Waxed Thread Guide
Waxed Thread Buying Guide
Information Topics
About Waxed Thread
Waxed Thread Uses
Waxed Thread Size Overview
Waxed Thread Size Guide
Waxed Thread Color
Waxed Thread Packaging
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 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
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 - 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
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.
