Short definition
Cotton (CO) is a natural cellulose fibre obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. For sewing thread production, the fibres are processed and spun into yarn. Fibre length strongly influences yarn quality and strength, while mercerisation can increase lustre. Cotton has comparatively low tear resistance and elasticity but offers the characteristic appearance and behaviour of a natural fibre.
Properties
- The longer the fibres, the more valuable and the higher the strength
- Shiny after mercerisation
- Low tear resistance
- Low elasticity
- Medium moisture absorption
- High tendency to crease
- Resistant to organic solvents, loss of strength due to strong alkalis, dissolution and decomposition by acids
Temperatures
- Decomposes or ignites at 400°C, does not melt, burns easily, smells like burnt paper
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Natural fibre |
| Abbreviation | CO |
| Origin | Seed hairs of the cotton plant |
| Key characteristic | Natural textile appearance |
| Strength | Comparatively low tear resistance |
| Elasticity | Low |
| Moisture absorption | Medium |
| Special treatment | Mercerisation can increase lustre |
| Heat behaviour | Does not melt; decomposes/ignites at high temperature |
| Typical applications | Apparel, decorative seams, applications requiring natural-fibre character |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Cotton
- Cotton fibre
- Cotton sewing thread
- Cotton yarn
- Cotton sewing yarn
- CO fibre
- Cellulosic natural fibre
Common descriptions
- Cotton thread
- Natural fibre thread
- Mercerised cotton thread
- Mercerized cotton thread
- Is cotton thread natural?
- What is cotton sewing thread made from?
- Is cotton thread heat resistant?
- Which thread gives a natural appearance?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Cotton, Cotton fibre, Cotton sewing thread, Mercerised cotton |
| German | Baumwolle, Baumwollfaser, Baumwollnähgarn, mercerisierte Baumwolle |
| French | Coton, Fibre de coton, Fil à coudre en coton, Coton mercerisé |
| Italian | Cotone, Fibra di cotone, Filo da cucire in cotone, Cotone mercerizzato |
| Spanish | Algodón, Fibra de algodón, Hilo de coser de algodón, Algodón mercerizado |
| Chinese | 棉, 棉纤维, 棉缝纫线, 丝光棉 |
| Vietnamese | Bông, Xơ bông, Chỉ may cotton, Cotton mercerized |
FAQ
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Cotton sewing threads are produced from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. The fibres are processed into a fibre fleece (rovings) and then spun into yarn.
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Longer cotton fibres result in higher strength and better yarn quality. Fibre length is a key factor in determining performance.
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Yes. Mercerisation increases the lustre of cotton and improves its appearance, making it more suitable for decorative and high-quality applications.
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Compared to synthetic fibres, cotton has relatively low tear resistance. It is suitable for many applications but not for high-performance technical uses.
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Cotton has low elasticity. This means it offers limited stretch and recovery compared to synthetic alternatives.
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Cotton has medium moisture absorption. It can absorb humidity, which influences its behaviour in certain sewing and wearing conditions.
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Cotton is resistant to organic solvents. However, strong alkalis reduce its strength, and acids can dissolve or decompose the fibre.
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Cotton does not melt. It decomposes or ignites at approximately 400°C and burns easily, producing a smell similar to burnt paper.
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Cotton does not melt under heat, but it burns easily and therefore is not suitable for flame-protective or extreme heat applications.
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Cotton threads are often used in classic apparel, decorative seams and applications where a natural fibre appearance or mercerised shine is desired.