The main difference between thread and yarn is that threads are for sewing and embroidery while yarn is used for knitting, weaving and sewing.
Threads and yarn are long, thin strands of natural or synthetic fibres. Yarn can make fabrics, sewing, weaving, crocheting, knitting, embroidery and ropemaking. Thread, on the other hand, is a special type of yarn, used for sewing by hand or machine.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Thread
– Definition, Features
2. What is Yarn
– Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Thread and Yarn
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Thread and Yarn
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Filament Yarn, Thread, Spun Yarn, Yarn
What is Thread
A thread is a long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fibres we use for sewing. We use different types of threads, which are made from a variety of materials for different applications. We can use threads for sewing; for example, making a pattern such as a dress, shirt, etc. or darning, which refers to repairing rips, and holes in clothing and other fabrics. The threads used in embroidery are called embroidery threads. Embroidery involves many sewing techniques such as needlepoint, cross-stitch, whitework, shadow work, ribbon embroidery, etc. The threads we use also vary depending on the type of embroidery.
Threads can be made from a variety of materials including cotton, rayon, silk, polyester, and wool. They also come in a variety of colours.
What is Yarn
Yarn is a continuous strand of twisted natural or synthetic fibres. In other words, it is a long length of fibres that are interlocked. We use yarn to make fabric or textile. We also use yarn for sewing, weaving, crocheting, knitting, embroidery and ropemaking. Thread is a type of yarn we use for sewing by hand or machine. It is possible to produce yarn from a number of natural or synthetic fibres. However, these involve different methods of productions. Moreover, cotton and polyester are the most commonly used fibres for yarn.
There are two main types of yarn as spun and filament. Spun yarn is made by twisting staple fibres together in an S or Z twist. When the threads appear to go up, and to the left, we consider it an S-twist, and when the threads appear to go up, and to the right, we consider it a z-twist. Moreover, spun yarns can contain either a single type of fibre and various types of fibres together. Spinning is the process of twisting the fibres together and creating spun fibres. Filament yarn, on the other hand, contains filament fibres which are twisted together or simply grouped together. Monofilament yarn contains a single filament while multifilament yarn contains more than one filament.
Similarities Between Thread and Yarn
- We can make threads and yarn from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, polyester, etc.
- Moreover, both come in a multitude of colours.
Difference Between Thread and Yarn
Definition
Thread is a long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fibres we use for sewing while the yarn is a continuous strand of twisted natural or synthetic fibres.
Uses
We use threads for sewing, darning, and embroidery, and we use yarns for knitting, crocheting, weaving, sewing, etc.
Weight
Generally, yarn is heavier in weight than thread.
Size
Moreover, threads are usually thinner than yarn.
Making of Fabric
Yarn can be used to make fabrics or textiles, but threads are only used for sewing, i.e., making a pattern for a shirt, dress, etc. or darning when there is a tear or hole.
Conclusion
In brief, we use threads for sewing, darning, and embroidery, and we use yarns for knitting, crocheting, weaving, sewing, etc. Moreover, threads are usually lighter and thinner than yarn. Hence, this is the main difference between thread and yarn.
Reference:
1. “What Is Yarn?: What It’s Made From, How You Make It and More.” Contrado Blog, 13 Mar. 2020, Available here.
Leave a Reply