When I was in the sewing course, our coach, Diya ma’am, took a few sessions on threads. Once, she gave us an assignment to classify threads by different constructions. We visited local thread manufacturing factories and learned a lot about how sewing threads are made!
Threads are the heart of sewing! ❤️Any project is incomplete without them. In previous articles, we discussed types of sewing threads. If you are also curious about knowing the science behind their formation, this is the right place for you.
I have explained the core construction of various sewing threads in this article. We will see their types and uses. So, if you are an aspiring dressmaker or tailor, you will learn many interesting aspects of these colorful yarns today!❤️
What Is Thread Construction?
Have you ever worn a fabric that gets lint more often?
Or has your thread ever broken while sewing?
If yes, it means you may have used low-quality thread.
Thread construction is nothing but the internal anatomy of a thread. It tells us how the thread is made, how strong and durable it is, etc.
The structure of these threads determines their quality and longevity.
5 Main Types Of Thread Construction:
1. Spun:
Have you ever untwisted cotton or wool thread?
That twisting is nothing but spun!
Short staple threads are twisted together to form a continuous strand. Such threads are called spun threads.
Spun cotton is less elastic than polyester. But both show excellent matte finish and tenacity.
On the other hand, the spun polyester threads are way more durable. They don’t shrink like cotton.
2. Filament:
They are continuous strands of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and silk. Their name indicates their properties- soft, smooth, and lustrous!
Here is the main difference between staple yarn and filaments:
These filament threads have two main types:
2.1. Monofilament:
It is a single (mono) strand of thread.
Even though it is single, it is translucent, durable, and strong.
2.2. Multifilament:
As the name says, it is a bunch of filament threads twisted in the Z’ or S direction.
It is more flexible and durable than monofilament. It is used in sewing activewear, rainwear, and industrial wear for longevity.
3. Corespun:
High strength! Great tenacity! Long durability!
Yes! These threads are stronger than core spun threads. Mostly, spun cotton or polyester staple fibers are wrapped around the continuous polyester filament core to form the corespun thread bundles.
Their matte finish and soft texture make them aesthetically elegant! Plus, their wrappings keep heat away. That’s why they are ideal for fast sewing projects.
Apart from stitching garments, such threads are also used in sewing workwear, leather goods, and industrial items.
4. Textured:
Some of you may know them as ‘texturized threads’. We often use them as a loop thread on sergers.
Texture enhances the volume and stretchability of the thread yarn. Mostly polyester and nylon thread yarns are used to make such threads.
But Wait. How Do They Make Textured Thread?
It is similar to how we curl hair with curling irons. Smooth filament thread fibres are twisted and treated with specific heat. Then they are untwisted to get that specific spring-like coiled texture.
Due to their specific looped structure, these threads feel fluffy and soft. They also show excellent thermal insulation and edge-sealing properties. They are often used in making activewear. Their fibres can stretch without snapping.
Here is a visual representation of the above 4 thread constructions:
5. Bonded:
Many monofilaments are bunched and coated with special resin, adhesive, or polymers.
This is not an individual type. It is a kind of finished thread construction made from filament threads.
Bonded threads are so strong that they hardly fray or split during high-speed sewing. They have high durability. So, these threads are useful to sew leather items such as saddles, belts, and shoes.
They are also useful for sewing outdoor gear, tents, parachutes, backpacks, etc.
Key Takeaways:
I hope this guide on sewing thread construction has given you helpful insights to acknowledge these yarns. Their inner core determines their strength, functioning, and longevity.
So, choose the thread according to your sewing needs and stitch those sassy outfits! Each thread construction is special in its own way.
If you need more help with this, you can email me directly. I will guide you in depth!
FAQs:
1. What Makes Bonded Thread Special?
Their resin coating makes them stronger. Their stitches do not fray or unravel. They are useful for sewing heavy-duty clothes.
2. What Are ‘Textured’ Thread Types?
Woolly nylon, textured polyester, seamsoft (a kind of microfilament polyester), etc., are famous examples of textured threads. They are soft, fuzzy, and stretchy.
