A Brief (and Fun) History of Thread Thread has been around for as long as humans have been figuring out how to hold things together—so basically, forever. While early humans probably didn’t use fancy nylon or polyester, they were pretty resourceful. They started by twisting together natural fibers like plant materials, animal sinew, and even hair (yes, hair!) to create the first threads. As civilizations advanced, so did thread. In ancient Egypt, thread was made from flax fibers, giving rise to the creation of linen. Meanwhile, in China, the discovery of silk threads revolutionized weaving and embroidery, setting a new standard for luxury. Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, and the invention of spinning machines turned thread production into a global phenomenon. Cotton, wool, and silk threads became widely available, making them staples for textiles, sewing, and eventually, beading. Today, we’re spoiled for choice with modern threads like nylon, polyester, and specialized...