Linen thread has been made by Barbour for over 200 years.  Coats Barbour's Linen uses only the highest quality of flax.  Consistency is guaranteed by the blending of batches.  One of linen's greatest assets is its low extensibility and thus its ability to hold a tight knot in the lockstitch seam; this makes it particularly suitable for welt and other forms of sole sewing.  The low extensibility makes Coats Barbour's Linen ideal for end uses where no ‘give’ is required.  The natural look of the linen thread seam enhances its aesthetic appearance.  Linen degrades naturally and thus is an environmentally friendly sewing thread.

Saddle-stitched with Barbour’s beeswaxed 6 strand linen

The traditional saddle-stitch using two needles to create a half-knot in each pass

Irish Barbour’s linen

Very strong nylon version for the non-traditionalist