The Thread Exchange Since 2005 (2024)

Hand Sewing Needle Size Table

C. S. Osborne hand sewing needle diameters use the Standard Wire Gauge system. In this system a higher gauge number means a smaller needle diameter. For example a 20 Gauge needle's diameter is less than a 10 gauge needle's diameter. Here are the U.S. and metric diameters for needle gauges:

Gauge	Inches	Millimeters
5.0	0.212	5.385
5.5	0.202	5.130
6.0	0.192	4.877
7.0	0.176	4.470
7.5	0.168	4.267
8.0	0.160	4.064
9.0	0.144	3.658
10.0	0.128	3.251
11.0	0.116	2.946
11.5	0.110	2.794
12.0	0.104	2.642
13.0	0.092	2.337
14.0	0.080	2.032
15.0	0.072	1.829
16.0	0.064	1.626
17.0	0.056	1.422
18.0	0.048	1.219
19.0	0.040	1.016
20.0	0.035	0.914
21.0	0.032	0.813
22.0	0.028	0.711
23.0	0.024	0.610

The Thread Exchange, Inc.

Thread and Needle Selections

Nylon Thread

Strong and easy to use. Great for sewing fabric, leather, canvas, and vinyl. 10 sizes. Some sizes have over 100 colors. Most home sewing machines can use up to size 69.

Nylon Thread

Polyester Thread

Looks and feels like nylon thread, but with a greater UV resistance. This makes polyester great for outdoor use. Most home sewing machines can use up to size 69.

Polyester Thread

Lower everyday price.

Robison-Anton

Our flagship embroidery thread brand. The full line of Robison-Anton polyester, rayon, J Metallic, Moonglow, variegated and Twister Tweed embroidery thread, and color cards.

Robison-Anton

2,000 different needles

Machine Needles

We make it easier to buy the right needle with our Needle Buying Guide, Needle to Thread Size Guide, Machine to Needle Reference, and Groz-Beckert publications.

Machine Needles

Kevlar (tm) Thread

Strong and Heat Resistant. Kevlar thread is about 2.5 times stronger than nylon or polyester. It comes in a pale yellow color. It has almost no stretch, it doesn't melt, and ashes at 800F.

Kevlar Thread

Cotton Thread

Mettler Cotton Thread

The full line of Mettler in 28, 40, 50 and 60-Wt, Aurifil closeouts, Valdani closeouts and more. The lower the thread-weight number, the thicker the thread.

Cotton Thread

Thread - Stabilizers - Bobbins

All Embroidery

King spool closeouts as low as $3 per spool, metallic specials, stabilizers, bobbins, and much more.

All Embroidery

Sewing and Serger Thread

Sewing Thread

Regular stock includes Maxi-Lock and Maxi-Lock Stretch. Also featuring spun polyester closeouts, polyester-core closeouts, and more.

Sewing Thread

Monofilament Thread

Clear nylon "invisible" monofilament thread. Transparent so stitches are as invisible as possible for inconspicuous stitch appearance.

Monofilament

Bobbins - Prewound

Prewound Bobbins

Nylon and Polyester bobbins in styles A, G, L, M, U, and other styles. Embroidery bobbins, Half price specials, and new budget-friendly 12-packs.

Bobbins

Save time with prewound bobbins.

Half-Price Bobbins and New 12-Packs

Check out over 90 half-price bobbins. Some of the boxes are battered, but the bobbins are in perfect condition. Nylon and Polyester bobbins in styles A, G, L, M, U, and other styles. Sometimes boxes of 144 or 72 are more than you need. Our new budget-friendly 12-packs are great for smaller jobs.

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Sewing and Serger Thread

Sewing Thread

Maxi-Lock, Maxi-Lock Stretch, spun polyester closeouts, polyester-core closeouts, and more.

Sewing Thread

Waxed Thread

Maine Thread in 6 sizes, close out coils, beeswax, tapered waxed cord, waxed linen blend and more.

Waxed Thread

Imitation Sinew

Imitation sinew made from polypropylene or nylon. Waxed and flat. Easy to split to make thinner.

Imitation Sinew

Hand Stitching Thread

Use of tubes of nylon, polyester, and Kevlar thread for hand sewing and with speedy stitcher awls.

Hand Stitch Thread

Hand Sewing Needles

C.S. Osborne needles for hand sewing upholstery, leather, canvas, carpet, fabric, and darning.

Hand Needles

Sewing Accessories

Thread cone holders, thread sock. elastic, scissors and shears, tape measures, and tool kits and cutters.

Sewing Accessories

Polyester-Linen Blend

Polyester-Linen

Polyester-Linen thread has brilliant colors and a silky, smooth texture. Ideal for fine leather and upholstery.

Polyester-Linen Thread

1 mm Hemp Twine

Hemp Twine

Hemp is the strongest of all natural fibers. It is also also ultra-violet and salt water resistant.

Hemp Twine

Highest Operating Temp.

PTFE Fiberglass

PTFE coated fiberglass thread - operating temperatures to around 1022 F (550 C) after the PTFE coating burns off.

PTFE Thread

All Specials

Over 1,200 thread and sewing needle specials all in one place. Many products are about 50% off their original price.

All Specials

For sewing bags shut

Bag Closing Thread

FDA Compliant to 21-CFR-177.1630(f), 21-CFR-177.2800 and 21-CFR-178.3570.

Bag Closing Thread

For tight knots and cordage.

Bank Line

Bank line is a black polypropylene twine that is like tennis netting. It is strong and UV resistant.

Bank Line

Great for levitation tricks

Magicians Thread

When you separate the yarn filaments you get a strong thread that is invisible to your audience.

Magicians Thread

About our products

Buying Guides

Use our buying guides to learn more about the thread on our site and get the right thread and needles.

Product Information

Welcome to The Thread Exchange

Since 2005 we have specialized in sewing thread and needles. We are known for our huge product selection, personalized telephone and email help, fast shipping, and having most threads in small and large spool sizes. We are proud to be a living wage employer.