When I first started emb I used what I could find and what I had on hand and wondered why my stuff never came out like it was suppose to. Now I buy good quality thread and get good results. The biggest lesson learned was I found a "good deal" on thread from a site for a little over $100...there were 72 or so spools...I bought it...its junk. My machine HATES it! I finally threw it all back in the box and shoved it in the top of the closet. Money wasted lesson learned.