Strings and threads are available in a variety of types, each designed to meet specific needs across diverse applications. By understanding the subtle differences between strings and thread, you can more easily select the right material for your project and ensure not only durability but also the attractiveness and reliability of your finished products. This guide aims to demystify these distinctions, helping you make informed choices for your manufacturing needs.
What are strings and threads?
Starting with their definitions helps to distinguish strings and threads.
A thread is a thin, flexible material primarily used for stitching fabrics together. Threads come in various materials such as nylon, cotton, or polyester, each with specific properties to address issues like fraying or thread untwisting. For instance, Coats Nymo is a lightly bonded nylon thread that prevents these common issues.
In contrast, string is a thin type of rope or cord made from various materials like nylon, hemp, or cotton. Unlike thread, string is generally not used for sewing but finds utility in a variety of other applications, such as packaging, crafting, and even specialised industrial uses. The properties of the string, such as its tensile strength and durability, can vary significantly depending on its intended purpose and the material from which it is made.
Key differences between strings and threads
You’ll find sewing threads in a wide range of textile products, from garments and bedding to upholstery, bags, outdoor gear, footwear, and accessories. Beyond these common uses, specialised threads serve niche markets. For example, Coats Gral Suture is a lubricated, non-absorbable polyester thread specifically engineered for medical and surgical applications. Coats Glasmo offers another specialised option: a temperature-resistant fibreglass thread ideal for high-demand filtration tasks.
In contrast, strings serve different purposes, often acting as thin ropes or cords. You’ll see them in products like kites, teabags, and tampons. Coats Admiral Vero is a prime example, being a 100% organic cotton string with anti-wick properties tailor-made for tampons. For tea bags, Coats collaborates with leading tea producers and machine manufacturers to produce Admiral Teabag, a string made from 100% long staple-spun cotton.
Choose Coats for your strings and thread requirements.
As the global leader in manufacturing strings and thread, Coats is committed to delivering the most innovative and reliable materials for your business. Visit Coats.com to explore their extensive range of products, each designed to meet the specific demands of various applications.
About the author:
Coats offer different types of thread, and learning which one works best for different sewing tasks is crucial. Brush up your wardrobe with Coats thread, which is the most fashionable, durable, and affordable thread on the market. They provide some of the best sewing threads in the world, including premium polyester and fibre optic yarns. Many leading brands use Coats threads. Moreover, Coats is an expert in designing and supplying a diverse range of technical products to the Performance Materials sector, which serves various strategic end-use markets.
