2025 Canadian Guide: Top 5 Waxed Threads for Saddle Stitching — Expert-Tested Picks from Ritza 25, Maine Thread, Tandy, CS Osborne & Fil Au Chinois

Ritza 25 Tiger Thread is widely regarded as the market-leading waxed polyester for saddle stitching because of its tightly braided construction, uniform diameter and very high abrasion and UV resistance that produce long-lasting seams on saddlery. It commands a premium price but delivers technical advantages over cheaper poly options like Maine Thread and retail-grade lines from Tandy, while offering more durability and less stretch than traditional linen such as Fil Au Chinois. For craftsmen who prioritize endurance and consistent stitch appearance in heavy-use saddles, Ritza 25 is often the go-to choice.

Maine Thread Waxed Poly Cord is a cost-effective, tough polyester option aimed at hobbyists and small shops doing saddle stitching that need reliable wax coverage and large spool sizes at lower per-yard cost. It undercuts premium threads like Ritza 25 and Fil Au Chinois on price while still offering better abrasion resistance and stretch control than un-waxed or cheap retail threads, making it a strong value play for everyday saddlery work. If budget and bulk are priorities for routine stitching rather than exhibition-grade finishes, Maine Thread is a practical selection.

Tandy Leather Waxed Thread is a widely available, mid-priced choice that balances ease of use and consistent waxing, making it popular with beginners and small leather shops doing saddle stitching. While it lacks the top-tier tensile strength and abrasion resistance of Ritza 25 or the traditional appeal of Fil Au Chinois linen, Tandy’s thread is competitively priced and convenient to source, which reduces purchasing friction and small-order cost for crafters. For customers who prioritize accessibility and a dependable all-purpose waxed thread for saddles, Tandy is a sensible middle-ground option.

CS Osborne Harness Thread is a heavy-duty, traditionally oriented waxed thread engineered for harness and saddle repair where maximum strength and abrasion resistance matter, positioning it above many retail threads in load-bearing applications. It often rivals Ritza 25 in durability while offering a more traditional appearance some saddlers prefer over synthetic poly, justifying its premium for specialist harness and equestrian work. For professional saddlers and harness makers who need thick, dependable stitch lines for high-stress seams, CS Osborne is a market leader in the heavy-duty category.