jenny_hall•22d agoProlific Poster

My first time using linen thread for a journal bind and it snapped on me 12 times

I've been using waxed poly thread for years and figured I'd try out some linen thread for a change since everyone talks about how strong it is. Grabbed a spool from a craft fair in Austin last month and jumped right into binding a 6x9 journal with 5 signatures. By the time I was sewing the third signature the thread kept breaking at the kettle stitch no matter how careful I was. Turns out I was pulling way too tight because I'm used to poly thread stretching, but linen doesn't give at all. Has anyone else had to completely change their sewing tension when switching to linen?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_miles22d ago

Screamed internally when I read you snapped it 12 times. I had the exact same problem when I switched to linen for a 7x10 sketchbook with 6 signatures and snapped 8 threads before I realized my tension was the issue. Linen thread is super unforgiving compared to poly, you basically have to pull just enough to close the gap and nothing more. Also check if your linen thread is too fine for the paper weight, I found that 18/3 gauge works way better than the thinner stuff for larger books.

eva_thompson22d ago

8 snaps is brutal but @the_miles is spot on about the tension, you barely need any pull at all.

stellanelson22d ago

I'm gonna push back a little on the tension being the only issue here, @eva_thompson. My experience with linen was actually the opposite - I had to pull way harder because the thread kept bunching up on me (like it was grabbing the paper instead of gliding through). Switched to a slightly thicker needle and that fixed more of my breaks than adjusting the pull ever did.