The Benefits and Uses of Waxed Thread in Crafting and Sewing

Waxed thread is one of the best types of thread you can use in

leathercraft — it’s strong, durable, tangle-resistant, and holds knots well thanks to its wax coating. Here’s a complete guide on how to use it properly:

🧵 1. Understanding Waxed Thread

• Braided means multiple fine strands are woven together, giving flexibility and strength.

• Waxed means the thread is coated with beeswax or synthetic wax, making it:

  • Easier to pass through holes

  • Resistant to fraying

  • Able to “grip” leather better (knots don’t slip)

  • Water and wear resistant

Common sizes are 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm — the thicker the leather or stitch line, the

thicker the thread.

🪡 2. Tools You’ll Need

• Waxed Thread

• Two blunt leather stitching needles (also called harness needles)

• Stitching holes made with:

  • Pricking iron, or

  • Diamond stitching chisel, or

  • Awl

• Stitching pony or clamp (to hold your work steady)

• Scissors or thread snips

• Optional: lighter or thread zapper (for sealing ends)

  
  

🪶 3. Preparing the Thread

• Cut a piece about 3½ to 4 times the length of your stitch line.

• Thread a needle on each end.

• Pierce the end of the thread with the needle’s point and pull through a few centimeters — this “locks” it so the needle doesn’t slip off during stitching.

  
  

  🧩 4. Saddle Stitching (The Classic Leather Stitch)

This is the most common and strongest hand stitch in leathercraft.

Steps:

• Place your leather in a clamp so both hands are free.

• Push the left needle through the first hole from one side.

• Pull until half the thread length is on each side.

• Pass the right needle through the same hole from the opposite side — above or below the first thread, keeping tension even.

• Pull both ends firmly to tighten the stitch.

• Repeat for each hole, keeping tension consistent.

• Backstitch 2–3 holes at the end to lock the seam.

• Cut thread ends and lightly melt or press them into the seam.

  
  

⚖️ 5. Tips for Clean, Professional Results

• Keep stitch tension even — not too tight (it can cut into the leather) or too loose.

• If your thread starts sticking, wipe off excess wax or run it through your fingers to warm and smooth it.

• For visible top-stitching or belts, use heavier thread (0.8–1 mm).

• For wallets or finer goods, use thinner thread (0.4–0.6 mm).

• You can add extra wax if the coating wears off — just pull it across a block of beeswax.

  
  

🧰 6. Alternative Uses

Waxed braided thread is also great for:

• Decorative contrast stitching

• Attaching leather patches

• Edge binding

• Bead or button reinforcement

• Braiding or lacing accents

1mm Waxed Braided Thread, Thread Nippers, John James Needles, Mallet and Stitching Prongs