Question about making your own cotton strings for fixed axle

Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance
1

Hey guys,

I’m currently making my own poly strings out of Coats and Clark XP. In short, I love them and am super happy.

Anyway, with my new fixed axle obsession, I would like to spin my own cotton strings too. I was wondering if anyone is doing that on here and if the basic rules/technique are the same as for poly?

Can I just use Coats and Clark cotton thread, or do I need some other kind of thread?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

2

My best advice to you is to experiment with different types of cotton threads and see which results appeals to you most.

3

I like Gutermann a lot for sewing because of its strength and low lint.

It’s not too much more expensive and definitely worth it in my opinion.

They also make a lot of different types of thread and some with different thicknesses too.

4

Awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. So, if I want to make a type 10 cotton thread, how many strands is that? When I do poly, I end up with either 24 or 26 if I’m making a fatter string (so 12 or 13 strands before twisting). Would I just use a heavier thread and 12 strands, or standard thread and like 13 or 14 strands?

I am currently using the duncan cotton and am told it is type 8. I hate it. I assume type 10 is thicker?

5

10 should be thicker, but I’m not sure about the number of threads.

6

Completely dependent on the thickness of the thread as you have guessed. Don’t worry about type #s, make what feels good and performs well. Adjust the strands and thread types to get there. Above all, have fun!