THE INFLUENCE OF SEWING THREAD FINENESS AND STITCH LENGTH ON SEWN JOINT STRENGTH
Keywords:
sewn joint; seam strength; stitch length; sewing thread fineness; upholstery fabric; tensile test; seam failure.Abstract
The strength and, by extension, the aesthetic integrity of sewn seams in upholstered furniture covers are key determinants of overall product quality. An upholstery fabric with a sandwich structure composed of two plain-weave layers is examined in the study, and how sewn-seam performance in both warp and weft directions is affected by sewing thread fineness (linear density: 135, 90, and 70 tex) and stitch length (3, 4, 5, and 6 mm). Specimens were prepared and tested in tension in accordance with EN ISO 13935-1. The maximum force at failure (Fmax) and failure modes were recorded. Results show that increasing thread linear density (i.e., using coarser threads) increases seam strength in both joining directions, with the highest Fmax obtained for 135 tex. Shorter stitches (3–4 mm) provided higher seam strength than longer stitches (5–6 mm). Failure mode depended on stitch length: at shorter stitches, rupture occurred primarily in the fabric at Fmax, whereas at longer stitches, failure was dominated by thread breakage. The findings provide actionable guidance for selecting thread and stitch parameters to enhance seam performance in upholstery applications. Optimizing these parameters can extend the service life of upholstered products, reduce material waste, and support more sustainable manufacturing practices.
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