The Best Threads for High-speed Automatic Hemming
Contents
Introduction
Thread Recommendations
Coats Epic – High Tenacity Polypoly Corespun Thread
Terry Towel Stitching
Coats Astra – High Tenacity Spun Polyester Thread
Introduction
Traditional towel hemming with manual stitching in chain stitch and lock stitch machines are a thing of the past. Today fully automatic hemming machines are available for both cross hemming and length hemming. These high-speed machines come with complete automation for various functions such as cutting, folding and sewing to help manufacturers increase productivity – up to 22 mtrs/min – much higher than for conventional manual sewing production.
Consequently, only high-tech sewing threads should be used in these machines to deliver the required productivity benefits. However, often, conventional staple spun threads continue to be used, resulting in expensive sewing equipment running at lower than optimum speeds to avoid thread breaks and stoppages. The resulting loss of productivity makes it more difficult to justify the machine investment and adds manufacturing cost.
That is why Coats recommends only specially designed high-performance sewing threads be used in high-speed hemming machines to ensure maximum productivity and minimize the amount of rework and rejection levels due to thread related issues.
Thread Recommendations
Coats recommends two thread qualities:
Coats recommends the following threads for high-speed automatic towel hemming machines:
Coats Epic – High Tenacity Polypoly Corespun Thread
| Article No. | Ticket No. | Thread Size | Average Breaking Strength | Ply | Package Length (m) | Recommended Needle Size - Single |
Recommended Needle Size - Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2994 | 100 | 30 | 1500 | 2 | 5000 | 14 - 18 | 90 - 110 |
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Made in corespun construction from high tenacity polyester | Lower fault levels and good uniformity in thread Higher thread strength even in finer thread size Reduction in thread breaks and uninterrupted sewing resulting in higher machine productivity |
| Optimum lubrication | Smooth flow of thread, hence reduced needle heat and subsequent damages |
| Optimum twist levels | Good loop formation, no skipped stitches at optimum machine settings |
| Higher abrasion resistance | No damage to the thread / stitch, hence longer seam life in daily washing of towels |
| Good sewing performance | Best suited for reverse feed lock stitch sewing in cross hemming |
Various trials conducted globally show that the use of Coats Epic threads in home textiles increases the productivity and quality of the product by reducing the cost significantly. This thread is proven to be a versatile thread recommended for most home textile applications.
Features and Benefits
- Core filament construction gives better tenacity / breaking strength
- Better seam strength
- Less thread breakages in sewing
- Usage of finer needles without compromising on the seam strength
- Zero thread puckering
- Core filament construction gives better elongation
- Better seam elongation
- Has good abrasion resistance
- Longer seam life
Terry Towel Stitching
Machine Requirements
| High speed stitching | Sewing thread must have good strength | High tenacity thread |
|---|---|---|
| Less machine stoppages due to: a) Thread breakages b) Needle breakages |
Good strength and low fault level yarn | High tenacity thread with significantly lower fault levels, which gives less loading on the needle. |
Quality Requirements
| Properties | Thread Requirements | Coats Epic Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Better seam strength and elongation | Sewing thread must have good strength and elongation | High tenacity thread with superior elongation properties |
| Better seam appearance / aesthetics | Fine thread with good elongation | Fine threads on finer needles gives better seam appearance with less seam pucker |
| Fewer skipped stitches | Better loop formation | Controlled elongation at initial loading helps in making better loop formation |
| Fewer repairs / reworks | Less thread breakages | High tenacity thread reduces the thread breakages significantly |
Coats Astra – High Tenacity Spun Polyester Thread
| Article No. | Ticket No. | Thread Size | Average Breaking Strength (Grams) | Ply | Package Length (m) |
Recommended Needle Size - Single |
Recommended Needle Size - Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8754 | 80 | 40 | 1500 | 2 | 5000 | 14 - 18 | 90 - 110 |
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Made from super high tenacity polyester fibres | Higher thread strength Reduction in thread breaks and uninterrupted sewing resulting in higher machine productivity |
| Optimum lubrication | Smooth flow of thread, hence reduced needle heat and subsequent damages |
| Optimum twist levels | Good loop formation, no skipped stitches at optimum machine settings |
Please contact your local Coats office or your sales representative for more details on availability and recommendations for your specific end use application.