The Tex Measurement Standard

The Tex system (most likely derived the word textile) was created  as a new standard of consistent thread measurement and intended  to replace all other methods of measurement of threads.  It hasn’t  quite achieved that goal because quilters love the weight standard  and the number standard (for example, 40 wt. or #50) and embroiderers  are used to the denier standard (120d/2). Because the International  Organization for Standardization (IOS) has adopted the Tex system,  it will probably continue to gain in popularity so it would be advantageous  to understand it. Tex is an accurate measurement and is considered a direct numbering  system, meaning the higher the Tex number, the heavier the thread.   On the other hand, the weight system, most popular in the U.S., is not a  direct numbering system because the larger the number (30 wt., 40 wt.,  50. wt., 60 wt.), the finer the thread.  That can be confusing. The Tex standard uses 1,000 meters of thread per gram as the starting  point. This means if 1,000 meters of thread weighs one gram, it is Tex 1.  If 1,000 meters of thread weighs 25 grams, it is Tex 25. Although this appears to be a very accurate measurement, it is necessary  to remember that 1,000 meters of cotton will not weigh the same as  1,000 meters of like-diameter polyester.  Therefore, when comparing thread  sizes based on the Tex or any other standard of measure, for exact accuracy,  compare cotton to cotton, poly to poly, and silk to silk. We use the Tex measurement on some of our newer threads and on all  our industrial (apparel and upholstery) threads. Fine Tex Threads . . . . . . Tex 9 to Tex 20 Medium Tex Threads . . .  Tex 21 to Tex 45 Heavy Tex Threads . . . . . Tex 45 and higher Please click here or on the link below for the list of most of our threads,  grouped by use, showing the Tex measurement for each. Tex Measurement Chart, Listed by Thread Type  This information is shared with permission from the Superior Threads website. Please stop by the site for additional thread info!