In normal conditions, we all use sewing threads for sewing fabrics. However, sometimes, you do not have a sewing thread available for sewing, and then you have to come up with out of box solutions like a fishing line.
People often ask us, can you sew with a fishing line? The answer is yes, you can!
This article will teach you everything about sewing with a fishing line.
What is a fishing line?
A fishing line is a very tough string used to pull out fish from the water.
The fishing line is built quite strong, so it can pull out a fighting fish from the water without breaking. Moreover, it is waterproof and does not break due to exposure to water.
Can you use a fishing line for sewing?
Yes, you can use a fishing line for sewing. However, its use is recommended only in emergencies.
Fishing lines can be used to sew tough fabrics like bulletproof vests, backpacks, nylon, canvas, and Kevlar.
It can also be used to sew regular fabrics but you should only do this in emergency and survival conditions. Otherwise, the fishing line is not suitable for regular fabrics and it can make your clothes tear apart frequently.
Pros and cons of sewing with a fishing line
Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of sewing with a fishing line:
Pros of sewing with fishing line
1. The fishing line is strong
A fishing line is built very toughly because its job is to pull a heavy fish out of the water without breaking. So, it can handle extreme levels of stress and wear and tear.
If the fishing line breaks due to stress or sudden jerk, you will never be able to catch a fish and the entire purpose of a fishing line will be lost.
Therefore, a fishing line is good for sewing because it can offer great durability and strength. You can use it for sewing fabrics that undergo rough use and wear and tear.
2. Easy to work with it
You will find fishing lines easy to work with. It can help sew smoothly.
3. Good price
The fishing lines are available at an affordable price. So, don’t worry about it being expensive because you can easily get it.
4. Readily available
Fishing line is readily available everywhere. You can get it from your local market.
5. Multiple colors
You can get the fishing line in a variety of colors. There are multiple options.
Cons of fishing line
1. Hard to thread the needle
The fishing line is very thin. You may struggle to get a good grip and thread the needle with it.
If your needle keeps unthreading, read these tips by experts to solve this.
2. Vulnerable to breaking
Since the fishing line is very thin, it might break when you tie a knot. So, beware of that, please.
Want to learn how to tie a knot when sewing? Here’s a complete guide for you.
3. It can damage the fabric
The fishing line is abrasive. It can damage your fabric and result in fraying and holes if you do not use it carefully.
Here’s how you can protect your fabric from fraying.
4. Poor visibility
As the fishing line is thin, you might struggle to see it clearly while sewing.
Can you sew regular fabric with a fishing line?
No, you should not use a fishing line to sew regular fabrics. Here’s why:
A thread should always be weaker than the fabric you are sewing. In case of any stress or sudden jerk, the thread will break and not the fabric. You can use a new thread and make stitches to fix it.
However, if the thread is stronger than the fabric, then the thread will not break in case of any stress or jerk. Instead of that, the fabric will tear apart.
The fishing line is stronger than the regular fabric. If you will use it for sewing regular clothes, then your clothes will rip apart in case of any stress and not the fishing line. Hence, this is more damaging. This is why we do not recommend using a fishing line for sewing regular clothes.
But if you are in an emergency or survival mode, then you can use a fishing line to sew the regular fabrics because survival is more important than the fabric.
Are fishing line and nylon threads the same?
Yes, fishing lines and nylon threads are closely related to each other. The reason is that many fishing lines are made of nylon.
However, there might be a slight difference between the thickness of the fishing line and the nylon fabric.
Which fabrics can you sew with a fishing line?
You can sew hard fabrics with a fishing line. It includes materials like bulletproof jackets, backpacks, tents, Kevlar, canvas, and nylon.
It is because these fabrics are stronger than the fishing line so they won’t get damaged by the fishing line.
Which fabrics you should never sew with a fishing line?
You should avoid sewing regular fabrics with a fishing line.
In sewing, there is a rule that the thread should be weaker than the fabric you are sewing. It’s because, in case of any sudden stretch or stress, the thread will break and not the fabric. You can repair that ripped seam with a few new stitches.
But if the thread is stronger than the fabric, then the thread will not break in case of any sudden jerk or stress on the fabric. What will happen is that your fabric will tear apart instead of the thread. It will be a bigger loss and your clothes will be ruined.
This is why we do not use fishing lines for sewing regular fabrics because it can damage them.
When you should use a fishing line for sewing?
In normal conditions, you should use a sewing thread for sewing fabrics because it is the most appropriate choice.
But if you are in an emergency OR you only have a fishing line available at the moment, then you can use it as a temporary, one-time solution.
A fishing line is not a long-term option for sewing fabrics because it is not made for this purpose.
Can you stitch with the fishing line?
Yes, you can stitch with a fishing line.
The fishing line is strong and durable. It can offer long-lasting stitches that withstand extreme stress and wear and tear.
It is ideal for sewing and stitching tough fabrics but not regular ones because the fishing line can damage the regular fabrics.
