What is the difference between nylon and polyester thread

Selecting the right thread for your application ensures that you will get the best performing seams. One key factor to keep in mind is the end location of the projects. Outdoor projects require threads that can stand up to the weather, while interior pieces have different performance needs. Outdoor applications require specific traits such as UV resistance, high strength and resistance to abrasion, mildew and often saltwater to ensure it will last in a variety of weather conditions.

For indoor applications, the UV resistance becomes less important and abrasion resistance and stretch become more important. Upholstery applications, for example, require a thread that has good elasticity so it will give and recover when you sit on it.

These threads will outlast your fabric! Both of these brands carry a lifetime guarantee. These threads are unaffected by exposure to UV rays, harsh cleaning agents, pollution, saltwater, rain, snow, cold and rot.

Lifetime threads carry a lot of performance benefits, but they are a little pricey. They are much more expensive upfront but will require less re-stitching over the lifetime of your project.

They can be a little trickier to sew with than more traditional thread materials, so keep that in mind when deciding between a lifetime thread and a UV treated polyester. Lifetime threads are often used for outdoor, marine and awning applications.

Learn more about these two brands of thread and which will work best for you in our post, "Selecting the Right Lifetime Thread" XHT. Polyester is known for its strength, durability, and low shrinkage and stretch. The disadvantages of filament polyester threads are: not as strong as corespun when comparing the same size of thread and finer filament threads may require tension adjustments.

Monofilament polyester threads are a single strand of polyester fiber, similar to fishing line. The advantages of monofilament polyester threads are: it's usually a very fine thread that blends very well and can be ironed on medium heat. The disadvantages of monofilament polyester threads are: tension adjustments are usually required when quilting. Spun polyester threads are made from the twisting of small polyester staple fibers together to create a long thread very similar to how cotton threads are created from cotton staples.

The advantages of spun polyester threads are: spun polyester threads are less expensive to produce and are usually priced lower than any other type of polyester thread. The disadvantages of spun polyester threads are: moderate-to-high levels of lint when sewing and not as strong as filament or corespun polyester threads.

Rayon is created by pressing cellulose acetate usually made from wood pulp through small holes and solidifying it in the form of filaments sound like fun! The advantages of rayon threads are: its high-sheen colors, its soft touch, and it's an inexpensive thread.

The disadvantages of rayon threads are: it's often not colorfast the dye can bleed onto fabric when exposed to strong detergent, UV light, or bleach , it's not as strong as trilobal polyester, and the fiber itself is not as durable as polyester. Nylon threads are synthetic threads polyester threads are synthetic as well often used in the form of a monofilament clear thread or as a textured fuzzy woollie-like thread. The negatives far outweigh the positives of nylon.

We do not recommend sewing or quilting with nylon threads, as there are better versions for the same application in polyester threads. The only type of Nylon thread we use and recommend is Bonded Nylon for upholstery and heavy-duty sewing. Bonded Nylon is made from a different type of material than nylon sewing thread. We don't use nylon for quilting or embroidery.

Metallic threads are created from multiple layers of materials wrapped and twisted together. The quality of metallic threads range from very high to very low. A good metallic thread does not require a lubricant. Superior's metallic threads have a strong nylon core, a thin layer of rice paper and a special outer coating that keeps the silver foil from rubbing against the needle.

The advantages of Superior's metallic thread is: beautiful sheen and excellent stitch quality when embroidered, quilted, or sewn. The disadvantages of metallic thread is: tension adjustments are required and stitching speed may need to be decreased.

Mylar threads are created by bonding thin layers of flat mylar material. The advantages of Glitter thread is: holographic effect and can be embroidered, quilted, or sewn. The disadvantages of Glitter thread is: tension adjustments are required and stitching speed may need to be decreased. All sewing and quilting thread undergo some of the same processing, such as twisting, lubricating, winding, etc.

Cotton threads however, can have additional processing to enhance the stitching experience. Mercerization is the process of immersing the cotton fibers in a caustic solution which causes the fibers to swell.

This allows the dye to better penetrate the fibers and increases the luster of the thread. Mercerizing also increases the strength of the cotton thread. Nearly all cotton threads made for sewing all mercerized, whether the label states Mercerized or not. When nylon gets wet it absorbs water and can expand up to 3.

Polyester, in comparison, is much less absorbent. This makes it great for high-intensity sports where lots of perspiration is a given. Next up. How do these two fabrics cope in the face of heat? Polyester is the more durable option. It actually needs high heat to absorb dyes. Both fabrics are extremely easy to care for. When caring for polyester or nylon, a standard washing machine cycle will do.

Nor should they be ironed or tumble dried on a high heat. For polyester or nylon with wicking properties , fabric softener should also be avoided. Nylon and polyester each have their own strengths.

Which material is best suited to your project will depend upon the end use and the fabric design. The silky feel of nylon is hard to beat, which is why nylon is the preferred choice for yoga and underwear brands. But whilst nylon is softer and stronger, polyester dries faster, dyes more easily and is less likely to pill.

These are all reasons why polyester is a popular option for garments used in sports like running, basketball, soccer and football. Nevertheless, technological advances are improving both fabrics. For example, polyester yarn is becoming softer. And with a wicking finish , nylon can take away moisture and dry more quickly. Taiwanese fabric manufacturers are at the forefront of these changes and the region boasts some of the best synthetic filament production in the world.

We hope this article has explained the difference between polyester and nylon fabrics for you. We hope you found this article useful. Check out our blog for more fabric knowledge and industry news. Here are two of the articles you might be interested in:. Fabric shrinkage is crucial to fabric quality.

Find out why fabric shrinks, what you can do to prevent it and how to do your own fabric shrinkage test. Which dyeing method should you choose? Is yarn, piece or solution dyed fabric best for your product?

Find out the key differences between these fabric dyeing methods. Eysan is a knitted fabric expert. Since , it has continually supplied quality fabrics and service to clothing manufacturers and well-known clothing, athletic, and underwear brands. If you have any questions regarding knitted fabrics or have any knitted fabric needs, please feel free to reach out to us.

What is the Difference between Polyester and Nylon Fabric? But first…. How are polyester and nylon fibers made? What is the difference between polyester and nylon? Yarncones Photo Credit: Freepik. Nylon is more durable and strong than polyester, that's why it's a popular material for ropes. Reaction to water.

Reaction to heat.