where to get linen for strings?

[The Gopher]

i guess the subject says it all. i was wondering where a fella can get linen for making strings? thanks, Dan.

[El Destructo]

Wal Mart , Hobby Lobby and Michaels has it....also Natural Craft Supply on the Web has it too

[Minuteman]

www .pyrosupplies.com
 
 They sell good stuff

[markinengland]

Places the deal in traditional leathercraft, saddle making may do good linen. Also worth loking for traditonal bookbinding. Another source may be places that deal in traditional boat building, sail making.

[jeduffey]

Try this place, they are in Maryland.
wwwbookmakerscatalog.com
They have dyed Irish linen.
Products - Threads and Tapes - Irish Linen

[Sparrow]

 I'd really like to try some linen for strings.What form is the best to use ? Weight,number of ply's,etc. Appreciate any help guy's !  Frank

[Coo-wah-chobee]

I use domestic 6 strand linen. Breaking strength is listed as 38 lbs. I tested it at about 36 lbs. repeatedly so thats ok by me. Used lots of linen in the past that was crap Imo. I have been very satisfied with this stuff. Can get it from Merchant General Supply Corp. About $27 + shipping fer around 3100 feet...........bob

[Sparrow]

 Thank's Bob  Now I'm thinking that when you said "Domestic" you were saying it was'nt any of that Irish linen,but stuff produced here.Would that be right ?
 "peciate your help.  Frank

[Coo-wah-chobee]

Hmm..............say its produced fer US Army. Says domestic so I would assume ( ya know what that means ! ) its made here in US of A............bob

[Badger]

Bob, I have 3 rolls of the domestic six strand purchased form pyro, they said it was rated at 48#, all three rolls purchased over a period of two years test identical at 22#. I have one roll of 7 strand also rated at 48# that breaks at 24#. They have an 8 strand premium they say breaks at 96# so if it is good for 1/2 that it might be ok. I think I will try your source. The ones I have now I will use to tie stakes in my garden, they are junk. Steve

[Marc St Louis]

Steve
Actually if you look at the bottom of pyro you will see that it is owned by merchant general so they both have the same stock. The domestic 6 strand is rated at 38# though. Maybe you got the wrong stuff? I have a newer roll that came from pyro. Maybe I should do a break test to see if it's the same stuff you got.

[Coo-wah-chobee]

Steve .......the IMPORTED 7 strand they list as 48 lb breakin' strength. Like Marc said could ya have the wrong stuff ? Yes Pyro and the place I buy from Natural Craft Supply are both owned by Merchant General Corp. They have warehouses all over do ya think that matters ? let me know what happens ................................bob

[markinengland]

I did some testing on my natrual string material today.
Some Beadsmith hemp did OK, averaging at 35lbs breaking strain. It is failry large diameter and I'm not sure of the weight but it looks like it has bow string material potential . As a natural string widely available from Ebay etc it is easy to get hold of, used for bead necklace thread.
I have some Barbour linen lacing thread 6 cord, waxed and unwaxed. Each seemed to do about 30lbs breaking strain.
Best was some Barbours 5 cord Best Machine Thread. This averaged 30lbs but is much smaller in diameter and much lighter. It doesn't come cheap but it looks like it is the best I have access to. Got it from a Ships Chandlers.
Mark in England