Thread
Leather Sewing Thread — Strength and Finish for Your Leather Stitching
Thread is the backbone of leather stitching: it ensures the strength of the assembly and plays a key role in the overall appearance of the finished piece, especially when the stitching is visible. At Cuir Naturel, we offer a wide range of threads suitable for both hand and machine stitching, including linen and polyester threads, available in a variety of colours and diameters. High-quality products, partly made in France, for strong and durable stitching on all types of leather.
Our Types of Leather Sewing Thread
- Polyester thread — strong and consistent, available in several thread sizes (20 and below for thicker threads, 30 and above for finer threads). Ideal for both machine and hand stitching.
- Au Chinois polyester cordonnet thread — a ready-to-use thread, appreciated for its ease of use and attractive finish.
- Au Chinois glazed twisted linen thread (No. 24 and No. 40) — traditional linen thread, glazed for improved strength and durability.
- Au Chinois glazed braided linen thread (332 / 432 / 532) — ideal for strong stitching with an authentic traditional appearance.
- Waxed linen thread — natural and traditional, a classic choice for saddlery.
How to Choose the Right Leather Sewing Thread
Choose the thread diameter according to the thickness of your leather and the size of your stitching holes: use a thicker thread for visible, durable stitching, and a finer thread for delicate small leather goods. Linen provides a traditional appearance and develops a beautiful patina over time, while polyester is highly resistant and offers excellent consistency. Match the thread size to the size of your needles. Discover our complete range of leather sewing threads and needles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Sewing Thread
Which thread should I use for sewing leather: linen or polyester?
Both are excellent choices. Linen thread provides a traditional and authentic appearance, making it particularly popular for saddlery, and develops a beautiful patina over time. Polyester thread is more resistant to abrasion and moisture and offers excellent consistency. The best choice depends on the desired appearance and the intended use of the finished item.
What thread diameter should I use for different projects?
For fine small leather goods such as wallets and card holders, choose a fine thread (higher thread count). For more robust items such as bags, belts and saddlery, a thicker thread provides greater strength and enhances the stitching when it is visible. The thread diameter should be appropriate for the size of the stitching holes and the needles being used.
How much thread do I need for a stitch line?
A common rule for saddle stitching is to allow approximately four to five times the length of the stitch line. This provides enough thread to work with both needles and make the necessary locking stitches. It is always better to allow a little extra: running out of thread partway through a project can result in unattractive joins.