Sewing threads for pillows and quilts
Pillows and quilts combine comfort, functionality and design. From decorative cushions and sofa pillows to soft, quilted bedding, seams must withstand everyday use while maintaining their strength, shape and appearance. The right sewing threads contribute to durable construction, reliable stitching and lasting comfort.
AMANN offers a wide range of sewing threads for the production of pillows, cushions and quilts. Saba is recommended for conventional sewing operations, while Topfil in combination with Texturan provides a solution for closing seams. Topcore offers an additional option for sewing and quilting applications. The appropriate sewing thread depends on the fabric, filling material, seam construction and manufacturing conditions.
Pillows and quilts – from decorative cushions to quilted bedding
AMANN sewing thread recommendation for pillows and quilts
The production of pillows and quilts requires sewing threads that combine reliable seam strength, consistent stitch formation and durable sewing performance. Depending on the fabric, filling material and seam construction, different thread combinations may be required, particularly for closing seams and lockstitch applications.
For pillows and quilts, AMANN recommends Saba as a versatile sewing thread. The existing application recommendation specifies Saba 120, while the illustrated technical recommendation uses Saba Ticket 80 / Tex 40 as both needle and bobbin thread for the 301 lockstitch seam.
For closing seams, Topfil Ticket 80 / Tex 30 is specified as the needle thread in combination with Texturan Ticket 120 / Tex 18 as the looper thread. This combination is used for the 401+504 safety seam, providing a suitable solution for joining and securing the fabric layers.
Topcore is another option for the production of pillows, quilts and other bedding products. This polyester core spun thread is suitable as both needle and looper thread for closing and topstitch seams, as well as sewing and quilting operations. Its extra-large thread carriers allow extended production runs with fewer thread changes. Topcore is available in Ticket 80 / Tex 40 and is certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, product class I (baby articles), appendix 6.
The choice of sewing thread and thread size should always consider the materials being processed, the seam construction and the sewing conditions. The corresponding stitch types, thread sizes and needle sizes for the illustrated applications are specified in the technical table below.
| Seam no. | Seam type | Stitch type | Needle thread | Bobbin or looper thread | Needle size min. Nm | Needle size min. No | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article | Ticket no. | Tex no. | Article | Ticket no. | Tex no. | |||||
| 1 | Closing seams | 401+504 safety seam | Topfil | 80 | 30 | Texturan | 120 | 18 | 70 | 10 |
| 2 | Lockstitch seams | 301 lockstitch | Saba | 80 | 40 | Saba | 80 | 40 | 80 | 12 |
Requirements for sewing threads in pillows and quilts
Seams in pillows and quilts must provide reliable strength and durability while maintaining the comfort and appearance of the finished product. Depending on the fabric, filling material, construction and intended use, requirements may include:
- High seam strength
- Reliable resistance to repeated mechanical stress
- Durable closing and lockstitch seams
- Consistent stitch formation
- Reliable sewing performance at industrial production speeds
- Suitability for lightweight, soft and multilayer fabrics
- Compatibility with different woven and quilted materials
- Soft and comfortable seams, particularly for bedding applications
- Reliable performance in safety seam and lockstitch applications
- Consistent seam quality and an attractive appearance
- Durability under regular use and appropriate care conditions
The right combination of sewing thread, thread size, stitch type, needle size and fabric helps achieve durable seams without compromising the comfort and appearance of pillows and quilts.
Choosing the right sewing thread for pillows and quilts
There is no single sewing thread or thread size suitable for every pillow or quilt application. The appropriate solution depends on several factors, including:
- Type of product, such as decorative cushions, sleeping pillows or quilts
- Fabric type and material composition
- Fabric thickness and number of layers
- Type and volume of filling material
- Expected mechanical stress and seam requirements
- Seam position and construction
- Closing seam or lockstitch requirements
- Desired seam appearance and softness
- Machine type and sewing conditions
- Stitch type and stitch density
- Needle and looper or bobbin thread combination
- Thread size
- Needle size
A closing seam using a 401+504 safety seam, for example, may require a different thread combination from a 301 lockstitch seam. For the illustrated applications, Topfil combined with Texturan is specified for closing seams, while Saba is used for lockstitch seams. Topcore provides an additional option for manufacturers requiring a versatile sewing thread for closing, topstitching and quilting operations.
Sewing threads should therefore be selected according to the fabric properties, seam construction and manufacturing conditions to ensure reliable processing, durable seam quality and lasting comfort.