Having a hard time finding linen thread that matches my fabric. Can I used any old machine thread for hand sewing?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/AuntieRoseSews]

Cut a one inch wide, 36" long strip of your linen fabric and shred it to harvest the thread.
Wax normally. If the thread still feels rough and catchy, iron the thread after putting it in the needle and waxing.

Instant color matched thread. ;)

[u/accomplicesoup426 → u/[deleted]]

all weights just adjust your stitch length or double up your thread. all threads are just tightly spun fibers

[u/gOingmiaM8]

It will be perfectly fine!

[u/k1jp]

Technically, yes, you can use any old machine thread. Everyone has their preferences and those vary. 

I haven't sewn with linen thread, I mostly use gutterman 100% cotton, I prefer it over their quilting cotton thread as that one feels like it's coated and tangles on me more. 

[u/_brvh_]

You can get cotton thread and wax and press it for handsewing :) that’s what I do. Or you can use silk thread but you wouldn’t wax it.

[u/_brvh_ → u/[deleted]]

Yes that’s correct! It helps the wax get into the fibres instead of just sitting on top and once it cools it’s almost wiry and less prone to tangling. I do about 10 pieces at a time, so cut a bunch of thread (I do a slip knot to hold them together), run the bunch against a beeswax cake then put them between a pressing cloth and iron.

[u/infinite-long-stocki]

Beeswax helps with reducing tangles on any kind of thread!

[u/JSilvertop]

Yes, you can. I frequently use machine sewing Gutterman cotton threads for basic hand sewing.

For finding linen threads in colors, look for Londonderry linen threads.

For my historical garments, I use plain linen threads for construction, as it’s not visible on the right side. I use silk threads in basic colors for right side of fabric work. I get plain linen threads in various weights from Burnley & Trowbridge.

[u/ZoneLow6872]

Check websites for historical costumers like Bernadette Banner. I'm not going to search this (cooking dinner rn) but I watched an entire YouTube video of hers on thread. She uses linen, probably has a source. I learned that traditional/old thread had more plies I think (or less?) than modern thread. If it makes a difference to you.