The truth about expensive versus cheap thread

[Alan]

I used to think all waxed thread was the same until I tried a high quality braided version that did not fray. The cheap stuff often tangles or loses its wax coating halfway through a long stitch line. A good thread sits flat against the leather and makes the whole project look more expensive. But you have to make sure your needle eye is big enough for the thicker brands. Have you noticed a big difference in your stitch quality after switching thread brands?

 

[li'lpowh]

I had a cheap spool that would always knot up right in the middle of a long seam and it was so frustrating. Switching to a premium waxed polyester made my stitches look like they were done by a machine because the thread stays so round. It also does not soak up as much dirt over time so the color stays bright. I think the thread is the one thing you should never try to save money on.

 

[Alan]

I had a cheap spool that would always knot up right in the middle of a long seam and it was so frustrating. Switching to a premium waxed polyester made my stitches look like they were done by a machine because the thread stays so round. It also does not soak up as much dirt over time so the color stays bright. I think the thread is the one thing you should never try to save money on.

Have you ever had a project fall apart because the thread was too weak?

 

[damy2128]

I always buy unwaxed 100% Irish linen thread and wax it myself with mixture of pitch, beeswax and tallow. I heat the wax mix until liquid, then pull the thread through it and rewind it on a spare empty spool.
When sourcing linen thread, make sure the linen used is of the long fiber variety. I usually use a three or four cord twist depending on application and stitch size.
The thread type and wax mixture are the same as those used for more than 150 years.
Additionally I never use a machine for stitching. While marginally quicker, I feel the process is injurious to the leather and the uneven texture of linen thread causes snagging issues in sewing machines.

Dave

 

[Matthew Williams]

I used to think all waxed thread was the same until I tried a high quality braided version that did not fray. The cheap stuff often tangles or loses its wax coating halfway through a long stitch line. A good thread sits flat against the leather and makes the whole project look more expensive. But you have to make sure your needle eye is big enough for the thicker brands. Have you noticed a big difference in your stitch quality after switching thread brands?

about to start a new project ... do you have a specific brand that you would reccomend?

Thanks!

 

[Greg Looney - L]

I always buy unwaxed 100% Irish linen thread and wax it myself with mixture of pitch, beeswax and tallow. I heat the wax mix until liquid, then pull the thread through it and rewind it on a spare empty spool.
When sourcing linen thread, make sure the linen used is of the long fiber variety. I usually use a three or four cord twist depending on application and stitch size.
The thread type and wax mixture are the same as those used for more than 150 years.
Additionally I never use a machine for stitching. While marginally quicker, I feel the process is injurious to the leather and the uneven texture of linen thread causes snagging issues in sewing machines.

Dave

What are the proportions on your wax mixture?

 

[damy2128]

10 parts brewers pitch, 6 parts pure beeswax and 1 part beef tallow. Melt all together in a double boiler then pour into cold water and form into balls or cakes

 

[Matthew Williams]

10 parts brewers pitch, 6 parts pure beeswax and 1 part beef tallow. Melt all together in a double boiler then pour into cold water and form into balls or cakes

Thanks ... i'll give it a try