How does filament silk thread differ from spun silk thread?

A technical question than is more important than you can imagine. Filament silk threads are continuous fibers, twisted, only, to make them easier to use. Spun silk threads (the broken, lower quality waste silk fibers) must be twisted to make them stay twisted. The shorter spun silk fibers can easily become shredded or untwisted, while the filaments will stay in tact.

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Strands of silk filaments can be made into hundreds of different sized threads, easier than any other fiber in the world. Also, the natural strength of the silk fiber is stronger than any other natural fiber. Filament silk thread can be thin and still offer strength and stability. Other types of fibers must make thicker threads to provide that type of strength.

The most important single advantage of filament silk thread is its natural elasticity, created by the lowly silkworm. High quality filament silk has a high elasticity rate, as much as 28%. The pliability is the most important engineering property that any sewing thread should possess. Threads that break easily in the sewing machine, threads that knot easily, threads that break from strains in seams, do not have the benefit of fibers that stretch and return to their original shape.

Smoothness is another advantage of the filament because threads will also slide effortlessly through the touch points of the sewing machine/serger and not leave the unwanted fuzz in the machine.

Filament silk threads are moldable, helping to shape curved seams and does not leave tell tale holes in fabrics. Thin filaments will sink into fabrics for smooth flat seaming and is a delight to the eye because of its reflective quality. This beautiful luminescence of silk thread does not have to be hidden when constructing garments, it will enhance any type of decorative detailing.

The longevity of silk fiber, when properly processed and preserved, has been proven over the centuries. Heirloom garments and quilts sewn with silk thread will well out last items made with cotton thread. The silk fibers and its natural elasticity helps to retain color better than any other fiber. TIRE threads are colorfast and will not shrink or bleed color with laundering or dry cleaning.

Armed with the new facts about filament silk, we can better understand why the silkworm has done such an amiable job of providing the most perfect of threads, the silk filament. What more could we ask of a thread?

Maggie Backman © 2000-2008 Things Japanese
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How does filament silk thread differ from spun silk thread?

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