There is a different kind of intelligence in inanimate things. Essentially, a sutra is a medium. We could use something else, but a thread is an easy and handy way to do it.

Women should wear the Abhaya Sutra on the left wrist, while the men should wear on the right. It must be worn for a minimum of 48 days.

It can be removed by untying or burning it (please do not cut it) and disposed of either by burying it in wet soil, or burning it and applying the ashes from your vishuddhi (chakra or energy center located at the pit of the throat) down to the anahata.