Do you need to wax linen thread?
We recommend that you always wax linen thread before hand sewing. Before widespread use of sewing machines linen and silk thread was bought by the skein and wound onto thread winders. Embroidery scissors and many other items on our Needlework Tools page will complete your authentic hand sewing kit.
What is Irish linen thread?
Irish Linen Thread is a natural material, spun from the fibers of the flax plant. Like hemp, linen is an exceptionally strong fiber. ‘Long line’, ‘wet spun’ flax fibers produce the very highest quality Irish Linen.
Can you use waxed thread in a sewing machine?
Waxed Thread – Waxing makes thread stronger, stiffer, and more water repellant. Great for hand sewing; not so good for machine sewing because it leaves a waxy residue.
Can you machine sew with linen thread?
Using linen thread in a sewing machine can be difficult. However, using a sewing machine needle made for wool embroidery you can get from your local embroidery store works well in some machines. You will have to tighten the tension a bit. Using that needle and either 50/3 or 35/2 linen thread works in our machine.
Can you use linen thread in a sewing machine?
What does linen thread look like?
Another note about linen: a “natural” color of linen (either thread or fabric) is a brown color, not an off-white. The shade of natural will depend on the batch of linen (and perhaps the processing?), being sometimes more of a grayed brown and other times more of a golden brown, but it will be a brown.
Can I use waxed thread for bookbinding?
True “waxed” thread is not desirable for bookbinding as it has too much wax and feels almost sticky to the touch. In warm weather the wax will even melt and stain paper. Our polished thread is the ideal type of linen thread for bookbinding. If you would like to wax your own thread, we recommend using our beeswax in holder.
Why is linen thread used for book binding?
Linen thread is simply stronger, and will hold up better over time. Traditionally, linen thread has been used in bookmaking because of it’s strength and long life. It’s also not as stretchy as other fibers which makes for a tighter binding.
What is the difference between waxed thread and unwaxed thread?
Tandy Leather Unwaxed Linen Thread vs Waxed Irish Linen Thread. Can’t tell the difference by look, but you’d definitely be able to tell a difference just by touch. Waxed thread require additional processing, hence they tend to be more costly. In bookbinding, threads are usually waxed lightly with beeswax.
What is the difference between colored and linen book covers?
Colored options are usually more expensive. And unnecessary if you are making a book with a cover that hides the threads. Linen is a natural fiber and was used historically because it was known to be able to last as long as the book itself.