Upholstery thread is a heavy-duty thread that is much stronger than standard thread and is designed to hold up against fairly rough treatment. There are different types of thread for different uses and fabrics, as you would expect.
Here's a quick look:
A common thread is nylon that is similar looking to fishing line. It is very strong and is ideal when you are trying to make the seams disappear.
Cotton is another commonly used upholstery thread. It is important to keep in mind however, that cotton does not stretch so you need to ensure that the thread is pre-shrunk, so that the stitching will remain flat. (If the fabric gets wet then the thread will shrink and the seam will take on a 'puckered' look.) A great advantage to cotton is that it is easy to dye and match to fabric.
Polyester thread seems to be the great middle ground, strong, will not shrink and will not fade in direct sunlight. You will often see polyester thread used in jeans too.
When you have a delicate project you may use silk as the thread. The thread has a tendency to stretch, but is resilient. It is often used when the thread becomes part of the design of the piece - similar to embroidery.
So the answer to the question can you use regular thread? Well you can, but it depends on what you are using it for and what sort of results you want, as it will make an impact on the end result of the piece.
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