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Embroidery thread usage calculator
How much thread will a run use? Enter the stitch count and quantity to get top thread, bobbin thread and how much of a 5,000 m cone it takes, using a common planning standard.
How to use this calculator
The calculator uses the planning figures published by Sign Warehouse in "How Much Thread Does an Embroidery Design Use?": about 5.5 meters of top thread per 1,000 stitches (actual use runs from roughly 5 to 6 meters), and about 2 to 2.5 meters of bobbin thread per 1,000 stitches. The same article says a 5,000 meter spool sews roughly 900,000 stitches, which matches the 5.5 m figure. Total stitches are the stitches per design multiplied by the quantity. Top thread is total stitches divided by 1,000, multiplied by 5.5, then raised by the allowance you set for trims, thread breaks and rethreading. Bobbin thread uses the same method at 2 and 2.5 meters per 1,000 to give a range. Meters convert to yards at 1.0936. The cone line divides top thread by 5,000 meters, so you can see whether one cone of a key color covers the run. Remember that top thread is split between the colors in the design: a three-color logo does not need three full cones, but the dominant color may use most of the total. Long satin stitches, metallic thread and 3D puff foam use more thread than the planning figure; short fill stitches can use a little less.
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Questions about this calculator
Why does bobbin thread use less than top thread?
In a balanced stitch the top thread wraps to the back of the fabric, so more top thread is pulled per stitch than bobbin thread.
Does this work for each color separately?
Yes. Enter the stitch count for one color from the design file to see that color's thread use.
How much allowance should I add?
Trims, tie-offs, breaks and rethreading all waste some thread. The default is a planning allowance; raise it for designs with many trims or color changes.