Polyester yarn is a versatile and affordable option for many types of tufting projects. It can be used to create rugs, pillows, blankets, and other home furnishings that are soft, durable, and long-lasting. It’s also an ideal choice for tufted wall decor. With the right equipment, techniques, and practice, anyone can achieve beautiful, long-lasting tufting with polyester yarn.
Polyester is a synthetic polymer that’s made from PTA and MEG. Around 40% of the world’s PTA and MEG are used to make polyester yarns. There are various forms of polyester yarn, including Conventional Polyester Yarn (PY), Partially Oriented Polyester Yarn (POY), Drawn Textured Polyester Yarn (DTY), and Fully Drawn Textured Yarn (FDY).
These different types of polyester yarn are produced through a variety of processes. To start, the PET plastic chips are melted and extruded through tiny holes called spinnerets, which can vary in shape to produce different fiber qualities. Then, the resulting long threads are twisted together to form a yarn and wound onto bobbins. The yarn can then be dyed and used to make clothing, textiles, and other products.
Conventional polyester is a popular type of yarn because it’s strong, soft, and easy to care for. It can be machine-washed and dried on a low heat setting, making it a good choice for children’s clothes and baby items like blankets and bibs. It also has good elasticity and can be shaped to hold its desired shape, unlike cotton yarn, which tends to sag over time.
This kind of yarn is also useful for things like coasters, dish cloths, and bath scrubbers. It can also be knitted into hats and scarves. Polyester yarn is also an excellent choice for items that need to hold heat, such as teapot or coffee cozies. It can even help keep hot liquids warm longer, thanks to the polyester’s ability to absorb heat.
Other kinds of polyester yarn are spun into conventional or textured fabrics and then used to make a wide range of products. These include garments, tapestry, and other decorative materials. It’s also used to make technical fabrics like insulation tape and strapping. In addition, it’s used to make pressing applications, such as polyester film and a few day-to-day items.
Lastly, it can be blended with other fibers to give it extra strength and elasticity. Some examples are blends of polyester with natural fibers like wool or cotton and blends of polyester with acrylic. Blends of polyester with natural fibers often have more elasticity than those made entirely of cotton, which makes them an excellent choice for afghans and other garments that need to be able to stretch to accommodate large sizes.