Intro
Not every textile raw material is suitable for the production of sewing threads. Only a few meet the high requirements placed on sewing threads by the sewing process and subsequent use. In addition to construction and fineness, the properties of a sewing thread are determined by the choice of raw material. The raw material has a decisive influence on the performance profile in terms of tear and abrasion resistance, elasticity, sewability, colour fastness and much more.
Modern sewing processes place extreme demands on sewing threads. For example, in a double lockstitch, the sewing thread is pulled through the eye of the needle 70 to 80 times until it is sewn. In addition, it is subjected to sudden stress when the sewing machine starts and stops. Sewing threads must also meet all requirements for abrasion resistance, tear resistance, etc. in subsequent use. The most important raw materials used by AMANN for sewing threads are described in more detail in the following.
The following wiki subpages provide a more detailed overview of the various raw materials used in the production of threads.
Short definition
Sewing thread materials are the natural and synthetic raw materials used to manufacture sewing and embroidery threads. The selected raw material has a decisive influence on properties such as tear and abrasion resistance, elasticity, sewability, colour fastness, moisture behaviour and temperature resistance. Only selected textile fibres meet the demanding requirements of industrial sewing and subsequent use.
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Sewing thread technology |
| Main purpose | Determine the fundamental performance profile of the sewing thread |
| Natural fibre included | Cotton (CO) |
| Common synthetic materials | Polyester (PES), Polyamide (PA) |
| High-performance materials | Meta-aramid, Para-aramid, PE, PP, PTFE, PTT, PEEK, Carbon fibres |
| Influences | Strength, abrasion resistance, elasticity, sewability, colour fastness, heat resistance |
| Selection criteria | Sewing process, end use, mechanical load, temperature, chemical and environmental exposure |
| Related topics | Sewing thread construction, thread size, thread quality characteristics, seam quality |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Sewing thread materials
- Sewing thread raw materials
- Raw materials for sewing threads
- Fibre materials
- Fibre types
- Sewing thread fibres
- Textile fibres for sewing threads
- Thread materials
- Fibre raw materials
- Sewing and embroidery thread materials
Common descriptions
People often search for:
- What are sewing threads made from?
- Which materials are used for sewing thread?
- What fibres are used for sewing threads?
- What is sewing thread made of?
- Polyester vs cotton sewing thread
- Nylon vs polyester sewing thread
- Which sewing thread is heat resistant?
- Which thread is suitable for outdoor use?
- Which thread is chemical resistant?
- Natural vs synthetic sewing thread
- High-performance sewing thread materials
Alternative terminology
Different industries and software providers may use slightly different terminology.
- Fibre material
- Fibre type
- Thread fibre
- Thread raw material
- Base material
- Polymer material
- High-performance fibre
- Technical fibre
- Natural fibre
- Synthetic fibre
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Sewing thread materials, Sewing thread raw materials, Thread materials, Textile fibres, Fibre types |
| German | Nähgarnrohstoffe, Rohstoffe für Nähgarne, Nähgarnmaterialien, Faserstoffe, Faserarten |
| French | Matières premières pour fils à coudre, Matières des fils à coudre, Fibres textiles, Types de fibres |
| Italian | Materie prime per filati cucirini, Materiali dei fili da cucire, Fibre tessili, Tipi di fibra |
| Spanish | Materias primas para hilos de coser, Materiales del hilo de coser, Fibras textiles, Tipos de fibra |
| Chinese | 缝纫线原材料, 缝纫线材料, 纺织纤维, 纤维种类 |
| Vietnamese | Nguyên liệu chỉ may, Vật liệu chỉ may, Xơ dệt, Loại xơ |
FAQ
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The raw material determines key properties such as tear resistance, abrasion resistance, elasticity, sewability, colour fastness and temperature resistance. It defines how the thread behaves during sewing and in later use.
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No. Only selected raw materials meet the mechanical and thermal requirements of modern sewing processes and subsequent applications.
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During sewing, the thread is pulled repeatedly through the needle eye and is exposed to sudden tension peaks when the machine starts and stops. It must also withstand abrasion and mechanical stress in use.
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Natural fibres such as cotton typically offer different moisture behaviour and appearance, while synthetic fibres such as polyester or polyamide provide higher strength, abrasion resistance and durability.
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During sewing, the thread is pulled repeatedly through the needle eye and is exposed to sudden tension peaks when the machine starts and stops. It must also withstand abrasion and mechanical stress in use.
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Natural fibres such as cotton typically offer different moisture behaviour and appearance, while synthetic fibres such as polyester or polyamide provide higher strength, abrasion resistance and durability.
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Each fibre type has a defined melting or decomposition temperature. The raw material determines whether a thread can withstand high sewing speeds, ironing, heat exposure or industrial processes.
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Abrasion resistance is primarily influenced by the fibre type and its molecular structure, as well as the construction of the thread.
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In applications such as flame protection, cut resistance or extreme heat exposure, specialised fibres are required to meet strict safety and durability requirements.
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Low-density fibres reduce weight, which can be beneficial in specific technical or outdoor applications.
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In embroidery, appearance is just as important as performance. Shine, texture and light reflection depend heavily on the fibre type and filament cross-section.
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A trilobal filament cross-section increases light reflection, resulting in higher sheen compared to round filaments.
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Logos and badges on protective clothing must meet flame, heat or chemical resistance requirements, which standard decorative threads cannot provide.
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Polyester offers a good balance between strength and long running length, making it ideal for high-speed embroidery processes.