When it comes to filament sewing thread, the thickness of the thread is often measured in terms of its Tex or TKT value. Tex is a unit of measurement that represents the weight in grams of 1000 meters of thread, while TKT is a unit of measurement that represents the length in kilometers of one kilogram of thread.
TEX or TKT of Filament Sewing Thread
Filament sewing thread thickness is commonly measured in “Tex” or “Ticket” (TkT) sizes, which represent different measurement systems used in the textile industry. Both Tex and TkT indicate the linear density of the thread, but they are defined differently:
- Tex (T): Tex is the most widely used measurement for filament sewing threads. It represents the mass of the thread (in grams) per 1000 meters of length. A higher Tex value indicates a thicker thread. For example, a thread with a Tex size of 30 is thicker than a thread with a Tex size of 20.
- Ticket (TkT): Ticket, also known as Tex Ticket, is another measurement system used for sewing threads. It is more commonly used in the United States. TkT numbers represent the number of 1000-yard lengths in one pound of thread. A higher TkT value indicates a finer thread. For example, a thread with a TkT size of 50 is finer than a thread with a TkT size of 30.
When comparing filament sewing threads based on thickness, it’s essential to consider both the Tex and TkT values. A thicker thread (higher Tex or lower TkT) is more suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as upholstery or denim sewing, where durability and strength are crucial. A finer thread (lower Tex or higher TkT) is suitable for delicate fabrics or applications where a more inconspicuous seam is desired.
How to choose TEX or TKT？
The thickness of filament sewing thread is generally inversely proportional to its Tex or TKT value. In other words, the higher the Tex or TKT value, the thinner the thread. For example, a thread with a Tex value of 30 is thinner than a thread with a Tex value of 50. The thickness of the sewing thread in the picture below is: TEX 135, TKT 20
Tex or TKT values are useful for comparing the thickness of different threads, especially when buying thread from different manufacturers. However, it’s important to note that Tex or TKT values are not standardized, so a thread with a Tex value of 50 from one manufacturer may be a different thickness than a thread with a Tex value of 50 from another manufacturer.
Satess®Plus Bonded Nylon Thread Size Parameters
| TEX | METRIC | LENGTH | RA (dTex) | BSA (cN) | EBA (%) | DHS 150℃（%） |
| 35 | Tkt 080 | 2,000M | 395 | 2170 | 24 | ＜3.0 |
| 45 | Tkt 060 | 2,250M | 585 | 3290 | 24 | ＜3.0 |
| 70 | Tkt 040 | 1,500M | 851 | 4750 | 25 | ＜3.0 |
| 90 | Tkt 030 | 1,500M | 1126 | 6200 | 25 | ＜3.0 |
| 135 | Tkt 020 | 1,500M | 1710 | 9630 | 27 | ＜3.0 |
| 210 | Tkt 013 | 900M | 2390 | 14700 | 30 | ＜3.0 |
| 270 | Tkt 010 | 750M | 3275 | 18220 | 30 | ＜3.0 |
| 400 | Tkt 008 | 600M | 4085 | 20690 | 30 | ＜3.0 |
When choosing filament sewing thread, consider the Tex or TKT value as well as the intended use of the thread. Thinner threads are generally better for lightweight fabrics, while thicker threads are better for heavier fabrics and heavier-duty sewing tasks. It’s also important to choose a high-quality thread that is strong and won’t break easily during sewing.