Tag: linen thread

Preparing Thread for Book Repairs

WAXING LINEN THREAD
Like all thread, linen thread has a tendency to tangle. Waxing sewing thread with beeswax keeps the thread from tangling and helps the thread “grip” the paper. Run the thread through a cake of beeswax two or three times to coat it with wax, then run the thread through your fingers. The heat generated from the friction will melt the wax into the thread.
MEASURING THREAD LENGTH
The length of thread needed depends on the height of the book and how many signatures need to be resewn. Save time by measuring the thread directly on the book. For instance, a book with one unattached signature will need a piece of thread that is at least three text block heights long plus one text block height for tying knots.
ADDING ADDITIONAL LENGTHS OF THREAD
It’s not a good idea to try to work with more than 4 – 5 book heights of thread at one time. There are two ways to add additional lengths of thread discussed in the post about knots.
LOCKING THE THREAD ONTO THE NEEDLE
It can be very frustrating to have a needle fall off the sewing thread in the middle of a repair. Here is a method to lock the needle onto the thread before beginning a repair to assure the needle will not fall off during the repair.

  • Thread the needle as usual.
  • Grasp the leading end of thread (the end that was threaded through the eye of the needle) and wrap it around your thumb.
  • Carefully pierce the thread with the needle against your thumbnail.
  • Pull the needle through the pierced thread.
  • Hold onto the sewing thread and pull until the pierced end is tight against the sewing needle.

Book Repair Thread | Linen Thread

Books are traditionally sewn with linen thread which is very strong and can be purchased in several sizes.

Choosing the right thread is important for a successful repair. Using thread that is too thick can damage a book because the text block may not fit back in the original case. Thread that is too thin can tear through the folded signature paper. In general, it’s best to use as thin a thread as possible, but choosing the right thread depends on the kind of paper and how many signatures are being resewn.

LINEN THREAD SIZES
Common sizes of linen thread are 12/4,18/3,25/3,35/3 and 60/3. The first number is the thickness of the strand or ply and the second number is the number of strands or ply per thread. So 12/4 is composed of 4 strands that are 12 thick. The 12 refers to an industry designation that relates to the weight of the wholesale quantities of thread. In this sizing system, the smaller the number, the thicker the thread so 12 thread is thicker than 60 thread.
35/3,30/5, and 18/3 are a good assortment of threads to have on hand. It can be hard to recognize a particular thread size so it’s a good idea to mark the size of thread on the inner cardboard spool before discarding the paper wrapper.