Top 10 Best Thread for Sewing Leather
Sewing leather may seem like a challenging task or even impossible, but funny enough, it is doable. Astonishingly one can sew leather at home with the regular sewing machine. However, there are a few guidelines that go in hand to ensure you comfortably sew the leather. For instance, you need to have a leather needle instead of the regular needle found at the sewing machine. Leather is quite challenging; therefore, it needs a strong needle. Another vital tool to have is the best thread for sewing leather.
Cotton is not ideal as tannins found in the leather will erode it over time. In this review, we will discuss some of the thread types you can choose for sewing leather.
Our Favorite Thread for Sewing Leather
What Is The Best Thread For Sewing Leather?
A variety of threads can be used to sew leather. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Consider these materials:
Nylon Thread
Nylon thread is a good material for many applications. It has low abrasion resistance, but it can break easily (which is a problem when sewing through thick leather). Additionally, nylon thread stretches a lot, making it unsuitable for some situations (such as attaching snaps).
Polyester Thread
Polyester is another good choice for sewing leather, especially if you aren’t doing intricate work (since polyester doesn’t stretch as much as nylon). A smooth surface makes it more prone to fraying than nylon, but it is also stronger and has better abrasion resistance.
Polyester Core Threads
A thicker polyester fiber core is wrapped around the main thread in these fabrics. These threads have better abrasion resistance than regular polyester threads while still having low stretch and good breaking strength (the same properties as regular polyester threads). Additionally, they are very strong and do not fray at all, which makes them ideal for attaching snaps or other hardware items.
10 Best Thread for Sewing Leather Reviews
You have come to the right place if you are looking for the best thread for sewing leather.
The market offers many different kinds of thread, but we will only discuss two types that are commonly used by leather workers.
The first one is a waxed nylon thread and the second is a polyester thread. They are both strong and durable and are suitable for all types of leather work.
Now let’s talk about the best thread for sewing leather!
1. FEPITO, 21pcs
This heavy-duty thread is wax-coated to ease the tightening of stitches and add a smooth touch. The thread has a wide range of colors ranging from black, brown, grey. You get to choose according to the color of your end product.
The thread has a wax coating hence suitable for leather bags, wallets, tents, shoes, backpacks, etc. it has a length of 35m, 265 yards which make it long enough to serve your purpose. In addition, it comes along with several sewing accessories. Such include the hand sewing needles, which are easy to use even without a threader. Others are the sewing thimble, triangle needles, and measuring tape to ensure you measure the correct sizes.
FEATURES
- It is wax coated hence able to ease the tightening of stitches
- It has a length of 35m and 265 yards
- Wide range of colors
PROS
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting as it normally waxed and is heavy-duty hence strong enough
- It comes in a variety of colors such as black, brown, dark brown, light khaki to ensure you have a range to choose from
- The thread is suitable for many leather-making projects such as making shoes, leather bags, tents, etc.
CONS
- Easily damaged by chemicals, acids, and alkalis
2. SGT Knot #69
Many refer to it as the military-grade nylon sewing thread because it is strong and highly durable. The nylon material has a high resistance to moisture, mildew hence ideal for leather-making products. It never loses its strength even when wet and amazingly can resist the effects of acids, alkalis, and chemicals.
The thread is easy to store; hence one can purchase it in bulk and keep it without worrying about damage. Besides, the sewing thread comes featuring a wide range of colors such as white, Black, foliage green, and coyote brown to give you some degrees of choice when buying. This helps you achieve the desired design of whatever leather product you are making without complaints.
FEATURES
- Has 3000 yards
- Resistant to moisture and chemicals
- Five color options – black, white, coyote brown, white, and foliage green
PROS
- The nylon material has a high resistance to moisture, mildew hence ideal for leather-making products.
- The thread is easy to store; hence, one can purchase in bulk without worrying about damage.
- There is a wide variety of colors, such as white, grey, black, foliage.
- Ability to resist the effects of acids, oils, alkalis, and chemicals.
CONS
- The thread is relatively expensive
3. BUTUZE Leather Sewing Thread
The BUTUZE thread is a superior waxed thread that is ideal for hand sewing of leather. The unique wax thread ensures it’s not only challenging but also durable. It comes in various bright colors to help you make personalized leather products such as bracelets, leather shoes, and leather crafts.
There are various colors for waxes, such as black, natural color, dark gray, blackish green, grass green, to name a few. This ensures you choose according to your needs and preference. For instance, if you want to make a leather bracelet, you might opt for brighter colors such as green or blue.
The thread is versatile, which is suitable for both beginners and professionals’ wide range of purposes. It is tough, but one can comfortably hand sew with it because it has a delicate stitching vestige. With this thread, you can make a variety of leather products such as bags, wallets, canvas, bag packs, to name a few.
FEATURES
- Item Weight: 3.98 ounces
- Package Dimensions: (4.3 x 2.3 x 2.3)”
- Material: Leather
PROS
- It will withstand the test of life
- It comes versatile to suit a wide range of applications
- You have freedom of choice when buying –choose your appealing colors
CONS
- The wax produces harmful chemicals and chafes that may damage the sewing machine.
4. MANDALA 69 T70
Yet another best thread for sewing leather is MANDALA 69 T70. Unlike another top rival, this is a superior sewing thread that delivers permanent results. This means that it is weather resistant hence can withstand moisture and mildew. High heat tolerance means it does not melt up easily unless under extreme heat conditions.
The thread is compatible with both hand and sewing machines. This is because it is coated with a bonding agent that reduces friction. This ensures that it delivers smoother stitches, and there is the prevention of unraveling. The thread has a yard number of 1500. Like most other threads in the market, this one is also moisture-resistant and can be exposed anywhere without fear of it getting damaged.
FEATURES
- Weather-resistant thus can withstand any amount of heat or moisture
- Coated with a bonding agent that reduces friction
- It has 1500 yards
PROS
- The thread is extra substantial as it is made from industrial nylon material.
- It can withstand high heat conditions and moisture too
- Compatible for both hand and machine sewing
CONS
- The thread only comes in black and natural color, thus limiting one from exploring further options.
5. MANDALA T135#138 420D/3
This thread is made from an industrial-grade bonded nylon material. The nylon material is known to have high tensile strength, which makes it barely unbreakable by hands. In addition, it is weather resistant. It does not get damaged when exposed to both heat or wet conditions. Thus one can buy in bulk, and they don’t have to worry about the thread getting damaged.
Mandala crafts offer versatility where the thread is usable both for hand and machine sewing. This is because it is coated with a bonding agent that reduces friction, thus offering smoother stitches and reduces unraveling. Let us have a quick look at the pros and cons.
FEATURES
- The thread is coated with a bonding agent to reduce friction
- Made from industrial grade bonded nylon material
- Versatile
PROS
- It is solid and durable
- The thread is easy to use both by hand and by machine
- Easy to store as it is weather-resistant
PROS
- The bonding material has chafed and other harmful chemicals that at times damage the sewing machine.
6. GOIIO LEATHER 33 YARDS
GOIIO best thread for sewing leather is a multicolor waxed thread that performs a wide range of functions. Some of the leather-making projects it carries out include; making leather jackets, wallets, shoes, bags. The thread has up to 36 colors which provide a wide range of options for one to choose from. For instance, if you want to make a lady-like bag, you can choose bright colors while making leather shoes. You opt for dull colors such as brown and black.
The thread is strong and durable, thus making it ideal for use in leather sewing. It has a comfortable touching feel hence suitable for hand sewing. In addition, it has the right amount of wax which makes it easy to savior as you sew. The thread is light and portable hence easy to use as compared to most leather sewing threads.
FEATURES
- The thread is waxed; hence easy to sew with it
- Light and portable
- Up to 36 colors
PROS
- The thread is strong and durable, thus making it ideal for use in leather sewing
- it has the right amount of wax which makes it easy to savior as you sew
- The thread has 36 colors which provide a wide range of options for one to choose from.
- Has the ability to perform a wide range of leather projects such as making leather jackets, wallets, shoes, etc.
CONS
- Delivery is at your cost.
7. Tenn Well 4.8 Oz.
Similar to other products we’ve listed here, Tenn well is a solid and durable thread made from polyester material. Polyester is known for having tensile properties, which means it does not break easily. This makes the thread ideal for leather-making projects. In addition to that, the thread is waxed, making it strong. The wax also helps reduce knots in the cord as the thread slips through itself.
The thread comes in a 3.75 height and 328 yards in one spool. This is perfect enough to serve you for a long time. Moreover, it comes only in black, making it ideal for making black leather shoes, bags, bracelets. Black is beautiful.
Several accessories come along when you purchase this thread. Among them is the large eyes stitching needle, which helps you sewing either by hand or machine. Try this black thread and have easy sewing days while using it.
FEATURES
- It has tensile properties that make it strong
- Thread is waxed, thus reduces knots in the cord
- The thread comes in a 3.75 height and 328 yards in one spool
PROS
- It is a solid and durable thread made from the polyester material
- The three comes along with several accessories such as a large stitching thread
- Tenn well has a quality leather cord meaning the cord does not knot as it slips through itself
CONS
- The thread has only black. This does not give the sewer a wide range of options to choose from.
8. MANDALA 150D 0.8mm 273 Yards
This is an extra-strong thread that is made from superior nylon material. The material has properties of high tensile strength which makes it unbreakable by bare hands. Additionally, nylon is weather-resistant, which means even when placed outdoor at a place with moisture, it does not grow molds.
It’s incredible how the thread is compatible with both hand and machine sewing. This is because it is coated with a bonding agent that reduces frictions. This ensures the thread can stitch smoothly even by the use of hands.
The thread has a variety of colors ranging from black, air force blue, aquamarine, etc. This provides one with a range of options to choose from. For instance, if you want to craft a Blue leathered handbag, the aquamarine will blend in well.
FEATURES
- The thread is coated with a bonding agent that reduces friction
- Mandala craft is weather resistant
- It has a high tensile strength
PROS
- The thread is extra strong
- A variety of colors provide one with a range of options to choose from
- Easy to store and use
CONS
- The bonding agent has chafed and resins that may damage the sewing machine.
9. EMBRO 50wt/3PLY, 218YD
The reason the quilting thread is extra strong is that it is internally bonded. The bond prevents ply twisting. The manufacturer ensures it’s of higher standards as compared to other threads. It is extreme hi-tech floss that does not break with bare hands and has low breaking rates at your machine.
Amazingly this thread lacks an outer wax which is common in most threads. This ensures no residue or chaffe may cause damage to your expensive machine. In addition to that, the bobbins of these threads are generally compatible with most sewing machines, such as the singer and brother.
The thread is UV resistant thus does not damage or fray when exposed to harmful UV rays. The purpose quilting can do a wide range of leather works. This includes making leather bags, shoes, and jackets, to name a few.
FEATURES
- Extra strong and durable such that it cannot break with bare hands
- The thread is internally bonded to prevent ply untwisting
- Resistant to UV rays and salty water
PROS
- Lacks the outer bond thus does not produce Chaffe which damages the sewing machine
- The thread is extra strong.
- It is easy to use the thread as its bobbin is compatible with most sewing machines.
CONS
- The thread is not for hand-sewing
10. CRIDOZ 35 Pcs
The hand sewing thread is 150d and waxed. This makes it lightweight and easy to use. The Cridoz embroidery kit comes in a variety of rainbow colors. This gives you a range of vibrant options to choose from. This thread is ideal when it comes to making a leather bracelet.
The thread is made of soft polyester cotton. There are six strands to ensure there is cross-stitch floss that is strong and durable. The polyester-cotton is though strong, it’s soft thus easy to use, especially when hand sewing making it ideal for beginners.
FEATURES
- Made of polyester-cotton material
- It comes in a variety of colors
- The thread is extra strong, thus ideal for both machine and hand sewing
PROS
- Easy to use
- The thread is ideal for beginners as it is soft thus ideal for hand sewing
CONS
- The wax produces harmful chemicals and chafes that may damage the sewing machine.
The Best Thread for Sewing Leather Buying Guide
Leather is a beautiful material that is soft, supple, and durable. It can be used for many different projects, including clothing and accessories. However, sewing leather can be tricky without the right tools and materials.
Here are some things to consider before buying the Best Thread for Sewing Leather:
Material Type
The most important factor in choosing a thread for sewing leather is the type of material you’re working with. For example, if you’re working with a thick piece of leather that requires strength and durability, you’ll want to choose a strong thread such as nylon thread or polyester thread. This will ensure that your project lasts for many years to come!
Size Of Needle
When sewing leather, it’s important to use a large enough needle so that it doesn’t tear through the material while being sewn together or while being stitched down on both sides of your project. To ensure that you’re using the right needle size for your project, measure the thickness of your material before buying any needles or threads at your local craft store or craft supply website!
Consider the tensile strength.
Tensile strength depends on how hard it is to tear a thread into two by use of hands. A good leather-making thread should be one that cannot be broken by bare hands. This property makes the thread strong hence can qualify for sewing.
Consider the versatility
Choosing a product that fulfills several purposes over one that only performs one is logical. The best leather sewing thread should be one that can be sewn both by hand and machine. The thread must be soft and engineered with hi-tech floss to make this possible.
A variety of color waxes
Consider a sewing thread brand that has a variety of colors. This will offer you a wide range of options to choose from, and you can comfortably craft your leather product as you wish. For instance, leather bracelets will require lots of color shades for them to look attractive.
Thickness
Leather thread comes in different thicknesses depending on the type of leather being sewn. Thicker threads are better suited to heavier-weight leathers; thinner threads work well for lighter-weight materials.
Texture
Some threads have a smooth texture that helps them glide through the material more easily; others are rougher, with bumps or ridges that help them grip the material more tightly. These latter types are good for stitching together layers that don’t move much — such as when you’re making wallets or belt bags — but they may not work so well with soft, supple materials like suede or chamois.
Thread count
A higher thread count will result in thinner stitch lines on your leather project. For very fine lines, use an 80-count or 100-count thread; for thicker lines, use a 70-count or 60-count thread.
Dye color
Before buying any fabric or leather goods, look at swatches to match your thread color with your leather. Many stores let you take pieces home so you can test them out before buying a whole piece of material.
Cost
When buying a leather sewing thread, ensure that you get value for your money. Sometimes expensive does not guarantee quality. You might purchase a cheap sewing thread that is of high quality. Always ensure you get value for your money.
Consult friends and people into the leather sewing business
Friends will give you an accurate idea of which thread is best to use when sewing leather. Moreover, it is only wise to consult your fellow leather sewing colleagues. They will give you an honest opinion
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What Is Leather Thread?
Leather thread is a specialty sewing thread that’s made specifically for sewing leather. It is stronger than cotton or polyester threads but not as durable as nylon thread.
Why Use Leather Thread?
Leather thread offers several advantages over cotton or polyester thread:
- It doesn’t rot over time like cotton.
- When it gets wet or stretched, it won’t stretch out of shape like polyester does.
- Cotton threads will not break or snap when they are pulled too tightly through holes in leather (which occurs frequently).
Are there any special needles for sewing leather?
When sewing leather with a machine, use sharp-pointed needles that have a long shank (the part of the needle that goes through your fabric). This will help prevent skipped stitches and pulled threads when sewing thick materials like leather.
Also, make sure that the needle size matches your thread size; larger needles won’t fit through the holes in your presser foot while smaller ones may bend or break when trying to sew heavier materials like cowhide.
Can you use regular thread for leather?
Yes, in a nutshell. However, you should use thread that’s specifically designed for leather. If you’re working with heavy-weight leather, you’ll get better results by doing this.
How do I choose the right thread?
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right thread. Your first consideration should be the thickness of your leather. If the material is thick, then choose a strong thread that can handle the stress. If the material is thin, choose something lighter and less bulky.
Another consider is the stitch size and length. If you plan to stitch through thick materials such as cowhide with your sewing machine, you should use a thick needle or even a double needle so that it won’t break under pressure from the thickness of the material.
What kind of machine should I use?
It is possible to use any type of sewing machine for this project as long as it has an adjustable stitch length knob (some have it in front of the foot pedal). If you go through thick layers of leather, you can adjust the length of your stitches. In addition, your sewing machine should have an adjustable speed control so that you can slow down when sewing through thick materials like leather so that your stitches do not break or bend.
Why is it important to use the right needle when sewing leather?
You can easily penetrate the material with a sharp needle point without damaging it. You will also need needles that are designed specifically for sewing leather because they have large eyes that make threading easy and reduce breakage. In wet environments such as rain or snow, these needles are heat-treated so they don’t rust easily.
Is there a difference between waxed and unwaxed thread?
Of course there is. A waxed thread is made with a thin layer of wax that forms an adhesive bond to the fabric. This makes the thread strong, durable, and less prone to fraying. Unwaxed threads do not have any additional protection. The wax prevents the thread from drying out quickly, which would cause it to break over time as it is used.
Can I use embroidery floss for sewing leather?
Yes, embroidery floss is a great material to use for leather sewing since it is so thin that it doesn’t damage or tear up your projects like regular thread does when used in this way. Moreover, it is very strong, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking if you’re working with thicker leather pieces, such as belts or wallets!
Conclusion
Sewing leather is not as difficult as it sounds. If you have the right tools and materials, sewing leather is easy.
The best thread for sewing leather is waxed polyester or nylon thread. These are strong and flexible threads that can hold up well against the roughness of the fabric. You can also use cotton or linen threads for sewing leather, but these are not recommended for heavy-duty projects. Choose a color that matches your project’s color scheme or use contrasting colors to add detail to your work.
You can use a sharp needle with a large eye so that it can easily pass through thick material like leather. However, if you are using thin needles with large eyes, they will break through the material easily due to its thinness. A thicker needle will also help prevent holes from forming while stitching because it has more strength than thinner needles.
When threading your needle, make sure not to twist the thread around itself because this could cause knots in your stitches later on in the process. To prevent contamination of your materials later on down the road during production, keep your hands clean by rubbing in alcohol or hand sanitizer before beginning work.
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