Down and synthetic down insulation jackets are known for their desirable combination of warmth, lightweight and luxurious feel. Water repellent fabrics and anti-microbial treatments add an extra dimension to the appeal of these jackets for outdoor, high fashion and specialist applications

Creating a high quality down or synthetic insulation jacket brings inherent issues that must be overcome. Down or synthetic filling leakage caused by unbalanced stitching, static build-up and poor thread choices can all lead to high volumes of garment rejection. In most cases, this means that a product using premium fabrics and premium filling becomes waste.

Coats provides a full range of threads which are highly suited to the application of down-filled jacketsEach solution has an option for continuous filament polyester thread or core-spun polyester thread. This is supported by the informative and reliable technical support that you expect from Coats.

There are a number of reasons why down leakage occurs which include:

• Fabric is unsuitable quality and there is loss of down through the fabric
• Quality of the down or synthetic filling is unsuitable for the application
• Needle holes too large because of incorrect needle choice
• Sewing machine throat plate is too large
  • La placa de aguja es demasiado grande
  • Feathers are pulled through the fabric during sewing
• The sewing thread is too coarse or too hairy
  • Down or feather materials attach to the thread and pull through the fabric surface
• Stitch balance and static build up

Coats produces high quality threads which minimise the potential for down leakage and are specifically designed to meet the needs of lightweight down-filled jackets.

Brand	Description
	Coats EcoVerde Gral AS for Apparel is a lubricated polyester thread made from 100% recycled high tenacity continuous filament polyester. Excellent dynamic friction values reduce leakage of “down” through the needle hole.
	Coats EcoVerde Epic AS is a highly versatile corespun thread made from 100% recycled materials. Excellent static and dynamic friction values help minimise “down” leakage through the needle hole, ensuring cleaner, higher-quality finishes.

The use of water repellent thread is paramount to maintaining this quality in lightweight down jackets. Coats Gral AWF and Coats EcoVerde Epic AWF threads are recommended for the application of down filled jackets where minimising down leakage in water repellent garments is crucial.

Brand	Description
	Coats Gral AWF (Apparel Sizes) has a specially formulated finish that delivers a high degree of water resistance to seams on outdoor wear and rainwear. Its PFC-free, anti-wick finish prevents the capillary action of water transportation through the thread in the seam.
	Coats EcoVerde Epic AWF is made from 100% recycled polyester corespun. The fibres on the thread’s surface help ‘lock’ the thread in the seam, creating secure seams and preventing runback.

These solutions inhibit the growth of mold and microbes to prevent staining and odor in seams, leaving garment seams clean and fresh smelling.

Brand	Description
	Coats Gral Protect sewing thread is treated with an innovative process to give the finished thread anti-microbial properties. The anti-microbial process creates a “zone of inhibition” that prevents the growth of bacteria and pathogens around sewn seams, where microbes like to harbour, leaving seam crevices clean and fresh.

Coats Technical Services is a global network of technical support professionals - from brand HQ to the factory floor. This industry-leading approach helps Coats’ customers maximize their efficiency and productivity.

From selecting the best Coats threads and trims for the product, assessing the factory environment and machinery, optimizing the sewing equipment on the factory floor, and providing on-site training, Coats is there to provide the technical support need.

Key benefits of optimizing production with Coats Technical Services are:

• Correct thread and trim choice for the product means less downtime, waste, and repairs
• Factory sewing line assessment optimizes thread and trim performance for the factory conditions
• Thread and trim specific sewing machine settings produce better efficiency, productivity and worker safety
• On- site training provides workers and production managers with the skills to work effectively, improve efficiency and prevent potential future issues

For more information on Coats Technical Services, please contact your Coats representative.