Browse Categories

How to Choose the Right Upholstery Thread

When it comes to upholstery, the fabric or vinyl often gets the spotlight—but the thread is what holds everything together.

Choosing the right thread can impact seam strength, durability, appearance, and the overall lifespan of your finished project. Whether you're working on automotive interiors, marine seating, furniture, or outdoor awnings, selecting the proper thread for the application is just as important as selecting the right material.

As part of Thread Month this June, Keyston Bros is helping upholstery professionals find the right thread for every project while offering special savings and opportunities to win a Consew® 206RB-5 Industrial Sewing Machine. Qualifying purchases* of thread, bobbins, and select products can earn entries into the Thread Month contest throughout June.

So how do you choose the correct thread for your next project? Let’s review some of the different thread constructions, recommendations, and features.

Stampede Nylon Thread

Nylon Thread: Strong and Flexible

Nylon thread is known for its strength and elasticity, making it a popular choice for automotive upholstery and heavy-duty sewing applications.

Best For: 
  • Automotive seats
  • Door panels
  • Headliners
  • Vinyl upholstery
  • Heavy canvas

Keyston Bros Recommendations:

  • Stampede Nylon
    • Heavier- Duty Option
    • Ideal for automotive interiors and furniture applications
    • Higher tensile strength for demanding projects
  • High-Spec Nylon 69
    • Excellent for standard automotive upholstery
    • Designed for automotive OEM color matching
    • Produces clean, consistent stitches
    • Good Flexibility and strength
Keep in mind: Nylon offers excellent strength but has lower UV resistance than polyester, making it less suitable for long-term outdoor exposure. 

Buffalo Tip: Try pairing Partners Collection vinyl with Stampede nylon thread in your next automotive project for quality materials, durable seams, and a polished finish!

Outdoor Pro Polyester Thread

Polyester Thread: The Most Versatile Choice

Polyester thread combines strength with superior UV resistance, making it one of the most versatile thread options available.

Best For: 
  • Automotive seats
  • Marine applications
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Awnings and covers
  • Decorative stitching

Keyston Bros Recommendations:

  • Outdoor Pro Polyester
    • Excellent UV and moisture resistance
    • Built to withstand extreme weather conditions
    • Great for outdoor furniture, boat covers, and awnings
  • Serafil Polyester
    • Premium polyester thread with a wide color selection
    • Continuous filament construction with seamless stitch formation
    • Popular for luxury automotive interiors and furniture
  • Sunguard Polyester
    • Engineered specifically for UV exposure
    • Excellent choice for convertible tops, marine canvas, and awnings
    • Maintains color and strength under direct sunlight
  • Round Up Economy Polyester
    • Bonded polyester sewing thread
    • Keyston Bros exclusive
    • Great price point option

Buffalo Tip: Try pairing the newly reconstructed Neptune PLUS with Outdoor Pro thread for professional-quality results that stand up to outdoor environment needs.

SolarFix PTFE thread

PTFE Thread: Maximum Outdoor Durability

When a project will face extreme sunlight, moisture, chemicals, or saltwater, PTFE thread is often considered the gold standard.

Best For: 
  • Marine canvas
  • Boat covers
  • Sails
  • Commercial awnings
  • Long-term outdoor installations

Keyston Bros Recommendations:

  • Solarfix PTFE
    • Exceptional UV resistance
    • Resistant to chemicals, mold, and salt spray
    • Designed for the harshest outdoor environments

Buffalo Tip: Try pairing Coolshade Awning Fabric with SolarFix PTFE thread for awnings that keep their strength season after season!

QTC Contrast Decorative Thread

Decorative Threads: Designed to Stand Out

Sometimes the thread isn't meant to blend in—it's meant to become part of the design.

Best For: 
  • Contrast stitching
  • Luxury automotive interiors
  • Steering wheels
  • Custom upholstery accents

Keyston Bros Recommendations:

  • QTC Contrast Thread
    • Designed for visual impact
    • Available in colors that create bold stitching details
    • Popular in custom automotive interiors

Need additional help? Reach out to your local Keyston Bros team for personalized assistance and expertise!


Celebrate Thread Month at Keyston Bros


June is the perfect time to evaluate the thread products your shop uses every day.

During Thread Month, Keyston Bros is offering special savings on thread and bobbins while giving customers multiple ways to earn entries for a chance to win a Consew® 206RB-5 Industrial Sewing Machine. Qualifying purchases* of five or more spools of thread, five or more boxes of bobbins, and select Neptune PLUS or Neptune Vinyl purchases can earn contest entries throughout the month.

The Consew® 206RB-5 is a heavy-duty walking foot machine designed for upholstery, vinyl, leather, canvas, and other demanding materials, making it a valuable addition to any upholstery shop.


*No purchase necessary.
See the official Thread Month page for complete contest details.