You might be able to do it with softbodies with goals and springs as these would allow the collisions between the threads as you push and pull them.

Mirek - Maya can simulate things, the accuracy of which when compared to a real movement may be in some doubt but it can simulate interactions between objects as its dynamics calculations are all real world physics based with the objects properties (in dynamic simulations) based in meters per sceond, mass in Kg's etc etc (althought some area bit ambiguous to be honest!) but the basis is there.

Like I said the accuracy of the simulation might be off but its a good starting point for a demo.