What is Thread?
Thread is a kind of yarn used for sewing.
Thread is made from a wide variety of materials. Following table lists common materials, a general description and what they are supposed to be good for. If your machine will sew with the thread, any thread can used for just about any purpose. This is very useful for someone who is trying to learn sewing. However, it should be remembered that where a thread is stronger than the material that it is being used to join, if seams are placed under strain the material may tear before the thread breaks. Garments are usually sewn with threads of lesser strength than the fabric so that if stressed the seam will break before the garment. Heavy goods that must withstand considerable stresses such as upholstery, car seating, tarpaulins, and tents require very strong threads. Attempting repairs with light weight thread will usually result in rapid failure. Please improve/expand this table.
Spools of thread
| Material | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | spun traditional thread | general |
| Cotton/Polyester | A cotton thread with a polyester core which is slightly stretchy but retains the traditional look of cotton | strength without sheen |
| Fusible | Fuses sewn fabrics together when ironed | binding and appliqué |
| Metallics | A delicate metallic coating protected by an outer coating providing extremely vibrant color/glitter and/or texture. | decoration |
| Nylon | A transparent monofillament which can be melted by an iron. Nylon is usually stronger than polyester. | strength with transparency |
| Polyester | A synthetic blend which is stronger and stretchier than cotton with little or no lint (may be texturized) | strength |
| Rayon | Made from cellulose, but not considered to be a natural fibre because it is highly processed. Useful for obtaining bright colors. | appearance |
| Silk | A very fine, strong and hard to see thread. | attaching beads |
| Wool | A thicker thread. | homespun look |
| Water Soluble | Dissolves when washed | temporary basting |
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