Filament Thread And Spun Thread

Definition and Overview

Filament thread is thread made up of long, continuous fibers. In natural fibers, silk is the representative example, and in man-made fibers, it is commonly found in polyester, nylon, and others. Because the fibers are kept continuous without being cut, it tends to have a relatively smooth surface.

Spun thread is thread made by twisting together short fibers such as cotton, wool, and linen, or man-made fibers processed into staple fibers, in a fixed direction. The ends of the fibers are likely to appear on the thread surface, and depending on the material and spinning method, it creates fullness, softness, and a rustic look.

Features and Effect on Textile

Textiles made with filament thread tend to have less fuzz and are more likely to show luster and vivid color. They are used for textiles that make use of surface smoothness and lightness, such as taffeta, satin, and chiffon. On the other hand, depending on thread thickness and the weave or knit structure, they may feel stiff or squeaky.

Textiles made with spun thread tend to trap air and have a soft, warm feel. A matte appearance from fuzz and a natural fullness are also characteristic. However, the degree of fuzzing and pilling caused by friction varies depending on the type of fiber, twist, knit or weave density, and finishing process.

• Filament thread: easy to create smoothness, luster, and a crisp surface feel.
• Spun thread: easy to create fullness, softness, and a fuzzy appearance.
• Even with the same fiber material, the appearance and feel of the textile vary greatly depending on the thread form.

Main Applications

Filament thread is widely used in products that require lightness, luster, strength, and quick-drying performance, such as linings, blouses, dresses, sportswear, and outerwear. When ultra-fine filament is used, it is easier to express a soft touch and a high-density, refined surface feel.

Spun thread is used for shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, knitwear, pants, jackets, and coats. It is suitable when you want to make use of the natural texture of cotton or wool. Seasonality depends on the fiber material and the thickness of the textile, and even spun thread is available in everything from lightweight to heavyweight textiles.

How to Choose and Handling Notes

When selecting a textile, checking whether it is filament thread or spun thread, in addition to the name of the raw fiber, makes it easier to judge the surface feel you want. For a casual look with reduced luster, spun thread is a candidate; for a clear, elegant surface feel, filament thread is a candidate. However, in the end, confirm thickness, density, and finishing with a textile swatch.

In sewing, thin and high-density textiles made with filament thread may show needle holes, puckering, and seam distortion more clearly. It is important to consider the appropriate needle size, sewing thread, and thread tension in advance. For textiles made with spun thread, check fuzz shedding from cut edges, shrinkage after washing, and fuzzing in areas subject to friction through testing and care labels.

Differences from Similar Terms

Long fiber and short fiber are classifications based on the length of the fiber itself. Filament thread is mainly made from long fibers, and spun thread is mainly made from short fibers. However, polyester and other fibers made into staple fibers can also be made into spun thread, so this does not match the classification of raw materials as natural fiber or man-made fiber.

Single yarn and folded yarn are classifications that indicate how many strands of thread are twisted together, and this is a different concept from the distinction between filament thread and spun thread. Both filament thread and spun thread can be single yarn or folded yarn. Count and denier are units that indicate thread thickness, and they do not directly show the thread form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is stronger, filament thread or spun thread?

It cannot be compared in a blanket way. Strength is affected by the type of fiber, thread thickness, twist, manufacturing method, and the weave or knit structure. Filament thread can make use of the strength of continuous fibers, while spun thread allows the twist and thickness to be adjusted according to the application. The required tear strength and abrasion resistance are tested and confirmed as a textile.

Is there spun thread made from polyester too?

Yes. Polyester is used not only as filament thread made from continuous fibers, but also as spun thread by processing it into staple fibers. Filament makes it easier to express luster and smoothness, while spun thread makes it easier to express a cotton-like matte feel and fullness. Even when the material label is the same polyester, it is important to check the thread form.