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Polyester, Nylon, and Aramid Sewing Thread: Sizes and Diameters

Polyester, nylon, and aramid are all popular materials used for making filament sewing threads for sewing and other applications. the choice of thread material will depend on the specific application and the required properties of the finished product. Polyester and nylon threads are commonly used for a wide range of sewing projects, while aramid thread is reserved for specialized applications where extreme strength and heat resistance are necessary.

The characteristics of 3 types of sewing thread

Here are some characteristics of threads made from these materials:

Polyester thread

  • Polyester thread is strong and durable, with good resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and sunlight exposure.
  • It has a low moisture absorption rate, which means it dries quickly and is less likely to rot or mildew.
  • Polyester thread is available in a wide range of colors and is commonly used for general sewing, upholstery, and outdoor applications.

Nylon thread

  • Nylon thread is known for its excellent strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion.
  • It has a high melting point, which makes it suitable for use in high-temperature applications.
  • Nylon thread is available in various colors and is commonly used for sewing heavy fabrics, leather, and canvas.

Aramid thread

  • Aramid thread is extremely strong and heat-resistant, making it ideal for use in applications where safety and durability are paramount.
  • It has a low elongation rate, which means it maintains its shape and tension under stress.
  • Aramid thread is commonly used for sewing protective clothing, industrial fabrics, and safety equipment.

The density of 3 types of yarn

The density of a fiber refers to its mass per unit volume. It’s important to note that the density of fiber can affect its properties and performance in different applications. For example, the higher density of aramid fibers contributes to their exceptional strength and resistance to heat but also makes them less flexible and more difficult to work with than polyester or nylon fibers. Here are the approximate fiber densities of polyester, nylon, and aramid:

Industry Sewing Thread

Polyester

  • The density of polyester fibers is around 1.38 to 1.39 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
  • This relatively low density makes polyester fibers lightweight and easy to care for.

Nylon

  • The density of nylon fibers is around 1.14 to 1.15 g/cm³.
  • This is a lower density than polyester, which also contributes to the lightweight and comfortable feel of nylon fabrics.

Aramid

  • The density of aramid fibers is around 1.44 to 1.46 g/cm³.
  • This is a higher density than both polyester and nylon, which makes aramid fibers more rigid and stiffer than the other two fibers.

The size and diameters of the common three kinds of sewing thread

Polyester, nylon, and aramid are all synthetic fibers commonly used in the textile industry. Here are the sizes and diameters of these fibers:

Common Nylon 6,6 Sizes and Diameters

Nylon fibers are also available in a range of sizes, from microfibers to microfibers.

Nylon 6,6 Fiber Density1.14 g/cm3
Yarn Size Estimated Diameter
DenierDecitexInchesmm
4204670.00780.23
5005560.00850.25
6307000.00950.28
8409330.01100.32
105011670.01230.36
126014000.01340.40
168018670.01550.46
200022220.01690.50
252028000.01900.56
300033330.02080.61
400044440.02400.70
504056000.02690.79

Common Polyester Yarn Sizes and Diameters

Polyester fibers come in various sizes, ranging from microfibers to microfibers.

Polyester Fiber Density1.38 g/cm3
Yarn Size Estimated Diameter
DenierDecitexInchesmm
4204670.00710.21
5005560.00770.23
6607330.00880.26
8409330.01000.29
100011110.01090.32
110012220.01140.34
130014440.01240.37
150016670.01330.39
168018670.01410.42
200022220.01540.45
260028890.01760.52
300033330.01890.55
400044440.02180.64
500055560.02440.72
600066670.02670.78

Common Aramid Yarn Sizes and Diameters

Aramid fibers are known for their exceptional strength and heat resistance, making them suitable for applications such as bulletproof vests and fire-resistant clothing.

Aramid Fiber Density1.44 g/cm3
Yarn Size Estimated Diameter
DenierDecitexInchesmm
4004440.00670.20
8409330.00980.29
100011110.01070.31
142015780.01270.37
150016670.01310.38
200022220.01510.44
225025000.01600.47
284031560.01800.53
568063110.02540.75
710078890.02840.84