Swing Thread Quality

The major requirements of a good quality sewing threads are:

1.      Good tensile strength holds the stitched seam securely during wash and wear.

2.      Smooth surface and absence of faults ensures less friction between the needle and the material during high-speed sewing. The thread must be well lubricated to increase its sewability and resistance to abrasion.

3.      Uniform thickness / diameter results in an even sewing thread, which moves smoothly and quickly through the needle eye and the fabric. It also affects the thread’s tensile strength, resistance to abrasion and its twist construction. An uneven thread may twist into short knots and jam at the eye of the needle.

4.      Good elasticity enables thread to recover its original length immediately after the tension has been released. The elasticity of sewing thread affects the strength and the finished quality of a stitched seam.

5.      Low shrinkage of the thread being used on the fabric material with higher shrinkage reduces the chances of seam puckering.

6.      Good resistance to chemical attack is a desirable property for thread used in garments which may undergo washing, bleaching or dry-cleaning.

7.      Good abrasion resistance ensures a good sewing performance and makes the thread more durable. 

8.    Good color fastness will retain the thread’s original color without running or fading when subjected to wash and light exposure. The thread color should be resistant to different agents to whom it is exposed during manufacture and use. Color fastness can be measured against: 

·         Chlorinated water

·         Perspiration

·         Cold water staining

·         Dry cleaning

·         Pressing - wet and dry 

·         Bleaching

9.      Minimal metamerism can be achieved by assessing color with color matching cabinets. Metamerism is an inherent property of a thread when the same thread color appears to be different under different lighting conditions. Standard illuminants are often used to counter the effects of metamerism.

10.  Lubrication: Thread lubrication has two purposes to reduce the amount of friction and to provide protection from needle heat. The lubricant must also be non-staining, non-soiling and must have negligible effect on thread color.