Linen Thread

[flintlock]

Where is a good source for linen unwaxed thread?

[WinterBear]

I have not been able to find a reliable retailer at all, but this is what I have been able to find in my searches.

Some specialty sewing shops carry it as a hand sewing thread, but they also have difficulty with supply and reliability from their suppliers. Cobbler supply houses are another source, and sometimes a local shoe-repair shop is willing to sell thread--but they are often only willing to sell 10 yards or less, or an entire spool--and the markup on a whole spool will make your wallet cry hysterically. Some bead stores also sell linen and flax threads, but usually only have waxed types. This is where you are most likely to find it locally, depending on the size and structure of your town and how "handicrafty" it is.

I find flax/linen thread on ebay fairly often, but I try to avoid the threads touted as "vintage spools" as they are often heat/light/mold degraded and/or stained from being in a windowsill or a dank cellar for years. There's someone on ebay that sells clean 1-lb spools (1500+ yds) in 3-cord natural as well as 2-lb spools (2000+ yds) of 5-cord chestnut. They are currently out of black. Cost is $10 per spool, but shipping is about the same cost as the spool (http://cgi.ebay.com/Pure-Flax-Sinew-Linen-Thread-hand-sewing-beading-/110674971095?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item5f776a0a4b). A caveat: ebay seldom has new linen or flax thread for sale, and instead usually has old spools of dubious quality sold for collectors rather than usable spools for use by artists and craftspeople.

New 60-yd spools in various colors can be purchased at http://www.oneoftheflock.com for $4.25, but I do not know what they charge for shipping. Bookbinder supplies usually have new unwaxed threads in different plys, but colors are often limited (see http://www.bookmakerscatalog.com/catalog/Threads/threadandtape/thread.htm for examples). Another source is mortuary and some medical supply houses, but you usually need at the least a wholesale license to purchase from them if not a medical/mortician license, and they often have minimums that need to be met. Miscellaneous sources include suppliers for pool cue makers, fly makers (tied flies for fishing), and handicraft suppliers for smockers.

[flintlock]

Thanks. I tried the chesnut thread from ebay and found it to be junk! Good price, but poor quality.

I have not been able to find a reliable retailer at all, but this is what I have been able to find in my searches.

Some specialty sewing shops carry it as a hand sewing thread, but they also have difficulty with supply and reliability from their suppliers. Cobbler supply houses are another source, and sometimes a local shoe-repair shop is willing to sell thread--but they are often only willing to sell 10 yards or less, or an entire spool--and the markup on a whole spool will make your wallet cry hysterically. Some bead stores also sell linen and flax threads, but usually only have waxed types. This is where you are most likely to find it locally, depending on the size and structure of your town and how "handicrafty" it is.

I find flax/linen thread on ebay fairly often, but I try to avoid the threads touted as "vintage spools" as they are often heat/light/mold degraded and/or stained from being in a windowsill or a dank cellar for years. There's someone on ebay that sells clean 1-lb spools (1500+ yds) in 3-cord natural as well as 2-lb spools (2000+ yds) of 5-cord chestnut. They are currently out of black. Cost is $10 per spool, but shipping is about the same cost as the spool (http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item5f776a0a4b). A caveat: ebay seldom has new linen or flax thread for sale, and instead usually has old spools of dubious quality sold for collectors rather than usable spools for use by artists and craftspeople.

New 60-yd spools in various colors can be purchased at http://www.oneoftheflock.com for $4.25, but I do not know what they charge for shipping. Bookbinder supplies usually have new unwaxed threads in different plys, but colors are often limited (see http://www.bookmaker...tape/thread.htm for examples). Another source is mortuary and some medical supply houses, but you usually need at the least a wholesale license to purchase from them if not a medical/mortician license, and they often have minimums that need to be met. Miscellaneous sources include suppliers for pool cue makers, fly makers (tied flies for fishing), and handicraft suppliers for smockers.

[WinterBear]

Sorry to hear that, that is really disappointing as I was considering buying from them.

I think I'll buy from the bookbinders. Or bite the bullet and buy a whole spool from Zack White--they have a 1-lb spool. I'll probably save myself time and money in the long run, and could probably dye it myself using Ritz or leather dye.

[flintlock]

Some of the thread is okay, but only for hand sewing. I am having to really look at the thread as I pull it off the spool as I find a defect every five yards or so. I don't know how it is (quality) further down the spool. I also have to give it a tug test before I use it. I was disappointed too.

Sorry to hear that, that is really disappointing as I was considering buying from them.

I think I'll buy from the bookbinders. Or bite the bullet and buy a whole spool from Zack White--they have a 1-lb spool. I'll probably save myself time and money in the long run, and could probably dye it myself using Ritz or leather dye.

Edited July 17, 2011 by flintlock

[King's X]

Give this place a look at.

http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/thread.htm

Good luck

[Luke Hatley]

Campbell-Bostworth.com

Has unwaxed natural by Barbours Lenin thread that will be great for you.

[cem]

Campbell-Bostworth.com

Has unwaxed natural by Barbours Lenin thread that will be great for you.

I agree and it can be dyed with leather dye if you want different colours.

[flintlock]

Thanks for the info!

Campbell-Bostworth.com

Has unwaxed natural by Barbours Lenin thread that will be great for you.