Abstract: The present invention permits the testing of the sewing characteristics of various types of sewing threads under conditions which simulate the normal conditions encountered when performing various fabric seaming operations in the conventional manner. The testing of the sewing characteristics of the sewing threads is carried out in an economical manner by using narrow test strip fabric so that the test results can be ascertained in a short period of time. The method and apparatus of the present invention permits various types of sewing threads to be subjected to the identical and repeatable conditions so that an accurate comparison of the sewing characteristics can be made. The sewing thread test can be carried out on relatively inexpensive narrow test fabric strips which are fed to and past the stitching needle of the sewing machine in various angular paths of travel relative to the needle and at preselected variable speed rates.