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8 Best Threads For Sewing Leather (2024 update)
Have you ever wondered that every sewing technique calls for different types of thread? Being an avid sewing enthusiast, I can safely say that using the right thread is very essential to achieve the best output. And especially when it comes to sewing heavy material like leather, using the right thread is crucial for achieving strong, durable, and visually appealing results. The best thread for sewing leather is one that is specifically designed to withstand the unique challenges posed by this material. Nylon thread is often considered the top choice due to its high tensile strength and excellent resistance to abrasion. It offers superior durability and can handle the stress and tension associated with sewing leather. Another popular option is polyester thread, which is also known for its strength and resistance to UV rays.
Ultimately, selecting the best thread for your leather project will ensure you achieve a splendid result. Today, through this post, I will be suggesting to you 8 best threads for sewing leather. I believe you will get a clear idea of which thread to select for your leather projects after going through this post.
Thread Characteristics for Leather
Before I move on any further, I want to draw your attention to some common aspects of thread characteristics to consider in order to ensure strong and durable stitches while sewing leather. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Material: Choosing the right thread material is crucial for sewing leather. Polyester or nylon threads are commonly used due to their strength and resistance to abrasion. They have good tensile strength and can withstand the stress that leather puts on stitches.
Another popular choice of thread material for sewing leather is a waxed or coated thread. This type of thread has a wax or coating applied to it, which provides additional strength and helps reduce friction during sewing. The wax also helps seal the needle holes, making the stitches more resistant to moisture and wear.
2. Thickness: Another important factor to look out for is the thickness of the thread. Opt for a thread thickness that matches the weight and thickness of the leather you’re working with. Thicker leather will require a thicker thread to ensure proper stitching. Generally, a thread size of 69 to 138 is suitable for medium-weight to heavy-weight leather.
3. Tensile Strength: As a sewist, we are all aware that thick materials like leather can place significant stress on stitches. Therefore, it’s important to select a thread with high tensile strength. Look for threads that are labeled as “heavy-duty” or “extra-strong.” This ensures that the thread can withstand the tension and prevent any stitch breakage.
4. Color: Choose a thread color that complements or even better if exactly matches the color of the leather. A good match will create an aesthetically pleasing finished product. Many people prefer a contrasting look. In that case, you can intentionally choose a different thread color for decorative purposes.
5. Needle Compatibility: Ensure that the thread you select is compatible with the needle you’ll be using. This is extremely important which is often ignored by most sewists. However, professional sewists understand its importance. The needle that you’ll be using should have a large enough eye to accommodate the thread thickness. This will allow for smooth and easy threading, making your threading the needle experience hassle free.
6. UV Resistance: If there is a chance that your leather project might be exposed to sunlight or any outdoor harsh conditions, you may consider using a thread with UV resistance. A thread with UV resistance helps prevent the thread from degrading or fading when exposed to sunlight, making the stitches more durable in the long run.
I also want to shed light on one important aspect. Always make sure to test the thread that you’ll be using on a scrap piece of leather before starting your actual project. By doing this, you will be able to check the thread tension and overall stitch quality. If everything goes perfectly, you can start your actual project without any worries.
Our Top Picks For The Best Thread For Sewing Leather
- Best Overall: Mandala Crafts Flat Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Beginners: Tenn Well Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best Value for Money: Butuze Leather Sewing Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Most Colorful Variety: Janyun Leather Sewing Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best Deep Color Option: Vikrom Leather Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best Heavy-Duty Option: Pestor Bonded Nylon Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Fine Detailing: CNBTR Round Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Longest Thread Length: Desirable Life Bonded Nylon Sewing Thread: Jump to review
Detailed Reviews Of The Best Thread For Sewing Leather
Best Overall: Mandala Crafts Flat Waxed Thread
We present to you the Mandala Crafts Flat Waxed Thread – the epitome of strength and durability for your leather sewing endeavors. Crafted from high-quality polyester, this thread ensures robust stitches that withstand the demands of leatherwork. Boasting a generous 273-yard length, it's perfect for diverse projects, from bags to intricate leather designs. The rich olive brown hue adds a touch of natural beauty, while the flat waxed design enhances grip, preventing slipping or fraying.
Best for Beginners: Tenn Well Waxed Thread
Boasting an impressive 328-yard length, this exceptionally strong thread, made from top-quality polyester, ensures durability and superior stitch quality. The waxed coating adds an extra layer of resilience, promoting smooth sewing and reducing breakage. The included set of specialized leatherwork needles enhances the crafting experience. Whether you're customizing accessories or undertaking intricate projects, Tenn Well ensures professional-grade results that stand the test of time.
Best Value for Money: Butuze Leather Sewing Waxed Thread
Discover the artistry of leather sewing with Butuze Leather Sewing Waxed Thread – the vibrant thread designed for both beginners and professionals. With a generous 284-yard length, this premium polyester thread ensures exceptional strength and resilience for crafting stunning leather goods. Available in a spectrum of colors, including sapphire blue, dark purple, and more, it allows for creative expression in every stitch. The wax coating ensures a smooth sewing experience, preventing tangles and snags.
Best for Most Colorful Variety: Janyun Leather Sewing Waxed Thread
With 8 vibrant colors and a total length of 264 yards, this set offers options to match diverse leather types and designs. The right amount of wax coating ensures easy maneuvering, making it perfect for various projects, from macrame to jewelry creation. This heavy-duty yet light-weight, braided waxed thread boasts excellent tensile strength, guaranteeing uniform and smooth stitches for impeccable leatherwork. Trust Janyun for a timeless tool that transforms your leather sewing projects into works of art.
Best Deep Color Option: Vikrom Leather Waxed Thread
A high-quality and durable choice for leather enthusiasts is the Vikrom Leather Sewing Waxed Polyester Thread. With each spool boasting a generous 284-yard length, this waxed linen thread provides ample supply for seamless stitching in various projects. The standard-sized cord is compatible with all sewing machines, ensuring versatility. Crafted from premium waxed string, this thread is sturdy, long-lasting, and unbreakable, offering reliability for projects ranging from personalized leather gifts to bookbinding and more. The deep brown color adds a touch of sophistication, making Vikrom the go-to choice for both professional and hobbyist crafters.
Best Heavy-Duty Option: Pestor Bonded Nylon Thread
With an impressive 1400-yard length, this reliable and durable thread provides an ample supply for a variety of projects. The khaki color offers a natural and versatile option, seamlessly blending with different leather shades. Crafted from high-quality nylon, this thread ensures excellent strength, superior abrasion resistance, and minimal stretch, making it perfect for demanding leather projects. Its bonded construction minimizes fraying, ensuring professional-quality results and long-lasting durability for your leather creations.
Best for Fine Detailing: CNBTR Round Waxed Thread
With a thin 0.5 mm diameter, this thread ensures precise and neat stitches, making it convenient and easy to carry. The high-grade black color adds a sleek and professional finish to your leather items, while the polyester material guarantees durability, strength, and resistance to fraying. The complete wax coating adds strength and prevents tangling, making it ideal for long-lasting results in leatherwork. Whether you're stitching book bindings or creating bespoke leather products, trust CNBTR for a reliable and expertly manufactured instrument.
Best for Longest Thread Length: Desirable Life Bonded Nylon Sewing Thread
Craft exceptional leatherworking projects with the Desirable Life Bonded Nylon Sewing Thread – a reliable and high-quality thread suitable for both amateurs and skilled artisans. Made from robust, resilient, high-strength bonded nylon, this thread ensures durability and minimal breakage. Ideal for sewing challenging materials like leather, denim, and canvas, it also excels in jewelry manufacturing. Highly resistant to high temperatures and waterproof, it provides added protection, ensuring your leather items remain intact and long-lasting. With a variety of colors and a generous 1500-yard length, this thread is a desirable choice for leather craftsmen, offering unlimited supply for diverse sewing projects.
Why can’t you sew leather with regular thread?
Sewing leather with regular thread is possible, but it may not be the most suitable option for several reasons:
1. Strength: Leather is a tough and durable material, and it requires strong stitching to withstand stress and prevent tearing. Regular thread, such as cotton or polyester thread, is not as strong as the specialized threads designed for leatherwork. Leather-specific threads, such as nylon or polyester bonded thread, are much stronger and more resistant to breaking.
2. Thickness: Leather is generally thicker than most fabrics, and regular thread may not be able to penetrate or pass through the leather effectively. The thickness of leather can cause the thread to snap or fray, compromising the integrity of the stitches. Specialized leather threads are thicker and more robust, designed specifically to handle the demands of the leather material.
3. Durability: Leather items, such as bags, shoes, or jackets, often experience significant wear and tear. Regular thread may not be able to withstand the constant friction, tension, and exposure to elements that leather products endure. Leather-specific threads are more durable and resistant to abrasion, ensuring the longevity of the stitched seams.
4. Aesthetics: Sewing leather with regular thread may not produce the desired visual results. Leather-specific threads are often available in a wider range of colors and finishes, allowing for better matching or contrasting stitching that complements the appearance of the leather.
So as you can see, while it is possible to sew leather with regular thread, it is generally not recommended due to the lack of strength, thickness, durability, and aesthetic considerations. To achieve optimal results and ensure the longevity of leather projects, it is advisable to use specialized threads designed specifically for handling leather.
Leather also can not be sewn by regular sewing machines. Read this post to know more about sewing machines that sew leather.
Summary: The Best Thread For Sewing Leather Is
- Best Overall: Mandala Crafts Flat Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Beginners: Tenn Well Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best Value for Money: Butuze Leather Sewing Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Most Colorful Variety: Janyun Leather Sewing Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best Deep Color Option: Vikrom Leather Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best Heavy-Duty Option: Pestor Bonded Nylon Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Fine Detailing: CNBTR Round Waxed Thread: Jump to review
- Best for Longest Thread Length: Desirable Life Bonded Nylon Sewing Thread: Jump to review
When it comes to sewing leather, choosing the right thread is crucial for achieving durable and professional results. The best thread for sewing leather is one that is specifically designed for this purpose. It should be strong, sturdy, and capable of withstanding the unique challenges that leather presents. Polyester thread is often recommended for sewing leather due to its high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion. It offers excellent durability and can withstand the stress and tension that leather stitching requires. Additionally, polyester thread is less likely to break or fray, ensuring that your stitches hold up over time.
Another excellent choice for sewing leather is nylon thread. Nylon thread is known for its exceptional strength and resilience. It has excellent resistance to UV rays, moisture, and chemicals, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor leather projects.
When selecting a thread for sewing leather, consider its thickness or weight. Thicker threads, such as those labeled with a higher number (e.g., 138 or 207), are more suitable for heavier leather projects, while thinner threads (e.g., 69 or 92) are better suited for more delicate or light-weight leather items.
In conclusion, the best thread for sewing leather should be strong, durable, and specifically designed for the task. Also, as I have mentioned earlier, make sure to test your thread on a scrap piece of leather before starting your actual sewing project to ensure optimal results and experience a smooth sewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best thread for sewing leather is usually a strong and durable thread specifically designed for leatherwork. Polyester and nylon threads are commonly recommended due to their strength and resistance to wear.
For sewing leather, it is advisable to use a heavier thread weight, such as 69 or 92. These thread weights are thicker and provide better durability and strength when working with leather.
While it is possible to use regular thread for sewing leather, it may not be as strong or durable. Leather puts more strain on the thread compared to fabric, so using a specialized thread designed for leatherwork is recommended for optimal results.
Waxed thread is often preferred for sewing leather due to its added strength and resistance to fraying. The wax coating helps the thread glide smoothly through the leather and reduces the chances of it breaking or wearing out quickly.
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Happy Stitching.
