Waxed Thread

Definition and Overview

Waxed thread is thread that has been impregnated or coated with wax or paraffin. It bundles the surface fuzz and adjusts friction between the threads and the material, making it easier to handle for hand sewing and helping the stitches hold firmly.

It is often used for hand sewing leather, and is suited to stitches that make the most of a rustic look and the presence of the thread. Waxed thread is not a term that indicates the material name or twist of the thread; it refers to the finish applied to the thread.

Material, Twist, and Structure

The core thread may be polyester, nylon, cotton, or similar materials. Since strength, stretch, weather resistance, and texture differ depending on the material, it is important to check the composition of the core thread as well as whether it has been waxed.

In many cases, it has a structure made by twisting together multiple single yarns, and is adjusted so it is less likely to split during hand sewing. Thread with a loose twist tends to have a softer appearance, while thread with a tight twist tends to produce stitches with clearer outlines.

How Thickness Is Expressed

The thickness of waxed thread is indicated by yarn count, nominal count, diameter, or the manufacturer's own size number. Because the basis for the notation may not be standardized, thickness cannot be simply compared between different threads by yarn count or size number alone.

Yarn count is a unit that indicates thread thickness, and the meaning of the number differs between fixed-length and fixed-weight systems. Nominal count is an indication used for product selection, and it is more reliable to confirm the actual thickness, twist, and amount of wax with a sample.

• Thicker thread more easily emphasizes the stitch line and is suited to thick leather and decorative hand sewing.
• Thinner thread is easier to sew with a fine pitch and is suited to thin leather and delicate construction.
• Select it according to the combination of the needle hole, the size of holes such as diamond-shaped holes, and the spacing between stitch holes.

Main Uses

The main uses are hand sewing leather accessories, bags, belts, shoes, and similar items. It is used for methods such as saddle stitch, where the needle is passed through pre-punched holes. Because the surface of the thread is smooth, it helps reduce fuzzing during sewing.

In apparel, it may be used for leather trim parts or decorative stitching. However, because wax amount, thickness, and sewability differ from ordinary sewing thread for machine stitching, the intended use should be considered separately.

Selection and Sewing Notes

Select the thread thickness and material according to the thickness of the material, the size of the stitch holes, and the desired appearance of the stitches. In addition to matching the color of the leather, you can also deliberately change the color combination to make the stitches stand out as a design feature.

Thread with a lot of wax is easy to keep together when hand sewing, but it may adhere to needle holes or sewing equipment. When using it on a sewing machine, test it in advance for effects on needle heat, thread tension, and feeding, and choose thread labeled as machine-compatible.

Waxed thread is different in purpose from materials that use a cord itself, such as wax cord. Bonded thread is a sewing thread that has been adhesive-treated to suppress fraying and fuzzing, and its processing method and main use differ from waxed thread.

Frequently Asked Questions