Linen Thread

[BrownBear]

In my recent travels I came across a new (to me) linen thread in the book binding section of an art supply store. It's from Crawford Threads, Ltd., Belfast. Comes in 50 gram spools, prewaxed, a buncha colors and 4 cord, 3 cord, and 2 cord versions. I was interested in the thin stuff for some projects (non-muzzleloading), but picked up some of the 4 cord as well.

The 4 cord is thinner than the stuff I been getting from Tandy, but I paid $17 for about 100 yards rather than $7 for 25 yards for the Tandy. I just checked online and found the Crawford here for $11.50 a spool.

I've worked with all three versions now, and wouldn't consider the 3 cord or 2 cord for shooting bags- just not strong enough. I'm on my fourth bag using the 4 cord however, and I'm really impressed. Stronger than strong and appears really durable.

Anyone else use it? Know of anything better? Know where it can be found even cheaper?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[MSW]

thanks for the 'heads up!' i've used the tandy stuff for some time, and my big gripe with their thread is that it's just a wee tiny bit too big to thread through the eye of the needles i use, so (1) bigger holes -- uncool, or (2) different needles (with sharps -- ouch...

and it's less expensive: great...

now i'm remotivated to make more bags...
you can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many bags (figure one for each gun; that should keep me out of trouble for some time.)

thanks again- make good smoke!

 

[BrownBear]

Sounds like we have the same reaction to the Tandy. It works, but it's awfully thick and expensive. In my opinion it's over-waxed, too.

This stuff is roughly half the diameter and not so heavily waxed. I don't know the right term, but it's twisted tighter, too. It's a joy to thread onto a needle, and seems at least as strong as the Tandy. Truth be told, I haven't broken either, but I can reef as hard on this stuff without worry in spite of it being thinner. I just finished a fly fishing chest-pack that had 5 layers of 3 oz leather in a few spots, and I could sinch them as tight as I wanted with no fear.

Now, if I could find something as good for half the price, I'd be really happy! I get a little more than one bag out of a roll of the Tandy, but after 4 bags I'm not halfway through the spool of the Crawford. That's a heck of a savings, but I'm greedy.

 

[pichou]

Our local Tandy sells the Crawford. But they are also a bead store, and it is in the bead area not the leather area.

 

[BrownBear]

Funny story, and a sign of individuality among their stores, but here goes:

I was in a Tandy store last year and asked their head clerk about alternatives to their own. The gal gave me a big sigh and said she didn't know of one, but sure wanted to find one for herself cuzz she sure didn't like the store brand. Now we know!

How does the price compare with your local source for Crawford?

 

[Capt. Fred]

Great find. Thanks!

 

[mazo kid]

Our local Tandy sells the Crawford. But they are also a bead store, and it is in the bead area not the leather area.

Are you talking about Turtle Island? They only had the small spools the last time I bought some, maybe 3-4 years ago. How are the prices? Might have to make a trip up there soon. I mostly used the linen thread to make bow strings and am lucky to get 2 strings from a spool.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Thanks for the post about a source for linen thread for buckskinning items.

 

http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=674
http://wmboothdraper.com/Thread/thread_main.htm
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/Londonderry_Linen.html
http://www.royalwoodltd.com/cat14-17ar.htm
http://www.welburngourdfarm.com/waxlinenthread4.aspx

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Here's another great site that I've used for my threads. Barbour and some larger spools from Hungary that has been getting some good reviews from a leather forum.
Gary http://campbell-bosworth.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=linen
And their shipping is lightning fast.

 

[BrownBear]

Excellent resources folks! Thanks!

I'm especially impressed with Campbell-Bosworth.

 

[Trkdriver99]

I have 2 rolls, black and white of the Campbell-Bosworth and am very happy with it and other stuff I have gotten from them.

Ronnie

 

[DNICK]

I also bought linnen thread from Campbell Bosworth and am very pleased with it I use the 5 cord for most heavy work but split it to 3 or 4 cord for lighter work