Polyester Thread Applications: Discover Various Types & Multifaceted Uses of This Diverse Fiber

A Brief Guide On How To Use & How To Choose The Right Type Of Strand For Your Project

Innovation & Quality

Developing and supplying premium-quality, sustainably grown, consumer products

100% Natural

Organically Grown and Ethically Sourced

hemp and other natural fiber products

Shipping

We offer fast shipping
Your order out within 1-3 days

Wholesale

Visit our wholesale portal to register or login to your account

With a wide range of different threads available on the market it can be difficult to find just the right thread for your task, particularly if you are a beginner who is relatively new to stitching or sewing. By understanding the thread's main characteristics and the project's requirements, you will be able to decide which type of thread will perfectly suit your needs.

This article will discuss polyester threads and their broad spectrum of applications in various projects. Polyester thread, also referred to as poly thread, is known for its remarkable strength, durability, and environmental resistance. Because of this, you can use it for all kinds of delicate crafts, such as jewelry making, bookbinding, and leather stitching, as well as various indoor, outdoor, marine, and other heavy-duty projects. Continue reading to find detailed explanations and examples for each specific use.

Shop Polyester Thread at Hemptique. Wholesale & Bulk Ordering Available.

For over two decades, Hemptique has served retail and commercial customers by offering top-quality arts and crafts supplies. Our newest collection includes first-class waxed poly thread that can be utilized for a wide range of projects, including bookbinding, leather stitching, jewelry making, beading, upholstering, crocheting, embroidery, and so much more. Exceptionally strong, durable, resistant to sun exposure and moisture, our waxed poly threads are also suitable for outdoor, marine, and heavy-duty use. Our assortment includes braided & flat waxed thread, waxed bonded & round thread, and silky smooth waxed thread. Call us at (760) 602-4864, ext. 403 and 405, for help buying the right thread for your needs, or fill out the form to order in bulk or to register for a wholesale account.

What Is Polyester Thread?

Polyester thread is made from petroleum-based synthetic material which is melted, cooled, and finally spun into threads. It looks, feels, and sews like nylon, but it is more resistant to mold, mildew and sunlight.

It comes in various weights and sizes; thus, it is appropriate for both machine sewing and hand sewing. You can choose shiny or matte, variegated or solid colors. Unlike natural fibers, the colors are bright and vivid and do not fade easily.

Types Of Poly Threads

The varieties of polyester strands which are widely available on the market include:

Spun polyester

Spun polyester is manufactured by twisting and spinning fibers of various lengths. Its production, looks, and feel are similar to cotton's, although it has more elasticity and is more economical to produce. This type is widely known as a general-purpose thread.

Bonded polyester

Unique resin coating increases strength and reduces friction while stitching, which is why this type of strand is commonly used for outdoor furnishings and automotive upholstery.

Filament polyester

This category includes two subcategories: monofilament and multifilament. Monofilament is typically constructed as a single (mono) thread, while multifilament consists of several individual fibers twisted together and represents the largest category of filament polyester strands.

Corespun polyester

This type of string, also known as “P/P”, “polycore”, or “Poly-core spun-poly”, is made by wrapping spun polyester around filament core. This core contributes to increased strength and higher tenacity, better uniformity, and superior resistance to abrasion. Its exceptional durability combined with a matte finish makes it the preferred choice for quilting.

Trilobal polyester

Trilobal polyester is multiple filament, twisted fiber of triangular shape and superior luster. Its flat sides reflect more light than round strings, giving finished products an appealing shine. Use trilobal polyester to add a pop of shine to your quilting, embroidery, applique, or stitching.

A Look At Poly Thread’s Diverse Uses

Poly string is one of the most sought-after threads for crafters, artisans, hobbyists and manufacturers whose goal is to create high-quality items. Due to their impressive strength, longevity, and resistance to environmental influences, they are widely used in a wide range of applications:

1. Fashion and apparel

Use: Sewing and embroidery

Poly strand is widely used in apparel industry due to its durability, strength and a vast array of color choices. It is very resistant to frequent washing, UV lights, and moisture.

Example: Polyester is commonly used to sew denim garments due to its ability to remain intact even with prolonged daily use. Embroidery designers use this type of string to create sophisticated embroidery designs of lasting patterns.

2. Crafts and DIY projects

Use: Quilting, jewelry making, beading

Poly threads are one of the favorite choices for hobbyists and artists who work on quilting or jewelry-making projects due to their reliability, flexibility, and versatility. Offered in many different weights, sizes, and colors, they allow for the most creative and unique artistic expressions from fine work and detailed designs to more robust projects. Smooth surface allows easier fiber management.

Example: This type of string is typically used in quilting as it prevents tangling and breakage and does not tear the fabric, which ensures long life of the quilt you are making. Crafters like to use poly thread for beading and jewelry making, since it enables continuous use and daily wear without breaking or losing its qualities.

3. Leather work

Use: Stitching and sewing leather

Because it is strong, resistant to fraying, and withstands heavy use, polyester is perfect for all kinds of leather work.

Example: Leather crafters use it to make high-quality leather wallets, belts, pouches, and handbags. It holds stitches tight even under stress, ensuring the creation of reliable products that will last a long time.

4. Home Textiles

Use: Upholstery, Curtains, and Bedding

Polyester is popular supply for home furnishings making and repair, including upholstery, bedding, draperies, curtains, and other home décor textiles.

Example: Utilizing this thread for furniture upholstering ensures strong and reliable seams with furniture maintaining its appearance and structure over a long period.

5. Outdoor gear & equipment manufacturing & repair

Use: Camping gear, Sports equipment

Due to its high resistance to mold, mildew, and abrasion and the ability to maintain its strength even in harsh weather, poly thread is suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Example: Tents, sports equipment (footballs and baseball gloves) and backpacks are often made using polyester string as they can withstand sun, wind, and rain without losing their long-lasting properties.

6. Marine fabrics sewing, restoration, & repair

Use: Sail, boat cover, marine textile and canvas repair & manufacturing

Excellent resistance to sun exposure, UV rays and saltwater makes it perfect for work on all kinds of marine upholstery fabrics, including sailcloth, boat canvas covers, berth covers, marine cushions, draperies, sunshades, blinds, and so on.

Example: Sailmakers utilize polyester thread to stitch sails to ensure enhanced resistance to degradation from sun and saltwater exposure while remaining durable.

7. Automotive industry

Use: Automotive upholstery and safety belts

In automotive manufacturing, where safety and durability are of utmost importance, poly string is used due to its exceptionally high tensile strength and resistance to UV light.

Example: In car industry, polyester thread is utilized to sew safety belts and high-quality leather and fabric seats that endure heavy use and high levels of stress and tension.

8. Industrial Sewing

Use: Conveyor belts and heavy-duty sewing

Poly thread is used for sewing heavy fabrics, canvases, and fabrics using industrial sewing machines that mas produce items at high speeds.

Example: Its applications include stitching conveyor belts that carry heavy materials and other kinds of industrial sewing that require resistance to chemicals and high tensile strength. It is also used to sew other heavy-duty materials such as tarps and industrial covers.

How To Choose The Right Type Of String For Your Needs

If you are planning a DIY craft project and need to pick the ideal string for sewing or stitching, you should consider project requirements, major characteristics of the fiber, needle size, stitch appearance, your budget, and other important factors.

Choose poly thread if:

your project calls for durability and strength
you are working on outdoor items (outdoor furniture, camping gear, sport equipment)
the final product will be exposed to harsh weather conditions or heavy-duty use
the craft requires water resistance, low stretching, and great color retention qualities
you are working with leather or marine textiles

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Does polyester thread shrink?

As a man-made product, it does not shrink or fade unless exposed to extreme conditions (extreme heat or sunlight). It’s safest to use cold or lukewarm machine cycle when washing.

2. Can poly thread be used to make potholders?

Polyester thread is not heat resistant. If you want to use it for potholders, make sure you choose a high-quality string designed to withstand high temperatures.

3. Is poly thread good for quilting?

Yes! Polyester strand is ideal for quilting because it does not fray, it’s smooth and has excellent color retention properties.

4. Can polyester embroidery thread be used for regular sewing projects?

Yes, you can use it for regular sewing, however, be aware that this type of thread is finer and thinner than standard sewing ones.

5. Can poly string be used for machine quilting?

Certainly! It is strong enough to endure increased tension in high-speed machine quilting, with smooth and consistent throughout the quilt.