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Information Topics
About Waxed Thread
Waxed Thread Uses
Waxed Thread Size Overview
Waxed Thread Size Guide
Waxed Thread Packaging
Waxed Thread Color

About Waxed Thread
Waxing makes regular thread stiffer, more water and mildew resistant, and less stretchy. This Waxed Thread Thread Buying Guide helps customers get the right thread for their needs. Our approach is to discuss waxed thread uses, sizes, package sizes, and color. Specialty threads like embalmers thread, polyester linen, hand sewing waxed cord, and beeswax are also described.

Waxed Thread Uses
Waxed thread is regular thread with a coat of wax. Waxing makes the thread stiffer, more water and mildew resistant, and less stretchy. Its downsides are that it leaves a waxy residue on sewing machines and the wax melts when exposed to heat. It is typically hand sewing and used for these kinds of projects:
Bagpipe Reeds
Basket Weaving
Beading
Bookbinding
Boots
Bracelets
Braided rugs
Braiding Horse Tails and Manes
Braiding Lashes and Bullwhips
Convertible Tops
Couching Embroidery
Dollhouse Furniture
Dream Catchers
Earrings
Flute Tenons
Friendship Bracelets
Furniture Upholstery
Furniture Wrapping
Gourd Crafting
Hand sewing Belts
Handmade Greeting Cards
Horse Hair Jewelry
Kayak Straps
Knife Sheaths
Kumhimo (Japanese Braiding)
Leis
Moccasins
Model Ships
Necklaces
Outdoor Trellises
Party Favors
Pipe Organ Cables
Pouches
Rope Whipping
Rosaries
Saddles and Tack
Scabbards
Steering Wheel Covers
Stick Art
Suspending Objects
Sweetgrass Baskets
Taxidermy
Tents
Umbrellas
Watch Straps
Weaving
Wicker Furniture
Wreaths

Waxed Thread Size Overview
In most cases, customers buy waxed thread because they want the stitches to stand out or become a focal point. Using a heavier thread size achieves this goal because stitch visibility increases with thread size. But, there are trade offs:
  • The material sewing costs far more than the thread. If the thread is too thick, the material will tear while the stitches remain in tact.
  • Heavier sizes require larger needles that make larger holes in fabric or leather. Also, pushing the needle through the material is harder.
  • Both good stitches and bad stitches stand out. The margin for error increases as thread size increases.
Waxed Thread Size Conventions
The commercial sizes listed are approximate. They are based on the thicknesses of our other commercial threads. Over the last decade or so, millimeters (mm) have become the most popular way of sizing. The 70 yard waxed thread tubes are labeled in inches (In.).

Waxed Thread Size Guide
Waxed Thread - Tex 165
Diameter (mm)
0.45
Diameter (In.)
0.018 (18/1000")
Strength
11 Lbs. (4.54 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 4
Description
About 1/3 the thickness of a U.S. Dime
Waxed Thread - Size 207
Diameter (mm)
0.51
Diameter (In.)
0.020 (20/1000")
Strength
14 Lbs. (6.35 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 3
Description
About 1/2 the thickness of a U.S. Dime
Waxed Thread - Size 277
Diameter (mm)
0.64
Diameter (In.)
0.025 (25/1000")
Strength
20 Lbs. (9.07 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Sizes 2 to 3
Description
About 2/3 the thickness of a U.S. Dime
Waxed Thread - Size 415
Diameter (mm)
0.76
Diameter (In.)
0.030 (30/1000")
Strength
30 Lbs. (13.61 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 2
Description
About as thick as a U.S. Dime
Waxed Thread - Size 450
Diameter (mm)
0.89
Diameter (In.)
0.035 (35/1000")
Strength
43 Lbs. (19.50 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 1
Description
About 3/4 the thickness of a U.S. Penny
Waxed Thread - Size 475
Diameter (mm)
1.02
Diameter (In.)
0.040 (40/1000")
Strength
49 Lbs. (22.23 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 0
Description
About as thick as a U.S. Penny
Waxed Thread - Size 500
Diameter (mm)
1.14
Diameter (In.)
0.045 (45/1000")
Strength
64 Lbs. (29.03 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 00
Description
About as thick as a U.S. Quarter
Waxed Thread - Size 554
Diameter (mm)
1.27
Diameter (In.)
0.050 (50/1000")
Strength
78 Lbs. (35.40 kg)
Hand Sewing Needle
Size 000
Description
About as thick as a U.S. Nickel

Waxed Thread Packaging
70 Yard Tubes
waxed thread size 415 Available in 36 Colors
Manufactured by Maine Thread.
Sizes are labeled in inches thousandths (decimal format)
Every thread size has 70 Yards (210 Feet, 64 m) per tube.
The cardboard tube itself is 2 1/2" tall, and has an outside diameter of 1 3/4".
Available Sizes
Size 207 - 0.020" / 0.51 mm
Size 415 - 0.030" / 0.76 mm
Size 450 - 0.035" / 0.89 mm
Size 475 - 0.040" / 1.02 mm
Size 500 - 0.045" / 1.14 mm
Size 554 - 0.050" / 1.27 mm
Coils
waxed thread size 277 coils Closeout - Great for small jobs.
Coils are about the same diameter as a U.S. half dollar coin.
Size 277 is available in about 15 colors.
Size 415 has only 5 colors left.
Available Sizes
Size 277 - 0.025" / 0.64 mm
Size 415 - 0.030" / 0.76 mm
Bulk Packaging
waxed thread large rolls and bundles We have waxed thread in larger packages ranging from 200 to 1700 yards. They are more economical than the smaller putups. Available Sizes
All Selections
Waxed Linen Blend  
waxed thread polyester linen  This thread is a mix of polyester and linen, manufactured in Belfast, Northern Ireland by Henry Campbell and Company. The wax coating was applied here in the U.S. This makes it stronger and stiffer than the unwaxed thread while retaining most of the thread's smoothness and vibrant color. Use it for sewing fine leather, upholstery, and cloth.    Available Sizes
All Selections
 
Embalmer's Thread  
waxed embalmers thread  Embalmer's thread is waxed, and available in 2 and 3 ply. It is used for taxidermy, leatherwork, shoe repair, and, yes, preparing the deceased.    Available Sizes
All Selections
  
Ludlow - Tapered Waxed Cord 
ludlow waxed cord  Ludlow waxed polyester thread, also called cord or twine comes in bundles of 24 cords. The ends are tapered for easier threading. Use it for hand sewing footwear, crafts projects, lacing, binding, tying, hanging, and wrapping almost anything.   Available Sizes
All Selections
   

Waxed Thread Color

Waxing makes a thread look darker. Over time the wax wears off and the stitching will look lighter. Consider using a shade that is darker than the final shade.