Bonded Nylon Thread for Canvas: A Comprehensive Guide

24 December 2024

If you’re working with canvas whether for upholstery, boat covers or outdoor gear the type of thread you use can make or break the project. Canvas is a heavy durable fabric that requires equally heavy duty high performance threads to ensure reliability and longevity. With options from bonded nylon to polyester it’s important to choose the right thread for your specific project and application.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about sewing thread for canvas including thread material, size recommendations, outdoor specific needs and how to use different thread types for industrial and home use sewing machines.

What Thread to Use on Canvas?

Canvas fabric is heavy duty and versatile so it’s used in industrial, marine and household applications. However that means it requires heavy duty thread to match.

When choosing thread for canvas you need to consider three things:

Strength – A weak thread will break under pressure especially in high stress applications like tents or bags.
Durability – The thread must withstand wear and environmental factors like UV, moisture and abrasion.
Compatibility – The thread must work with both the fabric’s weight and your sewing machine (regular or industrial).

Best Thread for Canvas

Different thread materials have different properties for different canvas applications. For heavy fabrics like canvas the two top contenders are bonded nylon thread and bonded polyester thread.

Bonded Nylon Thread

Bonded nylon is the most popular choice for sewing canvas because of its strength and resistance to stretch. The bonding agent applied during manufacturing reduces friction and heat buildup so it’s suitable for fast industrial sewing machines. It’s also good against abrasion so it’s great for items that get heavy wear.

Bonded Polyester Thread

Bonded polyester is another heavy duty option and the preferred choice for outdoor applications because of its great UV resistance. Unlike nylon polyester is less likely to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight so it’s great for marine covers, patio furniture and outdoor gear. It’s slightly less stretchy than nylon but offers similar strength and durability for heavy fabric projects.

Nylon vs Polyester

For indoor projects or items that get high abrasion (e.g. luggage, backpacks, indoor upholstery) nylon may be the better choice.
For outdoor applications where sunlight and moisture are involved (e.g. awnings, sails or boat covers) polyester thread will outlast nylon.

What Thread for Boat Canvas?

Marine grade canvas like Sunbrella is used for boat covers, awnings or sailcloth because of its weatherability. But these applications require a thread that can withstand extreme conditions – UV, saltwater and temperature fluctuations.

For sewing boat canvas bonded polyester thread is the gold standard. Its long lasting resistance to sunlight, mildew and moisture means it can withstand marine environments without weakening over time.

Pro Tip for Sewing Boat Canvas

When sewing marine canvas make sure your machine has a heavy duty sewing machine needle (#18/110 or higher) for thick fabrics as the combination of heavy fabric and bonded polyester thread requires heavy duty equipment.

What Size Thread Do I Need to Sew Canvas?

Choosing the right thread size is as important as choosing the thread material. Thread size is measured in Tex or Ticket numbers which is the weight and thickness of the thread.

For canvas projects heavier threads are needed to handle the fabric’s weight and thickness. Here’s a simple guide to thread sizes for sewing canvas:

Tex 70 (Ticket 40): Lightweight applications like pillow covers or tote bags.
Tex 90-135 (Ticket 30-20): Medium duty applications like upholstery or duffel bags.
Tex 150-210 (Ticket 15-10): Heavy duty use like boat covers, tarps and outdoor furniture.

Always match your thread size with a matching needle (e.g. Tex 70 with #18 needle) for smooth sewing and no skipped stitches.

Indoor vs Outdoor Applications

Canvas is used in many environments from indoor décor like curtains and cushions to rugged outdoor applications like awnings and tents. Knowing the differences in thread requirements for indoor vs outdoor use will help you make the right choice.

Indoor Canvas Applications

For indoor projects the key is strength and abrasion resistance. Bonded nylon thread is good for:

Upholstery
Heavy curtains
Canvas tote bags
Indoor décor accents

Its strength and slight stretch makes bonded nylon better for indoor environments where there’s tension.

Outdoor Canvas Applications

Outdoor projects are exposed to the elements all the time. So bonded polyester is the way to go for:

Patio furniture
Boat covers and sailcloth
Camping tents
Awnings and shade structures

Its resistance to UV, mildew and wet conditions means long lasting results without thread breakage.

Using the Right Equipment for Heavy Fabric

Canvas sewing uses thicker threads and materials so a regular sewing machine may not be up to the task. An industrial sewing machine is recommended for professional grade results.

Why Industrial Sewing Machine?

Industrial machines are designed to handle heavy thread and fabric without damage or jamming. They run faster and have more powerful motors and are a must have for sewing thick fabrics like canvas or denim. Use these machines with bonded polyester or nylon thread for best results.

If you don’t have industrial equipment and plan to use a regular home sewing machine consider:

Upgrading to a heavy duty needle (#18 or #20)
Slowing down the sewing speed to reduce machine strain.
Using a walking foot attachment to glide the thick canvas under your presser foot.

Strengthen Your Canvas Projects with Thread

Whether you’re making custom tote bags or sewing boat covers that will last, the thread quality will make or break your project. Bonded nylon and polyester threads are the go to for heavy fabric applications, they offer the most strength, durability and environmental resistance.

By choosing the right thread material, size and equipment you’ll make every canvas project better, professional results with every stitch. Want to make your next heavy duty sewing project easier? Check out our premium bonded nylon and polyester threads and find the one that’s right for your canvas needs.