Gütermann Sew-All Thread 500 Metre
Gütermann Sew-All Thread 500 Metre is a universal sewing thread made from 100% polyester, built for sewers who go through a lot of thread. The larger spool suits frequent use: bigger projects, batch sewing or a workshop where you don't want to keep restocking. It runs smoothly through most domestic machines, forms neat, even stitches and holds up well on woven fabrics as well as light stretch materials. This category covers the full range of colours in the 500 metre spool size, so you'll find the shade you need without settling for a compromise.
Material and construction
This thread is spun from 100% polyester, which gives it strength and a good resistance to fading. Where the exact thread weight matters for your machine settings, it's usually listed as No. 120 on the spool itself, so check the product label before starting a project. The polyester construction also means the thread has a small amount of give, which helps it move with fabric rather than snapping under tension.
What you can sew with it
The 500 metre spool works well across a wide range of projects:
- Garments such as dresses, trousers, blouses and kidswear
- Light stretch fabrics like jersey, using a stretch stitch setting
- Accessories: bags, pouches, headbands and similar small makes
- Light home sewing: cushions, decorations, unlined curtains
For heavier upholstery fabric or real leather, a stronger dedicated thread suits the job better. This all-purpose thread is built for everyday sewing rather than heavy-duty work.
Comparing spool lengths
If 500 metres runs out too quickly for your workload, the Gütermann Sew-All Thread 1000 Metre gives you double the length on a single spool, useful for larger production runs. Looking for something smaller to try a new colour first? The Gütermann Sew-All Thread 200 Metre is a more economical starting point. For overlocking work specifically, the Overlock Thread 3000 Yards is designed for cone use on a serger rather than a standard machine.
When a different thread type fits better
Sew-All thread is a good choice for general dressmaking and light home projects, but not every seam calls for it. Buttonholes and decorative topstitching often look better with Gütermann Ornamental And Button Hole Thread, which is thicker and adds visible texture. For seams under real strain, such as bag straps or upholstery repairs, Gütermann Extra Strong 100M (M782) holds up considerably better. If you work with fine fabrics and want an especially smooth finish, the Gütermann Atelier Thread MARA 1000 Metre or the Atelier Sewing Thread 1000 Metre Thickness 120 are worth a look too.
Needle choice
A universal needle in size 70-90 handles most fabrics fine with this thread. Delicate fabrics do better with a smaller needle, around 60-70. For jersey and other knits, switch to a jersey or stretch needle in 70-80 to avoid skipped stitches.
Why choose this spool size
The 500 metre length sits in a practical middle ground: enough thread to get through a full project without running dry halfway through a seam, but not so large that it's overkill for occasional sewing. With a broad colour range available and stock shipped from Tilburg, this category suits both hobby sewers stocking up on essentials and small businesses working through regular orders. Browse the collection to find the shade and quantity that fits your next project.
Is Gütermann Sew-All Thread 500 Metre suitable for a sewing machine?
Yes, it's designed as a universal sewing thread for domestic machines and works for hand sewing too. It runs smoothly and forms consistent stitches on most standard machines.
Which fabrics work best with this thread?
Woven fabrics like cotton, linen blends, polyester and viscose all suit this thread well. Light stretch fabrics such as jersey work fine too, though very stretchy or heavyweight materials usually need a specialised thread instead.
What needle size should I use?
A universal needle in size 70-90 works for most fabrics. Use 60-70 for delicate materials, and a jersey or stretch needle in 70-80 for knits to prevent skipped stitches.
Why choose 500 metres instead of 200 or 1000?
The 500 metre spool suits regular sewing without the bulk of the 1000 metre option. It's a practical middle ground for anyone working through multiple projects or larger pieces without wanting to restock constantly.
Can I use this thread for buttonholes or topstitching?
You can, but a dedicated ornamental or buttonhole thread gives a more defined, visible finish for decorative stitching. Sew-All thread is better suited to standard construction seams.
Is this thread strong enough for bag straps or upholstery?
For light home sewing it holds up fine, but heavier upholstery or load-bearing seams like bag straps do better with an extra strong thread designed for that purpose.
