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Waxed Thread Guide

Waxed Thread Buying Guide

Waxed Thread Buying Guide Waxed Thread Information

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Information Topics
About Waxed Thread
Waxed Thread Uses
Waxed Thread Size Overview


Waxed Thread Size Guide
Waxed Thread Color
Waxed Thread Packaging

About Waxed Thread About Waxed Thread 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 Uses 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:
List of Waxed Thread Uses List of Waxed Thread Uses

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 Waxed Thread Size Overview

 

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 Waxed Thread Size Conventions

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 Color Waxed Thread Color

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.

Waxed Thread Packaging Waxed Thread Packaging Waxed Thread Packaging
70 Yard Tubes from Maine Thread 70 Yard Tubes Waxed thread tubes are manufactured by Maine Thread, and available in 36 Colors. Every thread size has 70 Yards (210 Feet, 64 m) per tube, and thread sizes are labeled in thousandths of inches (decimal format). The cardboard tube itself is 2 1/2" tall, and has an outside diameter of 1 3/4". Shop Now Waxed Thread Coils Waxed Thread 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 a few colors left. Shop Now Waxed Thread Bulk Packaging Waxed Thread Bulk Packaging We have waxed thread in larger packages ranging from 200 to 1700 yards. They are more economical than the smaller putups. Shop Now