Yarn Knowledge
How is sewing thread made?
According to DIN 60900, yarn is the general term for textile fibers arranged in a linear pattern, forming a long, thin thread of any length. Sewing thread, in turn, is a type of yarn particularly well-suited for sewing. There are various manufacturing processes. Sewing threads are typically twisted together three, two, or more times. This process is also known as plying. However, there are also so-called monofilaments, which consist of only a single filament, i.e., a single fiber of any length. Fibers spun into sewing thread can include:
- Cotton
- hemp
- Synthetic fibers
- Linen
- Mixed yarns
- Paper
- Wool
In contrast, these are single-ply. The resulting staple fiber yarns, created by twisting the fibers of any desired length, are then singed or gassed. This step removes the fine fiber ends, also known as "fiber hairs." The result is a smooth, fine appearance. Simultaneously, the feel of the yarn changes from less fluffy to much more textured. Cotton yarns and blends containing cotton are often bleached and mercerized. Bleaching removes or fades unwanted discoloration from the material. Mercerization, on the other hand, alters the fiber structure from kidney-shaped to round. This offers advantages such as increased tensile strength, improved dyeability, and reduced dye requirements, which is important for the next finishing step. In the next production step, the textile yarns are dyed. In the penultimate step, the resulting sewing threads receive a yarn vivation. Applying a finish, which primarily improves glide and provides antistatic properties and a soft feel, is necessary to ensure the sewing thread can withstand stresses such as rapid unwinding or rough handling during processing. The final step is the winding of the thread onto various spool sizes and formats, depending on the intended use and requirements. These windings range from 10 meters for standard use to tens of thousands of meters for industrial applications.
Which sewing thread is suitable for which purpose?
Here you'll find high-quality Gütermann brand thread, synonymous with superior quality. Using good sewing thread is crucial, as it can save you a lot of time and frustration. Inexpensive threads tend to break more easily, often because they contain loose fibers that are difficult or impossible to detect with the naked eye. Ultimately, the right thread for your project depends on the fabric and your specific requirements for the seam.
- Cotton thread: This thread is excellent for sewing non-stretch fabrics. It is often used for simple trousers. However, the disadvantage is that it is not very elastic and tears easily when stretched excessively. Its appearance is often considered more attractive than that of nylon, polyester, or silk.
- Buttonhole thread: As the name suggests, this sewing thread is used for buttonholes. It is also well-suited for decorative stitching.
- Nylon and polyester yarns: These are well-suited for stretch fabrics. Polyester yarn usually has a certain sheen, which is why it's not necessarily suitable for every fabric and every project. However, its shimmering luster also makes it a popular choice for embroidery.
- PA nylon yarn is suitable for sportswear, blankets, and home textiles.
- Silk yarn: This textile yarn is often used for fine and elastic fabrics. Silk yarns are also suitable for buttonholes, sewing on buttons, and for fur and leather goods.
Gütermann Yarn – high-quality sewing threads
Why choose Gütermann sewing thread?
The traditional brand Gütermann, with its high-quality yarn, is among the world's leading manufacturers of sewing thread. This long-established yarn producer focuses not only on appearance and usability, but above all on the quality and safety of its yarn. Gütermann also excels in sustainability and environmental protection, making it a highly recommended premium brand for sewing thread.
Approximately how much sewing thread do I need for my sewing project?
The amount of thread needed varies from sewing project to sewing project. However, based on experience, we can provide approximate estimates, though these are not guaranteed. Generally, the following sewing thread is required for the following sewing projects in common standard sizes:
- Shirt of approximately 60 to 100 meters
- Trousers of approximately 230 to 380 meters
- Dress of approximately 140 to 200 meters
- Coat of approximately 240 to 320 meters
- Rock from approximately 90 to 200 meters
- Shoes of approximately 25 to 50 meters
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