●WAX YOUR OWN THREAD●

Wax your own thread is really easy, it just take a little bit of time.

You want to wax your thread for certain project, like leatherworking or making jewelry, because it make the thread stronger, it make it hold the knot better, it keep the thread in place more, and it make it less easy to unthread.

Step 1: WHAT YOU NEED

You need:

-the thread you are going to use for your project (I like linen one or cotton),

-beeswax,

-a pencil to make the thread ball.

Step 2: START

Place one edge of the thread between the tip your thumb and the bees wax, and press.

Step 3: PULL THE THREAD

Whit the other hand grab that edge of the thread and pull.

Do this operation 4 or 5 time, in every side of the thread, until the thread is waxed enough.

You can do 15 or 20 inches out of a time, than go by and make other 15 or 20 inches, until you finish the thread.

You may want the thread more or less waxed, depending on the project you are going to use it for.

Step 4: DONE WAXING

This is how the thread look before and after been waxed.

You can see how the waxed one hold straight and nice.

Step 5: Make a Thread Ball

Make a knot with one edge of the thread on one of the end of the pencil.

Step 6: ROLL IT UP

Now you have to start to roll up the thread.

Go with the thread in the middle part of the pencil. Hold the pencil with your fingers in the middle of it.

Than start to make an 8 shape around the pencil, passing on top and behind the pencil, in front in the middle, and under behind (look at photos).

Don't do it too tight, or you will not be able to remove it from the pencil.

Step 7: KEEP ROLLING

Keep rolling the thread, while you twist the pencil too, so you make a nice even thread ball.

When you finish the thread just insert it under the last thread ring you made.

Step 8: EXTRACT IT

Remove the knot from the pencil and gently extract the thread ball.

Step 9: DONE

You are done.

When you need to use it just start from the inside end of thread that was knotted to the pencil.

Comments

[FleurB2]

Does this make the cord water proof?

[MicheleV35]

Can I use this on silk thread too? I cross stitch and want to make bracelets with this as well

[fraice]

Hi, may i use candle wax for this?

[cadtekk]

I know this thread is old (pun intended) but you need to use beeswax because it is more elastic, tacky, and adheres to itself, whereas candle wax is not and it will flake away. Beeswax smells good too.

[marcellahella]

Yes I think so, because for the waxed thread you purchase in the store I don't think they use real bees wax.

[jessielynntaylor]

I will have to try this. Running out to Tandy or a craft store every time one needs thread is a pain.

Can you dye cotton thread before you wax it?

[marcellahella]

Yes, always dye it before waxing

[Lindavdm]

Thanks a million!

[marcellahella]

No problem!

[Theresha Ashley]

I have worked leather for a long time. I thank you for sharing your technique. It will be a well used new tip in my shop. Thank You again.

[marcellahella]

You are welcome!

[Magzzee]

Wow thank you, love this idea, gonna try it!

[marcellahella]

I never bought anymore pre waxed thread since I discover this!

[craftclarity]

This is great for leather stitchery/repair, also....thanks!!

[marcellahella]

You are welcome!

[John Jorsett]

To avoid the chance of getting the pencil stuck in the thread ball, it might help to wrap some foil around the pencil before winding. Then the pencil can be extracted followed by the foil. Just a thought.

[marcellahella]

Thanks for the tip!

[Lisa288]

Thanks for this! It will surely save me LOTS of money plus give me many more options when I make dreamcatchers! (I'm thinking of embroidery thread as I write!

[marcellahella]

I happy to ear it was useful!

[spunk]

It's really good to know this. I especially like your technique of making the ball of thread : )