Tricky one. There are some horrible threads about which make you think you have fouled up when it is not actually your fault (or your machines) at all. Usual culprits are from China and India and are unbranded, but there also good threads from those sources too so that is not entirely helpful. European and American branded threads are usually quite to very good, but can be expensive, especially on small reels. ( I suspect many actually derive from India/China)
Good thread has uniform diameter and little if any surface fluff. It looks solid rather than see through and you need to snap it rather just pull. The resulting end looks neat rather than wispy and drawn out.
While single substance thread can be identified, composites are vague and, assuming you avoid exotics, (darning, embroidery silks, waxed etc ) all seem to be designed to work in machines. Some threads are advertised as “Suitable for overlockers”, but seem to be fine in lock stitchers.
Personally I favour cones for serious bagging on electric machines
Much cheaper per meter
Reliable thread – people who use them will not accept rubbish.
Less re-threading
But
Bulky
A drag if you aim to match fabric and thread
Tricky to feed on hand-cranks
If you do get dodgy thread, try it on the bobbin, the demands are a lot less there.
Useful sources which are cheap and fair quality include Ebay and Lidl!
Best of luck
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