
Table of Contents
Heavy-duty Sewing Thread
Heavy-duty sewing thread is specifically designed to handle high stress and tension. Like other lighter threads, it does come in a variety of weights and finishes and each weight and finish will work with different types of fabrics.
Usually made of synthetic materials and engineered to withstand high stress and tension, the heavy-duty sewing thread is best for sewing thick materials like denim, canvas, and leather. With a variety of weights and finishes to choose from, the best heavyweight sewing thread depends on the material and its intended use.
Picking the right heavy-duty sewing thread can speed up your sewing process, prevent the reworking of seams, and keep your customers happy. Outdoor, industrial, and commercial applications require high-quality, heavy-weight, and heavy-duty sewing threads that last.
Industrial sewing thread vs heavy-duty sewing thread
Industrial sewing thread is stronger, lasts longer, and is more durable than heavy-duty sewing thread. it is also not made for home sewing machines. It is made for industrial machines that work at higher speeds and longer hours.
Industrial sewing threads are usually used for fireman’s outfits, parachutes, and rock climbing gear where safety has to be at its utmost highest.
Read More: High Strength Sewing Thread – Best Heavy Duty Thread
Read More: Thread for Sewing Machine, Best Thread Suppliers

2 Types of heavy-duty sewing threads are used for industrial sewing
When you have lots of layers to sew or you are working with some fairly thick or stiff fabrics, a heavy-duty sewing thread can be your friend. The key is knowing when to use this thread and how to use it correctly. One good tip to follow is to match the heavy-duty thread to the purpose and environment it will reside the most.
Below we provide you with information about 2 heavy-duty threads
Polyester Heavy-Duty Sewing Thread
An extra-strong polyester heavy-duty thread that is colorfast and fade-resistant. Resistant to tearing and breaking, this thread works well in extremely heavy fabrics to provide uniform stitches that won’t pucker.
Polyester heavy-duty sewing thread is UV-resistant and water-repellent, making it an ideal outdoor thread
Highly durable with low stretch
Great for most industrial applications
Suitable for a variety of heavy-duty sewing projects, the high-strength polyester heavy-duty sewing thread is tough and durable. It’s resistant to abrasion, UV rays, high temperatures, and mildew, making it an ideal choice for outdoor upholstery, awnings, and tents. This sturdy, durable heavy-duty sewing thread can withstand high-speed, high-density sewing through tough materials like denim, leather, canvas, and vinyl. Read More: The Best Polyester Thread for Sewing Machine
Nylon Heavy-Duty Sewing Thread
With a high strength-to-weight ratio, nylon is one of the strongest heavy-duty sewing threads available, making it a great choice for stitching upholstery, leather, and vinyl.
Bonded nylon sewing thread: The bonded 3-ply nylon heavy-duty sewing thread has been specially treated to decrease friction while sewing at high speeds, resulting in smooth stitches.
Flexible with an excellent strength-to-size ratio
Recommended for use in the fabric that is not exposed to the elements
A good indoor upholstery thread (not recommended for outdoor use)
Nylon sewing thread is a good heavy-duty thread to use on any sewing project that requires the stitches to be strong and very durable. That means you can use it on denim, canvas, leather, vinyl, and similar fabrics including those heavy use materials like sportswear and so on.
Read More: Nylon & Polyester Filament Thread at Best Price

6 Basic knowledge of the Heavy-Duty Sewing Thread
- Continuous filament: A long, continuous strand of manufactured fiber.
- Monofilament: A single-ply thread that is smooth, flat, and ribbon-like. Having no too little twist allows it to work on both sides of a double-needle machine.
- Spun or twisted: Multiple fibers twisted together (typically in 2-ply or 3-ply options).
- Left twist: A “Z” twist or twist in a clockwise direction. Most of our thread is left twisted unless otherwise noted. On a double-needle machine, the left twist thread goes on the right-side needle.
- Right twist: An “S” twist or twist in a counterclockwise position. Our thread will be noted if available in the right twist. On a double needle machine, the right twist thread goes on the left-side needle.

7 Features of the Heavy-Duty Sewing Thread
- A bonded finish is applied to the fibers of a continuous filament thread for higher strength and decreased friction.
- A soft finish means the thread has no fiber coating.
- The lubricated thread allows for smooth sewing and needle heat resistance.
- The thread that is UV resistant withstands fading and sun damage.
- To shed water, a non-wicking or anti-wicking finish is applied to the thread (non-wicking repels water and prevents water absorption while anti-wicking provides an extremely water-repellent seam).
- The thread that is heat set minimizes shrinking and expanding.
- The elongation is the amount of a thread that stretches before it breaks. The higher elongation, the greater seam elasticity but there is more opportunity for skipped stitches and thread breakage.

Top 10 Applications of Heavy-Duty Sewing Thread
Bonded heavy-duty sewing thread and industrial yarns are a great fit for heavy industrial applications like the manufacture of geotextiles, synthetic web slings, heavy tarps, canvas, and automotive upholstery.
Increasingly, bonded filament threads are used to replace soft yarns in the critical industrial manufacturing of fiber optic cables and wires as ripcords, binders, or strength members. Other uses include heavy stitching applications that require light product weight overall, like automotive airbags, lifting slings, tie-downs, rock climbing gear, sporting equipment, and parachutes.
- Shade (awnings, shade sails, enclosures, umbrellas)
- Marine products (seating, boat tops, sails, covers)
- Outdoor upholstery (patio furniture, cushions, umbrellas, furniture covers)
- Indoor upholstery (sofas, pillows, drapery, quilting)
- Tents and tarps, industrial covers
- Signs and banners
- Recreational gear
- Apparel
- Embroidery
- General industrial projects using heavyweight fabrics
Works Cited: 15 Tips For Sewing With Heavy Duty Thread and When To Use It Choosing the Right Thread: The Best Sewing Threads for Heavy-Duty Applications