Tenara Fabrics

TENARA® Sewing Thread

Regardless of how durable the retractable awning fabric and how skillfully it's sewn, retractable awning fabrics are only as good as what holds them together. The quality of thread selected is a major factor in how long the solution dyed acrylic fabric will last.

Small label attached to inside of valance

The Average Thread Won't Last

Most retractable awning companies do NOT use TENARA® thread because they want to be the "lowest price". Beware: All Retractable Awnings are not created equal.

Retractableawnings.com uses ONLY clear translucent TENARA® sewing thread on all of its exterior sun protection retractable products. It is used to seam the fabric panels together and to attach the binding (trim) to the end of the valance. TENARA® sewing thread is one of the most chemically resistant substances known to man and therefore is the ultimate thread solution.

Seam failure is generally the result of thread that has been adversely affected by the elements. Now with TENARA® sewing thread, that problem is solved.

Outdoor retractable awnings are exposed to UV radiation, cleaning agents, pollution, saltwater and air, rain and snow. While these elements are detrimental in the long run to both the fabric and seam thread, the thread usually fails first. Traditionally, polyester or cotton thread has been used for sewing seams even though it would often need replacement every few years. This is no longer the case with TENARA® sewing thread. In fact TENARA® thread has a lifetime warranty!!

This remarkable thread is manufactured from 100% expanded PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethlyene) fiber. PTFE is the chemical name for Teflon. The one significant difference between conventional Teflon threads and TENARA® sewing thread is that TENARA® sewing threads are manufactured from 100% expanded PTFE. Expanded PTFE is two to three times stronger than conventional PTFE.

TENARA® sewing thread will not deteriorate from exposure to the elements. IT'S AN IDEAL CHOICE FOR SEWING OUTDOOR RETRACTABLE AWNING FABRICS, BECAUSE IT'S IMMUNE TO ULTRAVIOLET (UV) DEGRADATION, THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF SEAM FAILURE. Visit the warranty section of our web site for complete details.

Why Does Stitching Fail?
Outdoor fabric products are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, cleaning agents, pollution, saltwater, air, rain and snow. While these elements affect both fabric and seam thread, the thread usually fails first. Traditionally, polyester thread has been used, requiring re-stitching every few years. Today's fabrics last 10 to 15 years. Why not have seams that last just as long?
Why is TENARA® thread Different?
Made from expanded PTFE (a unique polymer, very different from polyester), TENARA® thread is non-aging and will not deteriorate from exposure to the elements - even after years of exposure.

TENARA® thread - for seams that last a fabric's lifetime Completely resistant to UV sunlight Unaffected by cleaning chemicals (even bleach) Unaffected by saltwater Unaffected cold or hot temperature extremes Unaffected by acid rain Won't rot or mold Colors won't fade Non-flammable *100% expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)