Threads for Footwear, Leather and Bags

Threads for footwear and leather – strength in dense materials

Leather, synthetic leather and dense footwear textiles require threads that withstand bending with every step, constant tension in bags and belts, and abrasion during wear. Ordinary sewing thread wears out quickly in such conditions. Threads for footwear and leather are thicker, have higher tenacity and often a special coating or lubrication that reduces friction in the needle. Polkom supplies threads wholesale to footwear factories, manufacturers of bags, belts and leather goods, upholstery workshops and ateliers.

Types of threads for footwear and leather

Bonded threads

The plies of the thread are bonded together with a special coating that prevents the twisted plies from separating during sewing and subsequent processing. The coating also protects the thread from weathering. Bonded threads of polyamide 6.6 or continuous polyester give a clean seam on thick leather, canvas and dense fabrics and are used for footwear, belts, bags and sports equipment.

Polyamide 6.6 threads

High-tenacity polyamide 6.6 threads are available in a very wide range – from about 35 to 600 tex. They are more elastic than standard nylon, withstand impact, load and repeated bending, and contain only about 4% moisture, so they dry quickly. They are suitable for footwear, bags, straps, upholstery and technical products.

Continuous filament polyester threads

Special series of polyester threads for leather and footwear are available in several thicknesses and on a colour card. The lubrication reduces friction and gives a balanced, even stitch. Polyester is more UV-resistant than polyamide and retains its colour better in visible outdoor seams.

Braided decorative threads

Unlike twisted threads, braided threads are made by braiding high-tenacity polyester. They have an expressive, raised look and are used for decorative seams on footwear, bags, suitcases, upholstery and leather accessories. The standard thicknesses are 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm. The lubricated and semi-waxed versions are sewn by machine, while the waxed ones are suitable for hand sewing.

Threads with special properties

• Water-repellent – a PFC-free coating stops capillary wicking of water, and with correct tension water does not pass through the needle hole. Suitable for hiking, safety and work footwear.
• Antistatic – with a conductive component that dissipates static charge; used in safety footwear and military clothing.
• Flame-resistant – aramid threads for safety footwear and gloves. More in the threads for protective clothing section.

Thickness, needle and machine

With leather, the thread thickness is chosen together with the needle. Needles with a cutting point are used to make a clean hole. Finer threads are used for thin leather and gloves, medium ones for shoe uppers and bags, and heavy ones for belts, saddles, suitcases and decorative seams. Test the seam on the actual material before starting the series.

Applications

• footwear – uppers, closing, decorative seams;
• sports, hiking and safety footwear;
• bags, backpacks, suitcases and wallets;
• belts, straps and leather accessories;
• furniture, upholstery and work gloves.

For car interiors see the threads for the automotive industry.

Why Polkom

Polkom has worked for over 30 years as a manufacturer and supplier of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. In addition to threads, we can supply leather labels, buckles, eyelets, rivets and other metal accessories for the same product – with one supplier and one delivery throughout the EU.

How to order

Send an enquiry with the type of leather, the product, the machines, the desired thickness and the colours. You will receive an offer and a sample for testing. Minimum quantities depend on the item – send an enquiry and you will receive exact information. Also see all types of threads.