Updated at: 31-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When sewing leather, you need thread that is both strong and durable to hold up over time. The type of thread used to sew leather depends on factors such as the size, color, material, and stitching method. These considerations will lead to the selection of the best thread for sewing leather goods.

What Thread For Sewing Leather

Types of Leather Thread

Leather thread is often used for stitching two pieces of leather together. As a result, thread can be used for a variety of purposes. Let’s examine some of the top themes in greater detail.

Waxed Polyester

Waxed thread is more durable than unwaxed thread, and it also resists wear, moisture, dirt, and other contaminants better than unwaxed thread does. Polyester thread, which is predominantly plastic, is strong, lightweight, and durable. There is a huge spectrum of colors available.

Waxed Linen

Linen thread is spun from organic, all-natural cotton fibers. Its unique visual and tactile qualities make it a desirable material for specific uses. Since it is weaker and more delicate than polyester and nylon thread, linen thread is better suited for hand stitching than machine sewing. The use of wax in conjunction with linen thread improves the quality and lengthens its lifespan. Waxed linen thread comes in a rainbow of colors.

Bonded Nylon

Bonded nylon thread is a single strand of thread made by “bonding” together multiple strands of polyester thread. By permanently bonding individual polyester fiber strands together, bonded nylon thread improves the strength and durability of leather thread. This is the best thread for machine and hand stitching on leather. Color options for bonded nylon thread are plentiful.

Best Leather Thread

However, only the most trustworthy threads should be used for leatherworking. Let’s see how they stack up against one another to determine the best.

Best Waxed Polyester Leather Thread

To learn more about the Ritza Polyester “Tiger” Thread offered by Rocky Mountain Leather, please visit their site. You receive a flattened, thick, and finely braided (so smooth) material. The thread is UV-resistant and comes in a wide variety of colors and spool lengths.

Best Waxed Linen Leather Thread

This picture from Rocky Mountain Leather displays the high quality and long lasting nature of the Fil au Chinois – “Lin Cable” Waxed Linen Thread. This French-made thread is used in a variety of leather goods. It’s woven, available in a rainbow of hues, and built to last (for linen thread).

Best Bonded Nylon Leather Thread

The better bonded nylon thread produced by Leather Machine Co. is clearly visible on Springfield Leather. Sewing leather is simplified by the availability of thread in a range of thicknesses, spool lengths, and with or without pre-lubrication. Whether you want to sew by hand or machine, this is a great option.

Best Leather Thread for Sewing Machines

Visit Springfield Leather and click here to see how well the Bonded Nylon thread from Leather Machine Co. works in a sewing machine. You may choose from a variety of colors, and it is robust enough for use with commercial and industrial sewing machines.

Type of thread used for sewing leather

You need a strong thread that can withstand the pressure used when sewing leather. This is why most people who work with bonded leather prefer to use nylon or polyester thread.

Nylon is the most popular option because of its low cost, versatility, and exceptional performance. Polyester is more resilient than nylon and is also resistant to mildew and UV radiation.

You have the option of using waxed or unwaxed threads. Use caution when sewing using waxed thread, as it might clog and jam sewing machines.

Pre-waxed thread is not only watertight and rot-proof, but it also helps protect the cloth from expanding. Because of the connection, it will last for much longer.

Similar lengths of hemp, linen, and cord threads all have different strengths, hence these two are the most common. One method for determining a thread’s tensile strength is wrapping it around your fingers and pulling on it. Using a high-quality thread will make this exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.

For a clean finish and effortless passage through the needle holes, pre-waxed thread is my go-to. Machines’ thread lifespans can be increased by applying wax, which you can easily make at home.

A pre-waxed thread is the way to go for a sleek, unfussy finish. If you want to use machines for a longer period of time, wax the thread using whatever method you like.

Sewing machines can use the nylon and polyester threads that come in spools.

Tips for Choosing the Best Thread for Sewing Leather

SuperiorThreads suggests using nylon thread for sewing leather. Bonding the nylon thread reduces sewing friction and keeps it from unraveling, making it the ideal choice for stitching leather.

When it comes to hand-sewing leather, TheThreadExchange’s “Waxed Thread Guide” has you covered with a rundown of all the waxed linen threads you could possibly need. Waxed linen thread can be used to sew leather for a good cause. Not only is it impenetrable to would-be thieves, but it can also withstand stress from seams and moisture.

This thread is typically unsuitable for sewing due to the wax, which could clog the needle and other machine components along the treading path.

When working with leather, it’s important to select a thread with the right thickness for the task at hand. Nylon thread comes in many different sizes, so it’s vital to follow the fabric manufacturer’s guidelines when making your choice.

Other Tips for Sewing With Leather

Choose the right thread for the project before you start sewing leather. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to make your sewing endeavors as easy as possible!

  • In case your presser foot is not properly feeding your leather into your machine, Simon and Louise offer a variety of solutions in their CreatesSpaceAdelaide post titled “Tips for stitching leather on your regular home sewing machine”
  • As a first step, you could try utilizing a [T]eflon foot. This form of foot is also known as “non-stick feet” or “ultra-glide feet.” Such Teflon feet allow smooth surfaces like leather (or synthetic leather, [PVC], and similar materials) to slide across them without becoming stuck.
  • Second, you may want to try using a roller foot… An skilled seamstress explains that by using three rollers (one big and two little ones), the leather can be moved and guided from beneath your foot while you sew.
  • Third, think about switching to a walking foot… This one comes with its own feed dogs that work in tandem with the machine’s feed dogs to evenly feed the leather through the machine while you sew.
  • Always stitch using a needle that is specifically made for leather. They have better fabric penetration capabilities.
  • When compared to other materials, leather does not fray when holes are punched in it. The more punctures you cause in leather, the more fragile it will become. If at all possible, lessen the amount of holes you make in your leather…
  • Binder clips or paper clips are suggested by Kelly Ralph in her “Tips for Sewing with Leather” article for NationalSewingCircle.
  • Avoid the hassle of a backstitch by tying the thread off instead.

Conclusion

Avoid backstitching by securing the thread with a knot instead.