Sewing Threads Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Natural (Cotton, Silk, Wool, etc.), Synthetic (Rayon, Polyester, Nylon, etc.)), By Application (Apparel, Footwear, Bedding and mattress, Luggage and bags, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Sewing Threads Market Overview

Global sewing threads market size is estimated at USD 2045.61 million in 2024, set to expand to USD 2338.89 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 1.5%.

The global sewing threads market plays a critical role in the textile and apparel value chain, with demand originating from over 80 countries and production hubs concentrated in regions like Asia and Europe. In 2023, over 1.2 million metric tons of sewing thread were consumed globally, driven by garment, footwear, and upholstery manufacturing. Polyester threads accounted for more than 65% of the total volume due to their tensile strength and cost-efficiency, while cotton threads represented about 20% owing to eco-friendliness and compatibility with natural fabrics. The market saw significant expansion in synthetic threads production, with more than 720,000 metric tons produced globally in 2023. Major manufacturers invested over USD 480 million into automation and dyeing process efficiency upgrades. Over 450 new product variants were introduced globally during 2023–2024, targeting high-temperature resistance and durability. China produced approximately 500,000 metric tons of thread alone, dominating global exports by contributing more than 40% of worldwide supply by weight. Demand surged in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India, with combined imports surpassing 300,000 metric tons in 2023. The market's momentum is further fueled by increased use of threads in non-textile applications such as automotive seat stitching, medical sutures, and industrial filters, exceeding 90,000 metric tons globally.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing global apparel production exceeding 96 billion garments annually is driving demand for high-performance threads.

Top Country/Region: China leads the market, producing over 500,000 metric tons of sewing thread annually.

Top Segment: Synthetic threads, especially polyester, dominate with over 720,000 metric tons used globally.

Sewing Threads Market Trends

The sewing threads market is undergoing structural transformation driven by shifting material preferences and automation. Synthetic threads such as polyester and nylon account for more than 60% of all production due to their enhanced strength and chemical resistance, with polyester alone used in stitching over 40 billion garments in 2023. Sustainable thread variants are gaining traction, with more than 12% of new thread products in 2023 being biodegradable or made from recycled materials. Approximately 180 manufacturers globally introduced eco-thread lines in the past 12 months.

Digitalization in thread production, including the integration of automated winding and dyeing systems, has resulted in productivity gains exceeding 25% for leading manufacturers. Colorfastness and flame resistance have become essential attributes, especially in automotive and upholstery applications, representing over 14% of the total thread demand, with over 160,000 metric tons allocated to these uses.

Thread demand from the medical textiles segment grew by more than 9,000 metric tons in 2023, with high-precision threads used in surgical applications. Brands now offer over 300 specialized medical thread SKUs. Moreover, fashion trends like embroidery and decorative seams have led to a spike in demand for multicolor threads, with embroidery thread consumption exceeding 75,000 metric tons globally. With over 250 new colors introduced by key manufacturers in 2024, the market reflects rapid diversification.

Sewing Threads Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Expansion in global textile and garment manufacturing

The steady increase in garment manufacturing, with over 96 billion garments produced worldwide in 2023, has directly driven up the demand for sewing threads. Countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India collectively exported apparel worth over 6 billion pieces last year, requiring approximately 180,000 metric tons of sewing threads for production. Fast fashion retailers launched more than 15,000 new collections in 2023, each requiring varied thread specifications. Industrial production of denim, which used more than 60,000 metric tons of thread in 2023 alone, continues to expand. The widespread adoption of automated stitching machines, which process threads at over 4,000 stitches per minute, is further amplifying demand for durable threads.

RESTRAINT

Fluctuating raw material costs affecting synthetic threads

The global sewing thread market is vulnerable to volatility in synthetic fiber prices, especially polyester and nylon, which are petroleum-derived. In 2023, polyester staple fiber prices fluctuated between USD 0.85 and USD 1.15 per kg due to supply chain disruptions and energy crises in Europe and the Middle East. These fluctuations affected over 700,000 metric tons of thread production globally. More than 65% of synthetic threads rely on stable raw material pricing to ensure cost efficiency for textile exporters. Additionally, regulations on petrochemical-derived materials in regions like the EU impacted production inputs, slowing output by 7% in key markets during Q2 2023.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable threads

Global awareness around sustainability and green textiles has propelled demand for biodegradable sewing threads. Over 90 companies introduced organic cotton or PLA-based threads in 2023, with more than 15,000 metric tons categorized under sustainable materials. Fashion brands increasingly require GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified threads, driving innovation. The number of LEED-compliant thread production facilities doubled in 2023, from 22 to 44. Eco-threads made from recycled PET bottles are gaining traction, with more than 12,000 metric tons used in the footwear industry alone. This trend opens up new market entry points for eco-focused manufacturers in Europe and North America.

CHALLENGE

Technical limitations in high-speed stitching compatibility

While demand for high-speed stitching continues to rise, not all threads meet required strength, twist, and heat resistance levels. Stitching lines that operate above 4,000 RPM require specialized threads that resist fraying and breakage. Over 18% of thread failures in mass-production facilities were attributed to incompatibility with high-speed machines in 2023. Innovations in filament twisting, finishing lubricants, and denier control are necessary but increase production costs by 12–18% per kilogram. Furthermore, only 60 out of 500 manufacturers globally have upgraded machinery to support advanced thread engineering, limiting availability in developing markets.

Sewing Threads Market Segmentation

The sewing threads market is segmented by type and application, enabling targeted production and marketing strategies. Threads are used across more than 25 industrial applications, with garments, upholstery, and accessories being the most dominant. Over 1.2 million metric tons of thread demand in 2023 was evenly split across these segments, requiring diverse material and technical specifications.

By Type

• Natural (Cotton, Silk, Wool, etc.): Natural threads, primarily cotton, accounted for over 240,000 metric tons of usage in 2023. Cotton threads are preferred for softness and biodegradability, especially in infant clothing and eco-friendly fashion, which saw over 10,000 SKUs launched in 2023. Wool-based threads are limited to niche markets like hand embroidery, accounting for approximately 4,500 metric tons. Silk threads, known for strength-to-weight ratio and sheen, were used in over 1.2 billion high-end garments.
• Synthetic (Rayon, Polyester, Nylon, etc.): Synthetic threads dominated with more than 720,000 metric tons in 2023. Polyester threads were used in more than 65% of stitched garments due to their tensile strength (ranging between 4.5–6.0 cN/tex). Nylon threads accounted for 80,000 metric tons, preferred in footwear and industrial applications due to their elasticity and abrasion resistance. Rayon, used for decorative applications, represented approximately 35,000 metric tons globally.

By Application

• Apparel: Apparel remained the largest application area, consuming over 600,000 metric tons of thread in 2023. Each pair of jeans uses an average of 6.5 meters of thread, and T-shirts about 2.2 meters, amplifying demand from mass production.
• Footwear: Footwear applications required more than 110,000 metric tons of high-tensile and water-resistant threads. Over 4.2 billion pairs of shoes manufactured globally in 2023 utilized reinforced stitching with polyester or nylon threads.
• Bedding and mattress: This segment used approximately 90,000 metric tons, with flame-retardant and antimicrobial threads increasingly utilized in hospital-grade bedding. Over 70 brands in the US and Europe now use specialized threads for hypoallergenic mattress covers.
• Luggage and bags: With over 2.5 billion units produced globally, the luggage segment required more than 100,000 metric tons of threads, particularly polyester-coated and bonded threads for enhanced seam durability.
• Others: Other applications, including automotive, medical, and upholstery, used over 120,000 metric tons. For example, automobile seat stitching consumed approximately 45,000 metric tons of specialized threads with flame resistance and UV protection.

Sewing Threads Market Regional Outlook

The sewing threads market is geographically diverse, with production and consumption driven by industrial base, labor cost, and export dynamics.

• North America

The region consumed approximately 160,000 metric tons of threads in 2023. The U.S. alone used over 90,000 metric tons in the apparel and automotive sectors. High demand for eco-certified and industrial-grade threads drives investment in advanced machinery. Canada and Mexico contribute a combined 60,000 metric tons annually, with Mexico focusing on mass apparel export production.

• Europe

Europe accounted for 200,000 metric tons of consumption, with Germany, Italy, and France as key contributors. Over 35% of Europe’s thread demand comes from the technical textile sector, especially in automotive and medical applications. Germany imported more than 22,000 metric tons in 2023. France and Italy remain innovation centers, contributing over 120 thread patents during the same year.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific led global production with over 780,000 metric tons in 2023. China alone manufactured more than 500,000 metric tons, exporting 65% of it. India produced over 130,000 metric tons, while Bangladesh imported over 85,000 metric tons. Vietnam saw over 45,000 metric tons of imports for its rapidly expanding garment industry.

• Middle East & Africa

MEA region used approximately 90,000 metric tons of thread in 2023, with the UAE and Turkey leading imports. Turkey consumed over 42,000 metric tons, mainly for upholstery and apparel. Africa's emerging textile markets in Ethiopia and Egypt imported over 22,000 metric tons to support growing domestic garment production zones.

List of Top Sewing Threads Market Companies

• Coats
• A&E
• Amann
• Tamishna
• KDS Thread
• Modi Thread
• Well Group
• Durak
• Onuki
• Threads (India)
• Hapete
• Sing Long
• Sarla Fibers
• Simtex Group
• HP Threads
• IEM
• Jovidasal
• Huarui
• Hoton Group
• Derons
• Forland
• Ningbo MH
• Yiwu Mingrong
• Amin Associates
• Gunze

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Coats: Produced over 300,000 metric tons in 2023, with 60+ manufacturing units globally.

A&E: Supplied over 180,000 metric tons of threads, exporting to more than 50 countries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Global investment in sewing thread production exceeded USD 1.2 billion during 2023, with more than 80 major projects launched across Asia and Europe. Coats allocated over USD 120 million for factory automation, dyehouse upgrades, and sustainable thread lines, resulting in a 14% rise in production output. India saw more than 25 industrial parks supporting thread and yarn manufacturers, attracting investments of over USD 280 million.

Bangladesh’s thread imports crossed 85,000 metric tons in 2023, prompting regional manufacturers to establish local blending and dyeing units. Vietnam's industrial zones allocated 4,000+ square meters specifically for thread production facilities. In Turkey, more than 30 new thread manufacturing projects were announced in 2024, aimed at automotive and upholstery segments.

The U.S. textile manufacturing sector invested over USD 95 million in thread testing and innovation labs, including flame-resistant and UV-protected threads. In China, government-backed funding enabled thread factories to reduce water consumption by 18% and energy usage by 22% per kg of thread processed.

Opportunities also lie in the growing demand for digital customization. Over 8,000 embroidery businesses now use computer-aided thread management systems, requiring thread types optimized for automated embroidery. With over 10 million embroidery machines in use globally, demand for thread customization software is expected to expand.

New Product Development

Innovation in the sewing thread market has focused on enhancing performance under extreme conditions and expanding eco-friendly offerings. In 2023, over 450 new thread variants were introduced, including anti-bacterial, UV-resistant, and heat-sealed threads. Polyester-nylon hybrid threads saw a production boost of 35%, with more than 80 companies integrating them for sportswear applications.

Durak launched flame-resistant threads tested to withstand temperatures up to 260°C, now adopted in over 2,500 industrial workwear SKUs. Coats introduced its EcoVerde range made from 100% recycled polyester, reaching sales of 75,000 metric tons within 12 months. These threads helped reduce carbon footprint by 28% per kg compared to conventional threads.

A&E introduced ColorSeal threads that maintain 90% color intensity after 100 wash cycles, aimed at denim and workwear producers. Onuki launched stretch threads suitable for seamless wearables, contributing to over 1.5 million seamless garment units stitched in 2023. New product development is now supported by digital libraries containing more than 15,000 thread combinations and color codes, enabling brands to reduce sampling time by 35%.

Thread lubrication innovation has also advanced, with companies launching silicone-free lubricants for medical threads. Approximately 1,200 metric tons of these lubricated threads were used in surgical gowns and masks globally. Over 70 patents were filed in 2023–2024 relating to new thread compositions and dye stability.

Five Recent Developments

• Coats launched EcoCycle Threads (2023): A water-soluble thread line designed for circular fashion and recyclability, with over 10,000 units deployed in trial garments across Europe.
• A&E expanded its Vietnam plant (2024): Added 5,000 metric tons annual production capacity, bringing total capacity in the region to 22,000 metric tons.
• Amann introduced antimicrobial silver threads (2023): Effective against 99.9% of bacteria, now used in over 4 million healthcare textile products.
• Durak launched UV Shield Pro threads (2024): Resistant to 95% of UV radiation, already adopted in 75,000 outdoor furniture pieces across Europe and the U.S.
• Ningbo MH installed AI-integrated dye systems (2023): Reduced dyeing defects by 40%, boosting precision across 12 production lines.

Report Coverage of Sewing Threads Market

This comprehensive report covers the global sewing threads market across over 30 countries, analyzing demand, production, trade, innovation, and industrial applications. It includes data on more than 500 manufacturing entities, 120 product types, and 5 primary end-use industries. Over 1.2 million metric tons of annual consumption across apparel, footwear, upholstery, bedding, and accessories have been examined.

Material types include natural threads (cotton, silk, wool) and synthetic threads (polyester, nylon, rayon), each discussed with manufacturing volumes, technical attributes, and industrial suitability. The report investigates trends in automation, sustainability, and product lifecycle management, with over 300 technological upgrades analyzed across global facilities.

Regional analysis spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, capturing over 90% of global consumption and 95% of production. Market performance in high-growth economies such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, and Turkey are included with detailed volume-based insights.

This coverage also incorporates profiles of 25 leading companies and highlights two market leaders—Coats and A&E—based on production volumes and export share. Investment opportunities in automation, sustainable threads, and advanced functional threads are explored, backed by facts from over 50 investment initiatives between 2023 and 2024.

New product launches, such as flame-resistant and biodegradable threads, are evaluated for their adoption across over 400 major textile clients. The scope of the report supports decision-making for manufacturers, importers, exporters, procurement managers, and investors targeting the high-volume sewing thread ecosystem.

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