Waxing Thread?

[50th VA Corporal]

I have some buttons to sew on and will be using some vintage Blackstaff's No. 8 linen thread. Sometimes it tangles and catches on me. Can I wax it with some bee's wax from a candle to make it easier to manage, and if so, do I just run the thread over the wax, or?

Jas. T. Lemon
50th VA Corporal "who hates sewing on buttons 'cause he's all thumbs...."

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

I have some buttons to sew on and will be using some vintage Blackstaff's No. 8 linen thread. Sometimes it tangles and catches on me. Can I wax it with some bee's wax from a candle to make it easier to manage, and if so, do I just run the thread over the wax, or?

Jas. T. Lemon
50th VA Corporal "who hates sewing on buttons 'cause he's all thumbs...."

If it's a beeswax candle; then, YES, it's just that simple.

Paul B.

[Spinster]

You 'all thumbs' will come in handy here.

Lay thread on candle. Place thumb over it and hold against candle. Draw thread through, full lenth, twice. Should do the trick.

Now, what kind of buttons? Four hole? Shanked? This makes a difference in how you sew them.

[50th VA Corporal]

You 'all thumbs' will come in handy here.

Lay thread on candle. Place thumb over it and hold against candle. Draw thread through, full lenth, twice. Should do the trick.

Now, what kind of buttons? Four hole? Shanked? This makes a difference in how you sew them.

Thanks for the advice. Will do tomorrow....

I am sewing on four hole bone buttons. I am using an "X" pattern, however, I have seen some period photos of four hole buttons using a straight across pattern. I do prefer the "X" pattern.

Jas. T. Lemon
50th VA Corporal

[mtodriscoll]

Sometimes the thread just tangles due to twisting depending on the motion of your hands as you pass the neddle through and around, etc. Don't be discouraged if it tangles even after the thread is waxed... Just take your time and be ready to stop if a tangle starts to form. Worst case you just tie it off and start anew. Good luck!

[50th VA Corporal]

Sometimes the thread just tangles due to twisting depending on the motion of your hands as you pass the neddle through and around, etc. Don't be discouraged if it tangles even after the thread is waxed... Just take your time and be ready to stop if a tangle starts to form. Worst case you just tie it off and start anew. Good luck!

I did wax it in the method suggested in this thread and had great results; it really sped up the process for me to boot. And, I did notice that the motion of my hands did make a difference in the orientation of the thread.

Did pretty good for all thumbs. Funny on how I have played guitar for 45 years and have great dexterity in both hands and fingers and articulation for that but am all frustrated thumbs when it comes to sewing....

Jas. T. Lemon
50th VA Corporal