Thread-manufacture. Any fibrous substance, such as cotton or flax, when it is to be woven, is first spun into yarn, which is sometimes called thread. Sewing-thread, however, always consists of at least two or more yarns twisted together. In the spinning of yarn the process is the same whether it is to be woven into cloth or twisted into thread (see SPINNING). Beginning with the spun yarn, the stages in the process of manufacturing a six-cord cotton thread (a very common kind) are: (1) The yarn is doubled and wound upon bobbins; (2) the double yarn is then twisted into a two-ply thread; (3) the thread is next rewound on bobbins for the second twist; (4) the thread is twisted a second time on the twisting-frame, three two-ply threads being thus formed into a six-cord thread; (5) the thread is rewound on large bobbins, from which it is reeled into hanks for bleaching or dyeing; (6) the bleached or dyed thread is next rewound on bobbins for spooling; (7) spooling—i.e. winding the thread on small bobbins called spools or pirns for use. The spindles of the spooling-machine run at a speed of 7000 revolutions per minute. See also BOBBIN.
Cotton thread is made at Manchester and in its neighbourhood, as well as at Glasgow. Paisley is, however, the principal seat of the manufacture in Great Britain. The making of thread on an industrial scale was begun in that town in 1722 by Christian Shaw of Bargarran. She had obtained information from Holland about the process of making linen thread, and what she and her friends manufactured was sold at the time under the name of 'Bargarran thread.' The industry did not become of great importance so long as flax was the material used. But in the early part of the 19th century, when the spinning-machines of Hargreaves, Arkwright, and others came largely into use, the manufacture of cotton thread was begun in Paisley, and its progress has been on the whole rapid. This has been especially the case since 1860 through the constantly increasing use of sewing-machines for both domestic and factory purposes. From 10,000 to 12,000 hands are employed at the Paisley thread-mills. The mills of J. & P. Coats, Limited, are spread over 40 acres of ground, and give employment to fully 5000 persons. Of late there has been a marked tendency to group the great cotton thread firms in Scotland, the north of England, and the United States in two or three great syndicates, the chief Paisley firms combining in the first instance.
Linen thread is made at Johnstone near Paisley, Belfast, Nottingham, and other places. Although a much less quantity of it is manufactured, it is perhaps used for a greater variety of purposes than cotton thread. Fine kinds are required for lace-making, and strong kinds for sewing heavy fabrics, as well as for shoemakers', saddlers', and bookbinders' use. Silk thread, the stronger kinds of which are called twist, is now used to a very large extent for sewing dyed articles of dress.