Stitching With Wire

[Matthew S]

Anyone ever used wire for stitching in place of thread? While window shopping I came across this wire. Obviously stitching isn't the intended purpose for this product, so issues like wire flexibility and diameter may prevent its use in stitching. I thought it might provide a nice accent for a piece to have gold, silver or copper stitching.

Edited November 11, 2011 by Matthew S

[BWL]

Interesting Idea Matt:Lighten: I'm not sure if anyone else has had this Idea but, we will hear from them soon. I'm interested in their feed back. BTW welcome to LN Matt.

Anyone ever used wire for stitching in place of thread? While window shopping I came across this wire. Obviously stitching isn't the intended purpose for this product, so issues like wire flexibility and diameter may prevent its use in stitching. I thought it might provide a nice accent for a piece to have gold, silver or copper stitching.

[dragonspit]

On my last project I used some hemp cord to do some accent lacing. when I was looking for something I came across some wire, even a bit thinner than this and thought, hmmmm. I think anything outside the box is worth trying to get a special look. the only question I would have with this wire is, will it oxidize or retain its luster. if it didnt, it could take down the quality of the work visually. It wouldnt rust I dont think, but it might corrode some.

[Matthew S]

Although I have no information on the wires ability to resist oxidation, I would hope that oxidation would be minimal as the wire is intended for jewelry and beadwork. Of course jewelry isn't always subject to the same use and environment as leather frequently is.

And thanks for the welcome, Michael.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

They will oxidize unless they are clear coated, and that would wear off eventually. Wire used in wire wrapped jewelery is dead soft, and uncoated. Some folks like the patina that copper gets with age. My Mom had some copper bracelets, and they all had a nice patina with the high spots highlighted from use.

Why not let it get a patina, many leather workers apply an "antiquing" to simulate that on the leather.

[Matthew S]

They will oxidize unless they are clear coated, and that would wear off eventually. Wire used in wire wrapped jewelery is dead soft, and uncoated. Some folks like the patina that copper gets with age. My Mom had some copper bracelets, and they all had a nice patina with the high spots highlighted from use.

Why not let it get a patina, many leather workers apply an "antiquing" to simulate that on the leather.

Will copper get a patina, or will it vertigris? And do you think jewelry wire is too soft to use? The cost of the wire is cheap enough that I can try some experimentation.

[JC Javelle]

I have seen some thiiiiiinnnn wire. And I mean thin as hair. I've considered using it as accent stitching before. I think I have seen it done but I honestly cannot remember where, or if it is just my imagination.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

All copper, and brass will develop verdigris if allowed to.. This usually happens with moisture, or corrosives contacting it for long periods of time. Veg tanned is better than chrome tan when copper is used, and a good wax would help to prevent verdigris. The wire will probably work fine. Jewelery wire is annealed to a dead soft condition, which means it has zero springing back when bent. Copper will work harden, so the more flexing it gets the tougher it will get till it cracks. For sewing this should not be a problem, just letting you know.

[ramrod]

uncoated copper wire will eventually turn that beautiful green patina. but it takes a long time. it will darken to a bronze first and then a chocolate brown and then eventually to green.

i personally don't think that a green patina would be objectionable. that patina would eventually leach into the surroundng leather a tiny bit.

[Northmount]

If you buy coil, transformer or motor winding wire, it is coated with a varnish, so would stay the same color forever as long as it has not been scratched or worn through the varnish. You can buy from hair thin to large or very large sizes. You would probably want to stay with AWG 22 as the largest diameter. AWG numbers increase as diameter gets smaller.

As a point of size reference, most of your house wiring is AWG 14 for standard 15 A circuits.

See http://en.wikipedia....ican_wire_gauge for a table.

Edited November 24, 2011 by northmount