Sewing thread for bags and accessories, sewing pattern by NatkoPatterns

Choosing the right sewing thread for bags & accessories

Thread might seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in how strong, beautiful and long-lasting your projects will be. Below is a quick guide to help you pick the best threads for your bag, basket or accessory projects - especially when sewing heavier fabrics.

Key Thread Properties to Look For

  • Fiber / Material - Polyester, cotton, nylon or blends

  • Thickness / Weight - Thicker threads are better for topstitching or heavy fabrics

  • Finish / Coating - Bonded, waxed, or glazed threads help with smooth sewing

  • Color & Fastness - Choose colors that match or contrast and that won’t bleed

1. Polyester Thread - All-Rounder for Bags

  • Strong, durable, and slightly elastic - great for seams under stress

  • Many polyester threads are coated or bonded so they glide smoothly through fabric

  • Excellent for everyday bags and structured projects

2. All-Purpose or Blended (Poly + Cotton)

  • Versatile thread suitable for many projects, though not as strong as 100% polyester

  • Fine for lighter bags or projects without heavy strain

  • A safe fallback if you don’t have a specialty thread

3. Topstitching / Decorative Thread

  • Thicker than standard thread - perfect for visible stitching on canvas, denim or leather

  • Use on the top spool only, and pair it with a finer regular thread in the bobbin

  • Requires a larger eye needle (topstitch needle)

4. Heavy-Duty / Extra-Strong Thread

  • Designed for thick fabrics (canvas, leather, upholstery)

  • More abrasion-resistant and capable of handling tension

  • Ideal when you want your seams to last through many uses

5. Specialty Threads (Nylon, Bonded, Waxed)

  • Bonded / Waxed threads: coated for extra strength and smoother sewing - often used in leatherwork

  • Nylon: great choice for elastic or outdoor projects, though weaker under UV unless treated

  • Use specialty thread only when the project demands it

Tips for Best Results

  • Always match your thread to the needle - too thick or thin a thread for a needle causes breakage

  • Test on a scrap of your actual fabric before sewing the project

  • Use high-quality thread - cheap thread may lead to fraying, tension problems or breakage

  • For topstitching, slow your machine speed and backstitch at the start and end

  • Keep your sewing machine clean from lint - coated threads can leave residue

 

Here you can explore my most popular sewing patterns - simple, beginner-friendly designs that will help you quickly create your first handmade bags and accessories.

Handmade pieces aren’t just things - they hold the quiet joy of the person who made them.
Natalia | NatkoPatterns

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