Making fabric items like seat covers, umbrellas, awnings, flags, hammocks, and more for outdoor use can be very rewarding, especially when they hold up well. Quality, well-made outdoor products can provide years of satisfaction and ease the strain on the environment by staying out of the landfill. Today, more people are choosing to buy high-value products over disposable trends, and they want to enjoy using them. Selecting the right thread lets you create better items that bolster your brand’s reputation. To help you out, we’re sharing three tips that can help you make the best choice when choosing a thread for outdoor-based items.
1- Consider the Use
When you know what you’re trying to make and where you plan to use it, it’s a lot easier to pick out the right thread. Are you stitching together cushion covers for your pool furniture? You might need a thread with a UV coating that holds up under harsh sunlight. Maybe you need a thread that will hold your tent together, no matter how many rainy camping trips you take. In this case, a heavy-duty polyester thread may be the perfect choice. Whether you’re making sails, boat covers, or awnings, understanding how your thread will behave in action is key to making the best selection.
2- Consider the Material
Outdoor fabrics are typically made from strong, weather-resistant materials that can hold their own in the sun, wind, and rain. Stitching these fabrics together with the wrong thread can make your items less durable. Whether you’re making bean bags or tarps, it’s important to choose a thread that is a suitable match for your material. A polyester thread might be the right choice when you’re making coverings out of waxed cotton. PTFE thread is commonly used to hold HDPE shade fabrics together because it is strong and extremely resistant to the elements. Nylon thread could be a great choice for lightweight waterproof fabrics because it’s highly elastic, but it could break down faster if you’re using it with heavier cloth.
3- Consider the Construction
The way a thread is made affects its suitability for its purpose. Heavy-duty threads for outdoor use should be resistant to UV rays, abrasion, and mildew. These qualities, plus water repellency and high tensile strength, are usually correlated with the thread’s composition and construction. It can be helpful to note that bonded thread may be more versatile than single-ply thread. Thicker threads with a wider diameter are usually heavier and stronger, but they may be less flexible. Choosing the right thread weight is important when you’re sewing materials for use because this quality affects the overall durability and strength of the product you create.
If you have questions about what thread to choose for your product, it’s best to consult with a sewing expert. This way, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of your product, ask any questions you have, and ensure a reliable outcome. When your outdoor goods are sewn with the right, they’ll provide many years of service and keep your customers happy.