Polyester Thread Use and Size Guide

Polyester Thread Use and Size Guide

For more detailed information on this subject, check out our website.

Why Choose Polyester?

When comparing polyester and nylon thread, you will find that polyester closely resembles nylon in both appearance and performance. Their technical specifications, such as strength and elasticity, are also comparable. Polyester is an excellent alternative to nylon in various applications, including:

• Upholstery
• Leatherwork
• Automotive interiors
• Banners and flags
• Sports gear
• Dog collars
• Horse saddles and tack
• Knife sheaths
• Gun holsters
• Fishing lures
• Briefcases

Polyester performs exceptionally well when subjected to prolonged exposure to environmental elements such as sunlight, mildew, bleach, acids, and alkalis. For example, if you're sewing a tent that will remain in your yard for the entire summer, polyester is your best bet. On the contrary, if you're only using the tent for occasional weekend camping, both nylon and polyester will suffice.

Typical Uses for Polyester Thread

Here are some instances where using polyester thread is recommended:

• Pool Covers
• Tarpaulins
• Outdoor Furniture
• Banners
• Flags

While polyester thread offers decent UV resistance, specific brands such as Sunbrella and Tenara provide superior protection and come with replacement guarantees. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the material you are sewing is also resistant to bleaching and sunlight, as it constitutes the majority of the item’s cost and value.

When Not to Use Polyester Thread

Despite its many advantages, there are instances when polyester thread should be avoided:

Fire Retardant Gear

Polyester thread melts at approximately 483°F and can be damaged in high-temperature situations. Instead, consider using threads made from Kevlar, Nomex, or PTFE fiberglass, which can withstand much higher temperatures (up to 1,000°F).

Applications with High Strength Requirements

Though polyester thread is strong for general purposes, it may not be ideal for high-stress applications like conveyor belts due to its capability to stretch up to 25% before breaking. To illustrate, a Size 92 polyester thread has a tensile strength of 14.5 pounds, while the same size in Kevlar exhibits a tensile strength of 30 pounds and stretches only 5% before breaking.

Understanding Polyester Thread Types

Our polyester thread is classified as filament polyester, which distinguishes it from other variations:

Polyester Embroidery Thread

This thread is rapidly replacing rayon due to its high sheen and durability against washing and bleach. For a diverse range of colors, explore our selection of Robison-Anton Super Brite Polyester.

Spun Polyester

Commonly used for sewing garments, spun polyester threads mimic the look and feel of cotton, consisting of hair-thin polyester filaments wrapped with cotton.

Identifying Thread Types

To distinguish between nylon and polyester threads, check the label. If absent, you can perform a burn test in a well-ventilated area:

• Nylon burns cleanly, leaving a gray ash.
• Polyester burns bright, emits a foul odor, and leaves a gooey residue.

Polyester Thread Size and Thickness

Polyester thread is available in eleven sizes, ranging from very fine (1.5 pounds tensile strength) to quite thick (98 pounds tensile strength). The size of the thread has significant implications for seam strength, stitching visibility, and sewing machine requirements.

Impacts of Thread Size

• Diameter: Thread size refers to weight per unit length, significantly affecting the overall behavior of the sewing project.
• Seam Strength: It's essential to consider the balance of material cost and thread strength; in most cases, it's better that the thread breaks rather than the material.
• Stitch Visibility: Using larger thread sizes makes the stitches more noticeable, which may be desirable or undesirable, depending on your project.
• Needle Size: A thicker thread necessitates a larger needle.

Material Thickness

Material thickness is measured by weight per yard. It is essential to note that leather usually requires thicker threads than fabric.

Buying Polyester Thread

When purchasing polyester thread, keep these key points in mind:

• Putups: The amount of thread on a spool.
• Color: You will find polyester thread available in various colors.
• Bonded vs. Soft: Most threads are bonded to reduce fraying during machine sewing.
• Monocord: Monocord threads consist of hair-thin filaments that provide unique applications, particularly in commercial settings.
• Elongation: This describes the amount of stretch in the thread, which is around 26% for polyester.
• Twist: Most polyester threads use a left twist, which is important to understand for use with specific sewing machines.

For more products and information, please explore sft.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct polyester thread for your project involves several considerations that range from understanding its properties to selecting the right size. With accurate knowledge, you can ensure that your sewing projects turn out to be high-quality and durable.

MonoPoly Invisible Polyester Thread | SuperiorThreads.com

For a superior invisible thread option, consider MonoPoly, a reduced-sheen monofilament polyester. Unlike nylon alternatives, MonoPoly is 100% polyester and available in two colors: Smoke for dark fabrics and Clear for light ones.

For more information on Polyester Monofilament Yarn, feel free to reach out to us.