Short definition
A spun thread consists of individual short fibres—staple fibres—that are twisted together to form single yarns and subsequently the finished sewing thread. Common raw materials include cotton, polyester and aramid. Its fibre-based construction gives the thread a characteristic textile surface.
While natural fibres are available as staple fibres (limited length), synthetic raw materials can be used to produce cut staple fibres and staple fibres (schappe). In the case of staple fibres, the filaments are stretched lengthwise and break at their weak points. This results in fibres of varying lengths (20 to 70 mm) with tapered fibre ends. Spun threads have a relatively smooth thread surface. In the case of cut staple fibres, the filaments are cut into pieces of equal length (e.g. approx. 40 mm, based on the model of high-quality cotton).
Cutting the fibres results in smooth fibre ends of uniform thickness. Spun threads acquire a textile thread surface. Cotton spun threads are mainly used in the clothing industry for special applications. AMANN cotton sewing threads include Mercifil and MercifilGD. Spun threads made from para- or meta-aramid are used for technical applications.
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Sewing thread construction |
| Construction principle | Short fibres twisted together |
| Fibre type | Staple fibres / cut staple fibres |
| Typical raw materials | Cotton, polyester, aramid |
| Typical fibre length | Approx. 20–70 mm; cut staple fibres e.g. approx. 40 mm |
| Surface | Textile-like, relatively smooth |
| Typical applications | Apparel, special clothing applications, technical applications depending on raw material |
| Related constructions | Core spun thread, Continuous filament |
AMANN distinguishes between staple fibres of varying lengths and cut staple fibres of uniform length; the fibre preparation affects surface character and thread quality.
Also known as
Technical terms
- Spun thread
- Spun sewing thread
- Staple fibre thread
- Staple-fibre sewing thread
- Staple spun thread
- Spun yarn
- Staple yarn
Common descriptions
People often search for:
- Thread made from short fibres
- Short-fibre sewing thread
- Textile-surface thread
- Polyester spun thread
- Cotton spun thread
- Aramid spun thread
- What is spun thread?
- What is staple fibre thread?
- Is spun thread made from short fibres?
- Spun thread vs filament thread
Alternative terminology
Different industries and software providers may use slightly different terminology.
- Staple-spun yarn
- Staple fibre yarn
- Spun yarn construction
- Short-staple thread
- Fibre-spun thread
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Spun thread, Spun sewing thread, Staple fibre thread, Staple spun yarn |
| German | Fasergarn, Stapelfasergarn, Nähgarn aus Stapelfasern, gesponnenes Garn |
| French | Fil de fibres discontinues, Fil filé, Fil à coudre en fibres discontinues |
| Italian | Filo in fibra discontinua, Filato di fibre discontinue, Filato spun |
| Spanish | Hilo de fibra cortada, Hilo de fibras discontinuas, Hilo hilado |
| Chinese | 短纤维缝纫线, 短纤纱, 短纤维纱线 |
| Vietnamese | Chỉ sợi ngắn, Chỉ may từ xơ staple, Sợi xơ ngắn |
FAQ
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A spun thread consists of short fibres (staple fibres) that are twisted together to form single yarns, which are then twisted into the final sewing thread.
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Common raw materials include cotton, polyester and aramid fibres.
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Staple fibres are created by stretching filaments until they break at weak points, resulting in fibres of varying lengths with tapered ends.
Cut staple fibres are cut into uniform lengths (e.g. approx. 40 mm), resulting in even fibre ends and a more controlled structure.
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Staple fibres typically range between approximately 20 and 70 mm, depending on the production process.
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Fibre length affects strength, surface character and uniformity. Longer and more uniform fibres generally contribute to better thread quality.
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Spun threads have a textile-like surface. Depending on fibre preparation, the surface may appear relatively smooth but retains a natural fibre character.
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Standard spun threads are often used in apparel. However, spun threads made from para-aramid or meta-aramid are used in technical applications requiring special performance properties.
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Cotton spun threads are mainly used in the clothing industry, particularly for special applications where a natural fibre appearance or traditional processing behaviour is desired.
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Spun threads are made from short fibres twisted together, while continuous filament threads consist of endless filaments, resulting in different strength levels and surface characteristics.
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Spun threads offer a textile appearance and specific handling characteristics that are desirable in apparel and certain decorative or technical applications.