The performance of sewing threads with respect to seam appearance

This paper reports an experimental investigation into the effect of the physical and mechanical properties of sewing threads on the seam appearance of lightweight fabrics, which are prone to seam pucker. In this work, a range of forty-two commercial sewing threads of various ticket numbers, yarn structures, and from various suppliers were used, and their performance ranked according to the appearance of the seams after sewing. Based on a statistical analysis, the important physical and mechanical properties of sewing threads related to seam appearance were identified and a quantitative relationship between these properties and the performance rankings of sewing threads in terms of seam appearance was established. A parameter, called ‘Sewing Thread Pucker Index’, which incorporates those properties of sewing threads which are important with respect to seam appearance, is proposed to provide an objective measure of performance.