Is Bear Thread still available?

November 4, 2025

Among all types of sewing thread, there is one that has almost mythical status: bear thread. Many who have been sewing for a long time remember the feeling of a really durable and reliable thread that could be used for everything from leather and jeans to shoes, bags and work clothes. But does bear thread still exist? Absolutely! And it is used more than ever by both hobbyist and professional seamstresses.

What is bear thread? Why is it called that?

The bear is one of our strongest animals, and it is precisely this strength that gave the thread its name. The name has developed as a symbol of strength and durability. In the sewing world, the expression “bear thread” has therefore long stood for extremely strong thread for coarse materials.

Typical uses:

Repair of jeans and workwear
In the manufacture of leather items such as bags and wallets
Shoe repairs
Decorative, durable stitching in heavy fabrics

Is there still bear thread?

Many people wonder: Is bear thread still on the market or is it just an old-fashioned product?

Yes! Bear thread is definitely still available and is widely used. However, it is more common to see it marketed as "Extra strong sewing thread" or "Leather thread". We sell what used to be called bear thread under the name Gütermann Extra Strong Sewing Thread 100 meters.

Is bear thread the strongest sewing thread?

✅ For common sewing projects at home: Yes, bear thread is among the strongest you can use.
⚙️ In industrial manufacturing, there are even coarser threads for machines and special materials.

Can you use bear thread in a regular sewing machine?

Yes, but choose the right needle (e.g. jeans or leather needle) and adjust the thread tension. For really heavy projects, hand sewing or a heavy-duty industrial machine is best.