Polyester Threads
Advantages of Polyester Thread
Polyester fibers recover quickly after extension and absorb very little moisture. Polyester is heat resistant (dryer and iron safe), with a melting temperature of 510 degrees F (in comparison, nylon melts at 350 degrees F). Polyester is colorfast, resistant to chemicals, and can be washed or dry-cleaned with most common cleaning solvents.
Following are characteristics of polyester thread.
- Strength. Stronger than rayon, which means fewer thread breaks. Polyester can be used at higher machine speeds than weaker threads, including rayon.
- Colorfastness. Withstands chlorine. Durable to cleaning and laundering. More resistant to UV exposure than rayon.
- Excellent wet strength. Does not weaken in washings.
- Abrasion resistant. Higher abrasion resistance than rayon means it does not wear out as fast.
- More stitch volume. Has a slight 3D effect with less need for underlay or cord. Perfect for satin stitches.
- More resistant to chemical damage than rayon. Ideal for industrial work-wear garments.
- More forgiving of poor adjustments or mechanical conditions of the machine.
- Brightness. Trilobal Polyester Threads have a high sheen for attractive quilting and embroidery designs.
There are 3 different types of Polyester Thread available.
Spun Polyester Thread
Spun polyester threads are made by spinning or twisting together shorter lengths of polyester fibers. This is similar to the way cotton threads are made. These are then twisted together to produce a thread of the desired size. Spun polyester threads give the look of a cotton thread, but provide superior strength and durability. Our Poly Quilter is this type of thread.
Filament Polyester Thread
Filament poly is a continuous fiber thread. Some hear the word filament and incorrectly assume it is monofilament. Monofilament, which looks like fishing line, is just one type of filament thread. It is a single strand thread. Other filament threads are multiple filaments, which consist of two or three strands twisted together. This is the largest category of filament polyester. Multi-filament strands are smooth and lint free but are not transparent. The advantage of a lint-free thread is a cleaner machine and less maintenance. The Bottom Line is an example of this type.
Trilobal Polyester Thread
Recent advances in fiber technology have resulted in a new type of polyester. In the past, due to it's dull appearance, polyester lost out to other fibers, especially rayon. However, with the development of trilobal polyester, rayon thread may become a thread of the past.
Trilobal poly is a multiple filament, twisted, high-sheen continuous fiber thread. It has the bright appearance of rayon or silk. Triangular shaped fibers reflect more light and give an attractive sparkle to textiles. If the desired effect is strength, durability, softness, and brightness, trilobal poly is perfect for the job.
Rainbows, Highlights, Living Colors, and Nature Colors thread by Superior Threads are 100% premium trilobal polyester.
