If you’ve ever shopped online for a new awning for your recreational vehicle or looked into a custom-made cover for your power boat, you know intrinsically that these types of products cannot be whipped together on a domestic sewing machine. Shade canopies, camping tents, tarps, and covers of every ilk as well as leather and upholstery projects, work apparel, and even parachutes all require industrial sewing equipment. Because the fabrics are typically heavy-duty and often used in challenging environments, they naturally require heavy-duty threads that can hold things together while standing up to anything.
Why Quality Matters
Imagine purchasing a heavy-duty canvas tarp with reinforced stitching around the edges to protect against tears and fraying. The tarp material may be of the highest quality, but it won’t do you much good if the thread used in the fabrication of your tarp isn’t of the highest quality also.
If you’re in the industrial sewing business, you understand the importance of choosing a supplier of top-notch threads that can hold their own in modern, industrial sewing machines, machines that operate at high speeds, for long hours at a time and that deal with heavy fabrics. In general, industrial threads need to be extremely durable with high tensile strength to resist breakage. They often need to be lubricated to resist friction and the resulting heat caused by repeated high-speed needle movement. And, depending on the application, they may also need to be UV resistant as well as resistant to water, wind, and salt air.
Common Industrial Thread Types
There are a number of different types of heavy-duty and industrial threads and knowing their qualities can help you make the right choice for any given application. Listed below are a few of the most common types of threads used. However, if you’re not sure what’s best for your sewing application, having a reliable industrial thread supplier that stocks or is able to quickly provide a full range of popular threads in varying thicknesses, cone sizes, and colors for a wide array of applications is highly recommended. A quality supplier should also be able to provide you with invaluable advice and recommendations.
Bonded Nylon
One of the most common types of industrial threads, bonded nylon is known for its strong nylon fibers, its ability to tolerate higher levels of heat, and its resistance to water damage and UV light. The coating on bonded nylon actually makes it stronger and the reduced needle friction helps in making smoother, more even stitches. It is a good choice for upholstery projects and for sewing leather and other heavy fabrics.
Bonded Polyester
Second only to bonded nylon, bonded polyester thread is often used where the end product will be exposed to UV rays, including car and boat covers, awnings, tents, and other outdoor applications. Bonded polyester thread is also more fade and mildew-resistant than its nylon cousin.
Kevlar
Kevlar thread is a desirable choice when you need a product that is durable, has high tenacity, and is also especially heat and flame-resistant. Common applications for Kevlar thread include firefighter clothing and tactical gear, racing clothing, and welding gloves and aprons.