traad

Traad is a term used in textile contexts to denote a slender, continuous strand of fiber or filament used to join, sew, weave, knit, or bind materials. In Scandinavian languages, the word is cognate with the English thread and the German Faden; it derives from Proto-Germanic *þrādą, referring to a twisted line of fibers.

Traad is produced by drawing fibers together and twisting them to form a cohesive strand. It comes in many forms, including sewing thread (for stitching fabrics), embroidery thread (often with multiple plies and decorative finishes), and specialty threads such as sewing-machine thread, mercerized cotton, or polyester cordage. Fiber composition, twist level, thickness, and finish determine suitability for particular tasks. Common measures of thickness include denier and tex, while packaging typically indicates length per unit on spools or cones.

Uses include clothing construction, upholstery, textiles production, and crafts such as knitting and embroidery. Durability, heat resistance, and chemical stability vary with material; silk offers luster and elongation, while nylon and polyester provide strength and abrasion resistance. Care requirements depend on the fiber type and finish.

In related contexts, the idea of a thread is also used metaphorically to describe sequences or streams, such as a line of discussion or a unit of execution in computing; however, these uses are distinct from the textile sense of traad described here.

See also: Thread, Sewing. References: standard textile dictionaries and language etymology sources.