Spun polyester sewing thread is widely used in the stitching of cotton fabrics, synthetic fibers, and blended textiles due to its high tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance, low shrinkage, good moisture absorption and heat resistance, as well as its resistance to corrosion, mildew, and insect damage. Additionally, it features a wide range of colors, excellent colorfastness, resistance to fading and discoloration, and good UV resistance. With abundant raw materials, relatively low cost, and good sewability, spun polyester sewing thread has become the dominant type in the sewing thread market. Polyester thread comes in several types, including filament, spun, and textured polyester threads.
Among them, spun polyester thread is most commonly used for sewing a wide variety of cotton, poly-cotton, wool, and blended fabrics, making it one of the most widely adopted threads today. Textured polyester thread is often used in knitwear such as sportswear, underwear, and stretch garments. Additionally, polyester-silk blended sewing thread, known as polyester silk, offers better flexibility, luster, and toughness than pure polyester thread. As a result, it is more versatile and commonly used in sewing ultra-lightweight fabrics.
Cotton sewing thread offers good strength, dimensional stability, and excellent heat resistance, making it suitable for high-speed sewing and durable pressing processes. However, it has relatively lower elasticity and abrasion resistance compared to synthetic threads.
In addition to regular soft cotton thread, there are also glazed cotton threads and mercerized cotton threads:
Glazed cotton thread is treated with starch or wax, resulting in a smooth, stiff surface and stable twist. Its strength and abrasion resistance are improved, reducing friction during sewing. It is ideal for sewing firm fabrics, leather materials, or garments requiring high-temperature pressing.
Mercerized cotton thread is soft in texture with a full-bodied, lustrous appearance and enhanced strength. It has a smooth hand feel and is commonly used for sewing mid-to-high-end cotton garments.
Nylon sewing thread features excellent abrasion resistance, high strength, bright luster, and good elasticity, making it commonly used on more durable fabrics. However, due to its relatively poor heat resistance, it is not suitable for high-speed sewing or fabrics that require high-temperature pressing.
Nylon sewing thread can be categorized into three types: filament yarn, staple fiber yarn, and elastic textured yarn. Filament nylon thread is mainly used for sewing synthetic fiber garments and for various garment operations such as button sewing and buttonhole stitching.
Additionally, transparent nylon monofilament thread is suitable for overlocking processes, such as hems, cuffs, and buttons. It is also used decoratively, for example, on belt loops in women's garments, as well as on cuffs and hems in traditional Chinese clothing for visible stitching decoration.
Decorative sewing thread
To emphasize design and lines, many garments—such as leatherwear and denim—frequently use decorative sewing threads, including topstitching and embroidery. Silk decorative thread features vivid colors and a soft, elegant sheen. Rayon decorative thread, made from viscose fibers, offers attractive gloss and texture, though it is slightly less strong than silk thread. In addition, metallic threads (gold and silver) are gaining attention for their decorative appeal. These threads, also known as craft or ornamental threads, are often used for visible stitching and localized pattern embellishment in traditional Chinese and contemporary fashion garments.
With its affordable price, readily available raw materials, and excellent sewing performance, polyester sewing thread maintains a dominant position in the market. Whether for standard T-shirts and sportswear or garments made from high-end fabrics, polyester sewing thread delivers outstanding sewing results.
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