USA
Bonded nylon thread is a great choice for sewing leather, canvas, vinyl, webbing, biothane and more. Bonded nylon has a protective coating which helps prevent fraying and heat due to friction that occurs while sewing. It features high tensile strength and resistance to mildew, aging and abrasion.
Techsew is proud to offer a variety of colors and sizes in bonded nylon thread to suit most types of sewing projects.
Thread Sizes
Thread size corresponds to the threads thickness or gauge. The size standards are Commercial size, Tex size and Government size. Selecting the appropriate thread size for your needs should be based on a number of considerations including material type, material thickness, machine type, needle size, preferred stitch appearance and any specific strength requirements.
| COMM SIZE |
TEX SIZE
|
GOV. SIZE
|
MM THICKNESS
|
AVG. STRENGTH
|
|
15
|
15
|
00
|
0.10
|
2 lbs.
|
|
33
|
30
|
AA
|
0.20
|
5 lbs.
|
|
46
|
45
|
B
|
0.24
|
8 lbs.
|
|
69
|
70
|
E
|
0.29
|
11 lbs.
|
|
92
|
90
|
F
|
0.34
|
15 lbs.
|
|
138
|
135
|
FF
|
0.41
|
22 lbs.
|
|
207
|
210
|
3 Cord
|
0.51
|
32 lbs.
|
|
277
|
270
|
4 Cord
|
0.59
|
45 lbs.
|
|
346
|
350
|
5 Cord
|
0.66
|
53 lbs.
|
|
415
|
410
|
6 Cord
|
0.72
|
73 lbs.
|
|
554
|
600
|
8 Cord
|
1.04
|
83 lbs.
|
The smallest size we offer is size 46, which is a lightweight thread commonly used in home and industrial sewing machines. Size 46 can be used for products such as wallets, handbags, upholstery, notebook covers, straps, belts and more. In terms of appearance, size 46 is not very noticeable and does not stand out as much as larger sizes.
The most popular thread size we sell is size 69, which is commonly used for leather products such as wallets, handbags, tote bags, upholstery, footwear, notebook covers, sewing patches onto caps, straps, backpacks and belts. In terms of appearance, size 69 is noticeable and not necessarily hidden.
The next largest thread size is size 92, which is commonly used for leather products such as wallets, handbags, tote bags, upholstery, footwear, notebook covers, sewing patches onto caps, straps, backpacks and belts. In terms of appearance, it is more noticeable than size 69. It is a good choice when you are sewing light weight leather but prefer the stitches to stand out.
The next largest thread size is size 138, which is commonly used for thicker leather products such as tote bags, sewing leather patches onto caps, straps, belts, luggage and saddle bags. Size 138 is also commonly used for webbing and nylon straps. In terms of appearance, it is more noticeable than size 92 and is a good choice when sewing thicker materials and preferring the stitches to stand out.
The next largest thread size is size 207, which is commonly used for thicker leather products such as straps, belts, luggage, saddle bags, harnesses, tack repair and footwear. It is also commonly used for webbing and nylon straps. Size 207 is compatible with larger, heavy duty industrial sewing machines which can accommodate larger needle sizes. In terms of appearance, it is more noticeable than size 138 and is a good choice when one is sewing thicker materials and prefers the stitches to stand out, giving a hand-stitched appearance.
The next largest thread size is size 277, commonly used for very thick leather products such as straps, belts, luggage, saddle bags, holsters, knife sheaths, harnesses, saddles, tack repair and footwear. It is also commonly used for webbing and nylon straps. Size 277 is compatible with larger, heavy duty industrial sewing machines which can accommodate larger needles sizes. In terms of appearance, it is more noticeable than size 207 and is a good choice when one is sewing very thick materials and prefers the stitches to stand out, giving a hand-stitched appearance.
Thread and Needle Size Compatibility
In order to achieve the best results, it is important to make sure the thread size is compatible with the needle size being used. If the thread size is too large to fit the eye of the needle, the thread will shred or snap easily.
The following chart displays the recommended needle size for the thread size being used.
| COMM THREAD SIZE |
NEEDLE SIZE
|
MATERIAL TYPE
|
|
15
|
10-12
|
Light
|
|
33
|
12-14
|
Light
|
|
46
|
14-16
|
Light
|
|
69
|
16-18
|
Light-Medium
|
|
92
|
18-20
|
Light-Medium
|
|
138
|
20-22
|
Medium
|
|
207
|
22-24
|
Medium-Heavy
|
|
277
|
24-26
|
Heavy
|
|
346
|
26-28
|
Heavy
|
|
415
|
28-30
|
Heavy
|
|
554
|
30
|
Heavy
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the largest thread size my machine can use?
Most home sewing machines can use up to size 69 thread. Larger, industrial sewing machines can use anywhere from size 33 up to size 415 and higher, so it is important to refer to your instruction manual to check for the recommended thread sizes.
What is the difference between bonded and non-bonded thread?
Bonded thread has a protective coating which helps prevent fraying and heat due to friction that occurs while sewing. It features high tensile strength and resistance to mildew, aging and abrasion.
Should I use one size smaller for my bobbin thread?
When using the largest thread size recommended for your machine, it is a good idea to use one size smaller in the bobbin. This will result in easier tension balancing due to the decreased friction between the needle and bobbin thread as it passes through the material being sewn.
Which thread size is the least likely to fray or break on my machine?
It is important to determine the most appropriate thread size for your machine based on the material being sewn, needle size and your machine’s recommended needle size range. Thread can fray or break either if too small of a needle is being used, if a needle has been improperly installed or if the thread tension setting on your machine is too high. Even larger thread sizes can break if they are used with the wrong needle or on the wrong machine.
Do you stock a specific color or size that is not listed on your website?
Our inventory is constantly being updated and we add new colors and sizes regularly. Our website will show all the sizes and colors that are in stock, so check back another time if you don't see something you are looking for.
Do you stock any special heat resistant or UV resistant thread?
While bonded nylon thread does have some heat and UV resistant properties, it is not recommended for use with products that will be exposed to high temperatures or long periods of direct sunlight.
