Sourcing the right thread to use in your project could be the most important decision you make. Overall, the cost of the thread is minimal, but could have a profound impact on your customer satisfaction, and that's the impact to your brand. While there are many options when it comes to threads such as nylon, polyester, or PTFE, answering a few questions about your project should lead you to the correct product to use.
Question 1, will the project be exposed to sunlight and the outdoors? This eliminates the nylon options as ultraviolet sunlight, also called UV rays, degrades them.
Question 2, will color retention of the thread be a factor in your decision? Dyed polyester thread pigments typically do not hold up well when exposed to UV rays, but there are some dyed polyester options in the market that will. Also, when using dyed polyester thread, you need to be careful as the pigments can transfer onto other vinyl surfaces and are very difficult to remove.
Question 3, what size thread should I use? This depends on the project scope and size. Typically for most shade or marine applications, a size 138 or comparable is desirable. Size 92 or comparable is suitable for smaller applications, including small covers and cushions. Size 69 thread or comparable is typically used in upholstery applications.
Question 4, what are my customers' expectations for the life of the seam? Do they expect the seam to last as long as the fabric? Like question 1, eliminating the nylon option, question 4 narrows your choices to a PTFE thread, which is warranted for the life of the fabric it is sewn into. So, assuming you're working on outdoor applications, let's dive into the various PTFE and polyester thread products we offer.
So, assuming you're working on outdoor applications, let's dive into the various PTFE and polyester thread products we offer.
Tenara ePTFE thread is a monocord filament, which means it is not a twisted thread. With the exception of the heavy M1003, which is a twisted thread, Tenara is a long-time trusted brand of thread designed to outlast the fabric it's sewn into. It is available in clear, black, white, and colors, and provides a warranty that not only includes replacement of thread but also the labor in order to stitch the failed seam. Tenara is made in the USA.
Aruvo PTFE thread is a bonded, twisted thread that is relatively new in the market, but it is produced by Fil-tec thread, one of the market leaders when it comes to innovation in the world of fibers. This thread is known for its top-notch sewability due to its twisted design that produces better hook pickup, lower elongation, and strength for fewer knots and breaks. Aruvo is available in clear, black, white, colors, and matching bobbins. Aruvo
provides a warranty that not only includes
replacement of thread, but also the labor in order to stitch the failed seam. When considering using a PTFE thread, it is easy to suffer sticker shock as these threads are typically four to five times the cost of a standard polyester thread. However, when you consider the cost per job of using a PTFE, the increase is minimal and the additional warranty allows you to upcharge for this thread, which means additional profit per job.
Trivantage carries a wide variety of polyester threads which are ideal for outdoor projects, especially those requiring sealed seams.
PremoBond is the newest addition to the polyester line of threads. PremoBond is a continuous filament thread ideal for high moisture areas due to its anti-wick and mildew-resistant properties. It is lubricated for ease of sewing. Due to its highly engineered pigment technology, the color holds up well in UV and is highly resistant to bleeding. PremoBond thread is made in the USA.
Dabond Nano thread is a bonded, twisted, continuous filament polyester that has anti-wick properties, which allows for seam sealing and minimized seam leakage. Dabond Nano thread is suitable for outside applications such as shade and marine.
SunStop thread is a bonded, twisted, continuous filament polyester that has anti-wick properties, which allow for seam sealing and minimized seam leakage. SunStop thread is suitable for outside applications such as shade and marine.
Poly Nu Bond is a polyester thread that has superior stretch and recovery properties. It is highly resistant to chemicals, bacteria, mildew, abrasion, and rot. Special silicones are added to this thread to eliminate heat buildup in sewing machines and also provide anti-wick properties.
Ultra Dee bonded polyester thread is heat set to prevent stretch or shrinkage. The bonded finish adds strength and keeps the plied yarns from unwinding. Aqua-Seal thread and bobbins, when used in conjunction with one another, produce a highly water-resistant seam.
Aqua-Seal is colorfast, non-wicking, and UV resistant. Polymatic is a bonded monocord which is less likely to unravel like some multi-plyed twisted threads. Also, monocord allows you to run the same threads on a double needle machine. Polymatic is made with Dacron polyester and is lubricated for ease of use and sewing.
Choosing the right thread is a very important decision because the wrong thread increases the risk of seam failure and may damage your company's reputation. That is why Trivantage carries what you need in thread for the right application. Trivantage is here to help you select the right thread for the job. Contact your Trivantage representative for insights and assistance today.
