Question About Hand Waxing Thread

[RobDude30]

Hello All,

How do I go about waxing my own thread? Is it as simple as taking my cake of wax and rubbing it along the length of thread?

Thanks!

[MADMAX22]

In the most basic sense yes that's it.

Al Stohlmans book on hand stitching goes over it and I am sure a few other books do as well. I will explain how I do mine from what I have picked up here on the forums and thru reading.

With natural linen style thread.

Take both ends and use a dull knife or such and rub against the thread on a flat surface for about the last two inches, you'll get some of the thread to come off which basically thins out the end of the threads.

Now take your block of wax or wax mix and run the thread over it with enough pressure to build up some heat and the wax will transfer over to the thread.

Take the ends that you have thinned down and twist them (same direction as the thread twist) and they should come out to a nice thin point that is easy to thread on the needle.

Now as far as the wax mix. The best thing you can use IMHO and what I was shown on the forum here is a mix of bees wax, rosin, and a little oil. I put about 50-60% rosin in a tin and heated that till it was melted, then added the bees wax and a couple of table spoons of neats foot oil. Once it is all melted together start pouring it into cool water and needing it into gold ball size balls. I do this because thats a good size useful amount at one time. Let them cool. I then throw them in ziplock bags and have one out at a time till I need a new one.

The rosin makes it really tacky and keeps the stitches locked in place. Another nice side effect is it also gets on the fingers a little bit and really helps you grip the needle while stitching.

Here is a good thread on waxing thread http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=16552

Edited May 28, 2010 by MADMAX22

[Hilly]

I just rub mine over a block of beeswax. I middle it over a hook, and rub vigorously with plain brown paper to remove excess wax, and make the stuff that remains on the thread, "soak in" a little. Works for me, and is quick and simple.

[RobDude30]

Thanks for the tips. Very informative! Now off to find some rosin...

[Arley]

Go here and look for Pine (Brewers) Pitch (rosin/pine tar) ............ www.jastown.com

Edited May 29, 2010 by Arley

[mischief]

Thanks for the tips. Very informative! Now off to find some rosin...

Find a pine tree that has ozed out some pitch.

Mischief

[RobDude30]

Find a pine tree that has ozed out some pitch.

Mischief

That shouldn't be a problem here in Georgia!