Thread Construction

Air Entangled Thread
Is made from continuous filaments of polyester that are entangled as they pass through a high pressure air jet. This yarn is then twisted, dyed, and wound on cones with lubricant. Air entangled threads are used in everything from seaming flags to heavy denim jeans.

Core Thread
Is made by spinning a wrap of staple cotton or polyester around a continuous filament of polyester fibers. Afterwards, two or more of these single yarns are twisted together to form the thread. Core threads have fuzz on their surface giving them good lubricity characteristics and also a continuous filament core that contributes to high strength and durability. When wrapped with a cotton wrap, core threads have very good needle heat resistance. When wrapped with a polyester wrap, core threads have excellent chemical resistance and colorfastness. Core threads are used in everything from fine blouses to heavy coveralls and overalls.

Monocord Thread
Is produced from continuous filaments of nylon that have been bonded together. They have very little twist so that they look like a single cord of yarn. Because of the way these threads are made, they appear to be flat and ribbon-like, which provides a high degree of resistance to abrasion. Monocord threads are exceptionally strong for their size so they are used in the manufacturing of furniture, shoes, and other heavy duty applications.

Monofilament Thread
Normally produced from a single nylon continuous filament resembling fishing line. Usually monofilament threads are used because the thread is translucent and blends in with many colors. Because it has a tendency to be stiffer than other filament products, it is not recommended for seams that may lay adjacent to the skin. Also, because it is a single filament, it may unravel easily if the thread is not locked in the seam adequately. Monofilament threads have been used in quilting operations on quilts and bedspreads, as well as, in blindstitch operations on drapery and apparel.

Spun Thread
Is made from cotton or polyester staple fibers that are spun into single yarns and then two or more of these yarns are plied to make a sewing thread. Spun threads have fuzz on their surfacing giving them a soft hand and good lubricity characteristics. Spun threads are used in everything from women's lingerie to heavy leather gloves.

Textured Thread
Is made from continuous filaments of polyester or nylon that have been textured by pin, disc, or belt and then heat set to insure proper bulk retention. Textured polyester is usually manufactured with regular or mid tenacity, continuous filaments depending on the application. Textured threads are ideal for overedge, chainstitch, and coverstitch of the finished seam and offers good seam elasticity. Textured threads are usually less expensive when compared to other thread types.

Twisted Multifilament Thread
Is made from continuous filaments of polyester or nylon that are twisted together into a cohesive bundle and then plied to make the thread. They are then dyed, stretched, and heat set to achieve the desired physical characteristics. Twisted Multifilament threads are available either soft or with an additional bond for better ply security and abrasion resistance. They are exceptionally strong for their size and they have excellent resistance and durability. These threads are used for seaming everything from bathing suits to automobile upholstery.

Twisting Direction
The above types of thread constructions that involve twisting (such as spun, core, and twisted multifilament) are twisted in the following directions:

"S" direction or right twist for single strand yarn (such as spun)

"Z" direction or left twist for ply yarn (such as core and twisted multifilament)