28
Had to pick between linen thread and polyester for my first restoration project
Went with linen because the old book originally used it, but man that stuff snaps way easier than polyester when you're sewing a tight spine.
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
christopherwilliams5d ago
oh man i feel your pain lol. linen thread is a real pain when you're working a tight spine especially if you're not used to the tension. what i learned the hard way is you gotta wax it first really well with beeswax it helps keep it from fraying and snapping as much. also try going a little slower and don't pull super hard on each stitch just let the needle do the work. polyester is definitely more forgiving but for a first restoration staying true to the original materials is a solid call even if it makes you want to throw the book across the room sometimes.
1
simontorres5d ago
Oh man yes exactly this! I've been there more times than I care to count and it's frustrating as hell. The beeswax trick is a lifesaver I swear by it now. I remember my first real restoration project I snapped like three needles before I figured out the tension thing. You're totally right about letting the needle do the work too. I used to yank on each stitch like I was pulling a rope and it made everything worse. Now I just take it slow and steady and the thread behaves a lot better. It's rough but worth it when you see the finished spine holding up nice and tight.
2