APPAREL MANUFACTURING – II 3(3+0)

Lesson 20 : Sewing Threads

Construction

The threads/yarns which form stitches in fabrics to hold two or more fabrics together are called sewing threads. Sewing threads are made from a variety of natural or man-made fibers or a blend of both depending on the sewing operation and performance levels expected out of the seam and stitch.

For a sewing thread to be used in sewing garments, furnishing etc., the thread that is used should have uniform thickness for easy and fast movement of thread through the needle eye and fabric. The thread should have smoothness for it to withstand the friction in high speed sewing. The thread is required to have elasticity and strength to hold seams for a reasonable amount of time of the garment life.

1. Fiber types used in the manufacture of sewing threads : cotton, cotton+polyester, lyocell, meta aramide, nylon, polyester, polyester recycled, polypropelene, PTFE and meta-aramide

2. Construction: Twist can be applied in a clockwise (Z twist) or anti clockwise(S twist) direction.

   
   

   Z Twist

   S Twist

   
   

   The majority of sewing machines use Z twist threads; S twist is only used when the stitching action of the machine demands it.

   Sewing threads are mainly produced in two or three plies called plied threads and used when a finer thread is required. Heavier or corded threads are made by combining plied threads.

   
   

   Piled Thread

   Corded Thread

   
   

3. The Manufacturing process may use various methods of thread construction like –air entangled, braided, core-cotton wrapped, core-polyester wrapped, monochord, monofilament, spun, spun-stretched, textured and twisted multi filament.