Cleaner working ends
The compact waxed braid helps limit fraying and breakage as it passes through the work.
Extra-heavy waxed polyester hand-sewing braid
Coats Classic 1.6mm for bold lacing and substantial hand seams
A high tenacity waxed polyester braid for leatherwork, footwear, upholstery, saddlery, lacing and other projects where the cord is meant to form a strong visual part of the finished piece. Its compact, low-stretch construction helps you pull seams tight, set knots firmly and work through thick or difficult materials with control.
- 1.6mm diameter: creates a pronounced stitch or laced finish.
- High wax content: supports controlled hand sewing through firm materials.
- Compact low-stretch braid: helps seams tighten evenly and knots hold securely.
- 350m professional roll: useful capacity for repeat leathercraft, production and repairs.
1.6mm | Black | 350m
1.6mmbraid diameter
350mone black roll
High waxcontrolled hand sewing
Low stretchtight seams and knots
What arrives: one 350m roll of Coats Classic 1.6mm waxed polyester braid in Black.
Choose 1.6mm when the seam should be part of the design
This is markedly heavier than ordinary sewing thread and is primarily intended for hand sewing and lacing. The 1.6mm diameter suits projects with generous holes, substantial materials and a deliberately bold finished line.
Firm knot setting
Low working stretch supports tight joins and dependable fastening of suitable knots.
Pronounced definition
The 1.6mm diameter creates a highly visible stitch, laced edge or decorative cord line.
Polyester durability
High tenacity polyester provides a strong foundation for demanding hand-sewn construction.
Made to behave in the hand
Wax, structure and control working together
Coats Classic combines a compact polyester braid with special waxing and stabilisation. The result is a substantial cord that can be pulled through demanding materials while remaining controlled enough for neat, repeatable hand work.
Special waxing treatment
Supports smooth hand sewing and helps protect the braid from end fraying and breakage.
Compact braided structure
Keeps the heavy cord cohesive while lacing, tightening and forming decorative seams.
Very low working stretch
Designed to facilitate tight seams and secure fastening of knots.
For substantial materials and intentionally bold finishes
Belts, bags, luggage, straps, saddlery and coarse or ornamental seams on suitable leather goods.
Hand sewing and lacing of uppers, soles, rands, welts and decorative footwear details with suitably sized holes.
Visible reinforcing rows and decorative hand seams on compatible upholstery and furnishing materials.
A bold waxed cord for suitable bone-carving necklaces, pendants and substantial corded designs.
Hand lacing, reinforcement and decorative seams on compatible sails, nautical goods and technical articles.
Highly visible repairs, hand-laced joins and construction using thick, hard or difficult materials.
BLACK09700
Current finish
Black for versatile, high-contrast construction
Black works across dark leather, footwear, upholstery, saddlery and decorative lacing. The waxed braided surface has a practical low-gloss appearance with visible texture.
Black 09700SKU: 2711.016.09700
Digital colour is a guide only. Wax, braid texture, lighting and screen settings can change the appearance.
Use and tool guidance
Match the needle and hole to a 1.6mm braid
Choose a robust leather, harness or saddler's needle with an eye that accepts the braid without crushing it. Pre-punched holes, an awl or stitching chisels are usually the cleanest approach for firm leather.
- Confirm that the 1.6mm braid passes through every hole before starting.
- Make the hole large enough to avoid excessive abrasion of the waxed surface.
- Use sharp scissors or a suitable knife for a clean cut end.
- Pull each stitch firmly and consistently rather than sharply jerking the braid.
- Test hole size, colour transfer, knot choice and finished appearance on the actual material.
Compare the Direct Sewing Coats Classic range
1.0mm Classic
A substantial but more versatile braid for detailed leather hand sewing, lacing and corded craftwork.
1.2mm Classic
A bold intermediate option with a 350m roll and a clearly defined hand-sewn finish.
1.6mm Classic
This listing. A 350m extra-heavy braid for pronounced lacing and substantial visible seams.
1.8mm Classic
The largest current Direct Sewing option for the boldest laced and decorative constructions.
Product details
Coats Classic 1.6mm specifications
| Brand | Coats |
|---|---|
| Product family | Classic |
| Article number | 2711.016 |
| SKU | 2711.016.09700 |
| Braid diameter | 1.6mm |
| Material and construction | High tenacity waxed polyester braid |
| Length | 350 metres |
| Colour | Black 09700 |
| Primary method | Hand sewing and lacing |
| Included | One 350m roll of 1.6mm braid |
| Not included | Needles, awl, stitching chisels or machine |
Coats Classic 1.6mm FAQs
How much braid is included?
One 350m roll of 1.6mm Coats Classic waxed polyester braid in Black 09700.
Is this thread or cord?
It is an extra-heavy 1.6mm high tenacity waxed polyester braid. It is best understood as professional hand-sewing and lacing cord rather than ordinary garment thread.
How does 1.6mm compare with the 1.2mm version?
The 1.6mm braid is thicker and creates a more pronounced stitch or laced edge. Choose it when the cord should be a strong visual feature and the project has holes and tools sized to suit.
Is it suitable for leather hand sewing?
Yes. Coats recommends Classic for leather goods, moccasins, soles, rands, welts, belts, luggage, saddlery and other thick or difficult materials.
Can I use it for bone-carving necklaces?
It is used locally for suitable bone-carving necklaces and pendants. Confirm that the 1.6mm diameter passes through the carving and gives the desired finished scale.
Does the wax help prevent fraying?
Yes. Coats states that the compact braid and special waxing treatment help prevent end fraying and breakage during hand sewing.
Can I use it in a domestic sewing machine?
No ordinary domestic-machine use is recommended. This is extra-heavy hand-sewing and lacing braid. Only attempt machine use when specialist equipment is specifically designed and set up for 1.6mm waxed braid.
Which needle should I use?
Choose a strong leather, harness or saddler's needle with an eye large enough for the 1.6mm braid. Match the needle and hole to the material and test the complete combination first.
Will the wax rub onto my project?
Some surface transfer can occur with heavily waxed braid. Test it on an offcut, especially with pale, porous or delicate materials.
Make the extra-heavy hand stitch part of the design
Match your tools and holes to the 1.6mm braid, then enjoy the bold definition and controlled feel of Coats Classic.
Check Your Project Fit