Lighter monofilaments can be used for quilting or tacking, and heavier versions can be used in upholstery or canvas projects. However, it lacks flexibility and can feel stiff or scratchy. Made from a single continuous fiber with a specified thickness, monofilament is strong and uniform with a high resistance to abrasion. Monofilaments can be made from polyester or nylon. MonofilamentĪ strong, clear thread, monofilament resembles fishing line and comes in different weights suitable for various applications. Nylon does not have the UV resistance of polyester thread and will not last as long outside. While nylon is a great general-purpose thread, we do not recommend it for outdoor applications. The added elasticity is also ideal for upholstery applications. The high tensile strength of nylon makes it ideal for heavy fabrics used in home décor. It has a high strength-to-size ratio in comparison to polyester thread and is also known for its flexibility and stretch. Nylon is one of the strongest synthetic threads in use today. We recommend using polyester thread for outdoor cushions and upholstery, sails, outdoor canvas covers, boat covers, awnings, tents, and tarps.
Polyester thread comes in a variety of colors to match your fabric, but the colors will fade to white over time in the sun. Over nylon threads, polyester thread has superior resistance to UV rays and moisture but much of its strength is lost after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Polyester is known for its strength, durability, and low shrinkage and stretch and is the most common thread for outdoor applications. We recommend using Serv7 needles with PTFE thread. It also helps to use a smaller than normal needle, to ensure the thread creates the proper loop for the hook to catch. It doesn’t require as much upper tension as polyester thread, so you’ll need to adjust your sewing machine accordingly. PTFE thread is very slippery and can be tricky to sew. PTFE threads are used for outdoor, marine, and awning applications. These threads come in only a few colors, but of those, translucent is the most popular as it will blend in with any color fabric. They are much more expensive upfront, but will require less re-stitching over the lifetime of your project. PTFE threads carry a lot of performance benefits, but they are a little pricey. These threads are unaffected by exposure to UV rays, harsh cleaning agents, pollution, saltwater, rain, snow, cold, and rot. These threads will outlast your fabric! PTFE threads like Tenara or Helios carry a lifetime guarantee. 4 Common Types of Thread Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Upholstery applications, for example, require a thread that has a good elasticity so it will give and recover when you sit on it. For indoor applications, the UV resistance becomes less important and abrasion resistance and stretch becomes more important. Outdoor applications require specific traits such as UV resistance, high strength, and resistance to abrasion, mildew and often saltwater to last in all weather conditions. In this post, we’re going to look at common thread types, their uses, and the properties that make them suitable for those uses. Outdoor fabrics require threads that can stand up to the weather, while indoor fabrics have different performance needs.
One key factor to keep in mind is the end location of the fabric. Selecting the right thread for your application ensures that you will get the best performing seams. Thread is a small piece of sewing projects but its importance is undeniable.