Waxed Cotton

What is waxed cotton thread?

Waxed cotton thread is a type of thread used in sewing, leatherworking, beadwork, jewellery making, and other crafts. It is made of natural cotton fibres that have been coated with a thin layer of wax, typically beeswax or a synthetic wax. The wax coating adds strength, durability, and some level of water resistance to the thread, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications.

What is waxed cotton cord used for?

Waxed cotton thread is known for its smooth texture, which aids in threading and prevents the thread from slipping or unravelling. It is commonly used for hand-stitching leather goods, canvas, and outdoor gear like tents or sails. In the world of beading, waxed cotton is great for macrame and micro macrame, threading beads or simply wearing as a neck cord to hold a simple gemstone pendant. The wax coating helps the thread glide through the smoothly and provides additional strength to withstand stress and tension.

Due to its water-resistant properties, waxed cotton thread is also favoured in crafts that may come into contact with moisture, such as making jewellery, beading, or creating textile art. The wax coating helps protect the thread from water damage and makes it less prone to fraying or breaking.

Waxed cotton thread comes in various thicknesses and colours to accommodate different projects and aesthetic preferences. It can be used for decorative stitching, creating seams, attaching buttons, and other sewing applications where durability and a touch of texture are desired.

Waxed cotton cord for jewellery making

Here’s all you need to know about waxed cotton for beading and other crafts:

• Durability and Strength: Waxed cotton is known for its durability and strength, making it suitable for various crafting applications. The wax coating adds a protective layer to the cotton, making it more resistant to fraying, unravelling, and general wear and tear.
• Ease of Use: The wax coating on the cotton thread or cord makes it easier to handle during beading and other crafts. It prevents the cotton from tangling or twisting excessively, allowing for smoother and more precise work. This makes it particularly beneficial for intricate beading projects or macrame.
• Knotting and Beading: Waxed cotton is highly popular for stringing beads and making knots in jewellery-making. The wax coating helps to hold knots securely in place, preventing them from slipping or unravelling. This makes it ideal for creating adjustable closures, sliding knots, or macrame techniques.
• Versatility: Waxed cotton comes in various thicknesses, colours, and lengths, offering versatility for different crafting needs. Thinner waxed cotton threads are commonly used for delicate beadwork, while thicker cords are suitable for macrame, braiding, or creating statement jewellery pieces.
• Water Resistance: The wax coating on the cotton adds a level of water resistance to the material. This makes waxed cotton an excellent choice for crafting items that may come in contact with moisture or require some level of water resistance, such as bracelets, keychains, or bag accessories.
• Colour Options: Waxed cotton is available in a wide range of colours, allowing crafters to choose the perfect shade to complement their project. Whether you prefer vibrant and bold colours or earthy tones, there are numerous options available to suit your aesthetic preferences.
• Other Craft Applications: Apart from beading, waxed cotton has various other craft applications. It is commonly used in leatherworking, bookbinding, stitching, and general crafting where a durable and wax-coated thread is needed.
• Care and Maintenance: When working with waxed cotton, it’s important to note that excessive heat or friction can melt or remove the wax coating. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid ironing or exposing the waxed cotton to high temperatures. However, if the wax coating wears off over time, you can reapply wax using a beeswax block or other suitable wax to restore its original properties.

Waxed cotton is a reliable and versatile material for beading and other crafts. Its durability, ease of use, knotting capabilities, and water resistance make it a popular choice among crafters who seek a strong and reliable cord or thread for their projects.

Where to buy waxed cotton cord

Beads N Crystals, the biggest bead shop in Brisbane, stocks a wide selection of great quality waxed cotton cords at exceptional prices. Some sold by the metre, others by the spool. Waxed cotton is exceptional value and ideal for group craft activities and workshops as well as personal crafts at home. As a premium distributor of Waxed cotton cord in Australia, Beads N Crystals caters not only for hobbyist and consumer customers, but also wholesale trade customers including market stall operators, etsy sellers, schools and designers alike.

If you’re looking for a great bead shop near you, please drop into our Annerley bead shop, just 10 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Alternatively, shop in confidence right here at Beads N Crystals Online Bead Shop! We offer secure payment options, low cost and free shipping options and speedy dispatch of orders from our Australian warehouse.

If you have any questions or comments on our waxed cotton cords or any other beads, tools, cords or accessories, please contact us.