French Thread Question

[Dunluce]

I have moved this Question into this forum as perhaps it has more relevance here. I have been looking on-line at Fil de Lin and Fil de Lin Au Chinois thread for hand sewing. I have seen here that some people have used them but I know nothing about them. What are they like to use and why is the Au Chinois much more expensive; is it worth it?

[LeatherBeast]

@DunluceI've tried a lot of different thread types and weights and currently am using the Fil Au Chinois in size 332, mainly in Ocre and Black. Not only did I find that the look of my stitches improved with this thicker, sturdier thread but due to the way they manufacture it and since it is natural linen instead of synthetic, it is much more durable. Once you use it, you will see the difference. It is a bit more costly, but I think you can find people on etsy selling 10 meter lengths of it so you could try it before spending $40 on a spool of thread.

 

www.leatherbeast.com

[Dunluce]

I have just found a seller on Etsy who sells 12 different 5m lengths of linen thread (Au Chinois, Somac, German and Irish) so you can try several different types. I think I will give this a go first

[johnv474]

As I understand it, the one people really like is the Lin Cable, and like you have seen it is quite expensive.   I can't remember if I've sewn with it or not, but it is twisted twice and smoothed, which leaves a very dense, consistent, and round thread.  The consistency improves the look of the stitching (for fine goods).  The extra processing to yield that result, plus being natural v cheap synthetic is what adds to the cost.