Coats Group, a leading industrial thread and consumer textile crafts business, is launching Coats Signal thread, a specially developed premium reflective thread.

The thread has a high level of retro-reflectance when illuminated in dark or low visibility conditions. The innovative product will be showcased at Texprocess, the international fair for the processing of textile and other apparel materials, which takes place in Frankfurt, from 4-7 May.

Fashion applications

Coats Signal thread is silver and designed primarily for fashion applications. It can be used as an embroidery thread to differentiate products by creating decorative reflective features in logos, stitching patterns and seams.

While it is mainly decorative, when sewn on outdoor and active wear it is also said to help enhance visibility at night time or in difficult weather conditions. Coats Signal thread combines the tenacity of a polyester filament cover with a retro-reflective core and has excellent strength and durability, according to the manufacturer.

Production challenges

“At Coats, we understand the production challenges apparel manufacturers can face when using innovative new types of thread,” commented Rajiv Sharma, Global CEO, Industrial, Coats Group.

“Using that knowledge we have created a unique thread which can withstand the rigours of the sewing process and still retain its reflective functionality in the end product.”

Special lubricated finish

Coats Signal thread has a special lubricated finish to protect it from needle heat and ensure smooth sewing so it retains its reflectivity after the intense sewing process during apparel production, the company reports.

When used in the top cover of flat seams, the combination of an intricate stitch formation and reflective property of the thread is said to give an eye-catching appearance to the seam, which also adds a premium look to the product.

www.coats.com