Domestic-machine friendly
Create flexible seams on a regular household sewing machine without requiring specialist overlocking equipment.
Gütermann Maraflex No. 120
Straight-stitch seams that move with stretch fabric
Gütermann Maraflex is a highly elastic sewing thread for household sewing machines. Use it in both the needle and bobbin to create flexible straight-stitch seams with up to 80% seam stretch, ideal for jersey and light to medium-weight fabrics containing elastane.
- Flexible straight stitching: gain stretch without changing to a zigzag or specialist stretch stitch.
- Up to 80% seam stretch: helps fitted garments move comfortably without rigid seams.
- Made for domestic machines: create elastic seams without needing an overlocker or coverstitch machine.
- Clean garment finish: excellent for necklines, close-fitting seams, cuffs and visible topstitching.
Up to 80% seam stretch
150mone selected spool
Up to 80%seam stretch
100% PBThighly elastic thread
NM 70 to 80jersey or stretch needle
For the designed stretch performance: use Maraflex as both the needle thread and bobbin thread, sew with low thread tension and aim for approximately four stitches per centimetre.
A neat answer to seams that need to stretch
Ordinary thread can restrict a straight seam or break when the fabric is pulled. Maraflex has high inherent elasticity, allowing the stitched seam to extend with the garment while retaining a clean straight-stitch appearance.
Clean straight seams
Useful when you prefer the tidy appearance of straight stitching on stretch garments and topstitched details.
Moves with clothing
Ideal for fitted areas where the seam needs to flex as the garment is pulled on, worn and moved in.
Fine and smooth
No. 120 thread delivers elasticity without the thick, rubbery appearance associated with shirring elastic.
Micro Core Technology
Elasticity engineered into a fine sewing thread
Maraflex is made from 100% polybutylene terephthalate using Gütermann's Micro Core Technology. Its consistent construction and inherent elongation create supple, flexible seams while maintaining a refined sewing-thread finish.
Needle thread and bobbin thread
Maraflex is designed to be used on both sides of the stitch so the complete seam can stretch evenly.
Low-tension setup
Low thread tension helps preserve the thread reserve needed for the seam to extend after sewing.
Balanced stitch density
Gütermann recommends four stitches per centimetre for the best seam elasticity.
Where Maraflex earns its place
Flexible closing seams in light to medium-weight knit tops, dresses and everyday clothing.
Create tidy stitching around areas that must expand as the garment is pulled over the head.
Sew cuffed fabric to sleeves and trouser legs on hoodies, joggers and children's garments.
Support movement in fitted garment areas where a rigid straight seam could restrict the fabric.
Add a clean straight line while retaining flexibility in light to medium-weight stretch projects.
Suitable for light to medium-weight woven fabrics containing elastane when tested with the project layers.
Match by name and Gütermann shade number
Choose one 150m spool on the product page. The Gütermann shade number is the most reliable reference when matching or reordering thread.
BlackColour 000
Blue Steel GreyColour 064
Royal BlueColour 315
YellowColour 325
BrownColour 446
TaupeColour 727
WhiteColour 800
Dark Navy BlueColour 665
Jeans GoldColour 968
Availability can vary by shade. Screens and lighting can change how thread colours appear, so use the three-digit Gütermann number as your primary matching reference.
Best-results setup
Let the thread keep its stretch
Maraflex works differently from ordinary all-purpose thread. The thread needs room to extend, so the correct bobbin, stitch density and low-tension setup matter.
1. Thread both sidesUse Maraflex in the needle and in the bobbin. Combining it with ordinary bobbin thread reduces the designed seam elasticity.
2. Lower the tensionBegin with low thread tension and test. Avoid stretching the thread while winding the bobbin or threading the machine.
3. Set the stitch densityAim for four stitches per centimetre, approximately a 2.5mm stitch length, then test the finished seam.
- Fit a Jersey, Stretch or Super Stretch Needle in size NM 70 to 80.
- Wind the bobbin evenly without pulling or pre-stretching the thread.
- Test through the same fabric and layers used in the project.
- Check the seam both relaxed and gently stretched before sewing the garment.
- Keep settings suited to your individual machine and fabric.
Maraflex or ordinary Sew-all Thread?
Choose according to the seam performance you need. Maraflex is a specialist thread for flexibility, while Sew-all remains the practical choice for regular everyday seams.
Maraflex 150m
- Highly elastic No. 120 sewing thread
- Up to 80% seam stretch
- Flexible straight-stitch seams
- Needle and bobbin use together
- Jersey and fabrics with elastane
Sew-all Thread
- General dressmaking and repairs
- Standard everyday polyester thread
- All fabrics, seams and stitch types
- Not designed to provide Maraflex-level stretch
- Available in multiple spool sizes
Not shirring elastic
- Fine machine-sewing thread
- Designed for flexible seams
- Not a thick rubber elastic thread
- Not intended to gather fabric like shirring elastic
- Does not trim or finish a raw edge
Verified technical details
Gütermann Maraflex 150m specifications
| Brand | Gütermann creativ |
|---|---|
| Product | Maraflex elastic sewing thread |
| Article | 777000 |
| Thread thickness | No. 120 |
| Material | 100% polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) |
| Technology | Micro Core Technology |
| Length | 150 metres / approximately 165 yards |
| Seam stretch | Up to 80% when used with the recommended setup |
| Recommended needles | Jersey, Stretch or Super Stretch Needle |
| Needle size | NM 70 to 80 |
| Recommended stitch density | Four stitches per centimetre |
| Threading method | Use as both needle thread and bobbin thread |
| Recommended fabrics | Light to medium-weight knitwear and elastic woven fabrics |
| Care guidance | Washable up to 60°C, subject to the fabric's own care instructions |
| Included | One 150m spool in the selected colour |
Gütermann Maraflex FAQs
What makes Maraflex different from ordinary sewing thread?
Maraflex is a highly elastic PBT sewing thread designed to create flexible seams. When correctly used as both needle and bobbin thread, a straight-stitched seam can achieve up to 80% stretch.
Can I sew stretch fabric with a straight stitch?
Yes. Creating flexible straight-stitch seams on light to medium-weight jersey and elastic woven fabrics is Maraflex's central purpose. Always test the completed seam on your actual fabric first.
Do I need Maraflex in the bobbin too?
Yes. Gütermann specifies Maraflex as both the needle thread and bobbin thread. Using ordinary bobbin thread can limit the seam's intended elasticity.
Which needle should I use?
Use a Jersey, Stretch or Super Stretch Needle in size NM 70 to 80. Choose the needle type according to your fabric and test for clean stitching.
What stitch length should I use?
Gütermann recommends four stitches per centimetre for optimal seam elasticity. This is approximately a 2.5mm stitch length, although the final result should always be tested on the project fabric.
Should I reduce the thread tension?
Yes. Maraflex should be sewn with as little thread tension as practical while maintaining a balanced stitch. Start low and adjust only after testing both sides of the seam.
Does Maraflex replace an overlocker?
Maraflex lets a household sewing machine form elastic straight-stitch seams without an overlocker or coverstitch machine. It does not cut the seam allowance or automatically finish a fraying raw edge.
Is this shirring elastic?
No. Maraflex is a fine elastic sewing thread for flexible seams. It is not the thick elastic thread used in a bobbin to gather fabric for shirring.
How much thread is supplied?
Each selected colour is supplied as one 150m spool, approximately 165 yards.
Give your stretch garments room to move
Choose your shade, thread Maraflex through both the needle and bobbin, and enjoy flexible straight-stitch seams with a clean garment finish.
Choose Your Colour