, Simthread tosses in a random bonus: sometimes stabilizer, sometimes bobbins, sometimes thread nets. It’s a small extra that feels thoughtful.
No kit is perfect. The 63 spools come loose in a box — no storage tray, no case. Sorting through 63 wrapped spools to find one color gets old fast. Also, because it’s a bigger set, the cost per spool is slightly higher than the New brothread 40-count, though the color variety might be worth it. If you already have a storage solution and want the widest color range in one purchase, this is your best bet.
- 63 spools, 500m each, 40 weight trilobal polyester
- Higher sheen than standard polyester — closer to rayon luster
- Individual shrink wrap keeps each spool clean
- Includes random bonus accessory (stabilizer, bobbins, or thread nets)
- Color numbers match Brother; Madeira conversion included
Best for: Stitchers who prioritize color range and thread luster for commercial or gift-quality work and already have thread storage.
New brothread 80 w/ Box
New brothread
New brothread 80 Spools 500m Each Embroidery Machine Thread with Clear Plastic Storage Box - Colors Compatible with Janome and Robison-Anton Colors
★ 80 Spools Similar with Janome and RA Colors + Clear Plastic Storage Box: High Value 500m polyester embroidery machine thread with 4 layers premium clear plastic storage box. Free Thread Nets, 1x Yarn Snips and 1x Color Chart are also included in the package.
Buy on AmazonThis is the set I reach for most often. It’s 80 spools of 500-meter polyester thread designed to match Janome and Robison-Anton color numbers. The big differentiator is the storage: a four-layer clear plastic box that locks together. Each layer holds 20 spools upright on plastic pins, so they don’t tip over when you carry the case. The lid has a small compartment for scissors, needles, or bobbins. You also get thread nets and a pair of yarn snips.
If you teach sewing classes or travel to stitch-ins, this box is a game changer. The layers stack securely — I’ve carried it to a retreat without a single spool falling out. The transparency lets you spot the color you need without opening every drawer. And because it’s polypropylene, it won’t crack if you drop it on a concrete floor. The thread itself performs identically to the 40-count New brothread kit — solid, consistent, no surprises. But the convenience of the box justifies the higher price for anyone who hates messing with loose spools.
One limitation: the color system is Janome and Robison-Anton, not Brother. If your machine uses Brother numbers, you’ll need to use the conversion chart in the box to find matches. It works, but it’s an extra step. Also, the box adds bulk. It’s not huge — about the size of a shoebox — but it won’t fit in a small tote bag. If portability matters more than capacity, the two-layer version below might suit you better.
- 80 spools, 500m each, 40 weight polyester
- 4-layer lockable clear plastic storage box with 20 pins per layer
- Colors match Janome and Robison-Anton numbers
- Includes thread nets, yarn snips, and a small top storage compartment
- Box is stackable and portable for classes or travel
Best for: Janome or Robison-Anton users who need a complete, organized kit ready to grab and go.
New brothread 80 Plain
New brothread
New brothread 80 Spools Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread Kit 500M (550Y) Each Spool - Colors Compatible with Janome and Robison-Anton Colors
★78 SIMILAR COMPATIBLE WITH JANOME AND RA COLORS INCLUDING 2 SPOOLS WHITE +2 SPOOLS BLACK - 80 spools great assorted bright and beautiful colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread to brighten and beautify all sort of your embroidery projects. Using Color Chart to find compatible Janome Color No. and name, Conversion Chart of compatible Robison - Anton Colors is also available.
Buy on AmazonThis kit is the same thread as the boxed version above — 80 spools, 500-meter length, 40 weight, Janome-compatible colors — but without the storage box. The price per spool drops because you’re not paying for the case. If you already own a thread cabinet, pegboard, or drawer system, this is the most cost-effective way to get a large color library from New brothread.
The set includes 78 distinct colors plus two white and two black spools. That’s a smart touch: white and black are the most commonly used colors in any embroidery project, so having backups saves you from running out mid-design. The thread quality mirrors the other New brothread polyester kits: good tensile strength, decent colorfastness, minimal lint. For high-volume projects like monogramming towels or adding logos to work uniforms, these spools hold up well over long runs.
The obvious downside is the lack of storage. You get 80 loose spools in a cardboard box. They will roll around, get dusty, and possibly fall off a shelf. Some spools may arrive with slightly loose winding, though I haven’t seen that cause breakage. If you buy this kit, plan to spend another $20-30 on a storage solution — or repurpose a tackle box. For the price difference between this and the boxed version, you can often buy both the thread and a third-party box for less overall.
- 80 spools (78 colors + 2 white + 2 black), 500m each
- 40 weight polyester with good colorfastness
- Colors match Janome and Robison-Anton numbers
- No storage box — best if you already have a thread organization system
- Same thread quality as the boxed 80-set
Best for: Experienced embroiderers with existing thread storage who want a large assortment at the lowest cost per spool.
New brothread 40 w/ Box
New brothread
New brothread 40 Colors Compatible with Brother 500m Each Embroidery Machine Thread with Clear Plastic Storage Box for Embroidery Sewing Machine
★ 40 Spools Compatible with Brother Colors + Clear Plastic Storage Box: High Value 40 compatible with Brother colors 500m polyester embroidery machine thread with 2 layers premium clear plastic storage box. Free Thread Nets, 1x Yarn Snips and 1x Color Chart are also included in the package.
Buy on AmazonThis kit takes the 40 spools from the first set and packages them in a two-layer clear plastic box. It’s essentially the Brother-compatible version of the 80-spool boxed set, but smaller and more portable. The box locks together, has 20 pins per layer, and includes a top compartment and thread nets. If you own a Brother machine and want an organized starter kit that you can toss into a duffel bag, this is the sweet spot.
The two-layer box is about half the height of the four-layer version, which makes it easier to store on a shelf or inside a sewing machine case. I’ve taken this to a weekend workshop — it fit inside my machine’s carry bag along with hoops and stabilizer. The thread is identical to the other New brothread polyester: no breakage issues at 40 weight, good for everything from dense satin stitches to fine lettering. The color chart is Brother-specific, so you can pull the spool and match your design file in seconds.
The trade-off is capacity. 40 colors is enough for most projects, but you’ll hit limits with large multicolor designs. You may need to supplement with extra spools of specific shades. The box also doesn’t lock as tightly as the four-layer version — the lid can pop off if dropped. That said, for beginners or anyone who prefers to start small and expand later, this kit gives you quality thread and good organization without a big investment.
- 40 spools, 500m each, 40 weight polyester
- 2-layer lockable clear plastic storage box with 20 pins per layer
- Colors match Brother numbers — no conversion needed
- Includes thread nets, yarn snips, and top storage compartment
- Portable size fits in most machine carry bags
Best for: Brother machine owners who want a neat, portable starter kit with organized storage and quick color matching.
How We Chose These Products
I started with the most common pain points people report in embroidery forums: thread breakage, color inconsistency, and poor storage. From there, I looked at sets that covered the three major machine color systems — Brother, Janome, and Robison-Anton. Polyester was the clear material of choice because it handles heat, tension, and laundering better than rayon for most home and small-business users.
Every set here uses 40-weight thread at 500 meters per spool. That’s the standard length for home embroidery machines. I excluded sets with shorter spools (200-300m) because they run out too fast on medium-density designs, and sets with random off-brand color systems that don’t match popular digitizing software. The five final picks represent the best balance of color count, thread quality, storage convenience, and value for different user scenarios.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Thread weight is the first thing to get right. Almost all home embroidery machines use 40-weight thread. It’s thick enough to cover a design without looking sparse, but thin enough to prevent bulky buildup on the back. Using 30-weight (thicker) can cause tension issues and may not fit through the needle eye of standard embroidery needles. Stick with 40-weight unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise.
Storage matters more than most people admit. Thread absorbs humidity and dust, and light can fade colors over time. A closed plastic box like the ones in the New brothread kits protects from all three. If you buy loose spools, keep them in a dark drawer or a sealed container. Also, pay attention to color matching. Brother and Janome each have their own numbering systems. If your machine reads one system, buying a set built around the other means you’ll need a conversion chart every time you select a color — doable but slower.
Finally, think about how much thread you actually use. A 500-meter spool will embroider roughly five to eight medium-density designs (like a 4×4 inch logo). If you do heavy commercial work, you may want larger spools (1000m or more). For hobbyists, 500m is the sweet spot — enough to finish a project without having half a spool left that goes stale.
Our Top Recommendation
For the majority of embroiderers — especially those with Brother or Janome machines — the New brothread 80 w/ Box (the 80-spool kit with the four-layer clear case) is the best overall choice. You get enough colors for almost any design, the box keeps everything organized and portable, and the thread quality is consistent across the entire set. The conversion chart for Janome and Robison-Anton is clear, and the extra storage compartment for small tools is a nice touch.
If you’re on a tighter budget and own a Brother machine, the New brothread 40 Colors (without box) is the most affordable entry point. Just plan to buy a storage case separately. For maximum color selection and a high-luster finish, the Simthread 63 Colors kit is hard to beat — it shines on gift items and custom apparel where appearance counts most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use polyester thread on a home sewing machine, or is it only for embroidery?
Yes, you can use polyester embroidery thread for regular sewing. It works fine for decorative stitching, topstitching, or any project where you want a bit of sheen. For basic seam construction, standard all-purpose polyester thread is usually cheaper and stronger. Embroidery thread is softer, so it may not hold up as well in high-stress seams.
How do I convert a Brother color number to a Janome number?
Most thread sets include a conversion chart. New brothread and Simthread both provide one in their kits. If you lose it, many online conversion tables exist, but they’re not always 100% accurate because dye lots vary between manufacturers. Best practice is to test a small stitch-out with the converted color before committing to a full design.
Why does my thread keep breaking even with a good set?
Check three things first. Needle condition — a burr or dull point can slice the thread. Tension — too tight will snap thread, too loose causes loops. And the thread path — make sure the spool spins freely and the thread doesn’t catch on the spool cap or the edge of the case. Also, some machines are sensitive to the direction the thread comes off the spool (horizontal vs. vertical). Try flipping the spool over or using a thread net.
Is there a noticeable difference between standard polyester and trilobal polyester?
Yes, especially on shiny fabrics like satin or performance wear. Trilobal polyester has a triangular filament shape that reflects light from multiple angles, giving a brighter, more lustrous appearance. Standard round polyester looks flatter. If you’re embroidering for competitions, gifts, or retail, the extra shine is worth it. For everyday items like towels or tote bags, standard polyester is perfectly fine.