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Colophon's Best Linen Thread
Colophon's Best Linen Thread is specifically designed with bookbinders in mind. Linen is notorious for its impressive strength, so you can be absolutely sure your handmade books will stand the test of time. Each spool is unbleached to maintain a natural linen color.
Some pointers on thread sizing:
- Common thread sizes include 12/3, 18/3, 25/3, and 53/3.
- The first number is the thickness of the thread. The higher the number, the thinner the thread; i.e 12/3 is thicker than 18/3.
- The second number is the number of strands that are twisted together to make the thread. 12/3 has three strands.
Approximate measurements:
- 12/3 = 1mm thickness, 127 yd length
- 18/3 = 0.6mm thickness, 172 yd length
- 25/3 = 0.5mm thickness, 235 yd length
- 35/3 = 0.4mm thickness, 335 yd length
Select Colors & Quantities
Colophon's Best Linen Thread is specifically designed with bookbinders in mind. Linen is notorious for its impressive strength, so you can be absolutely sure your handmade books will stand the test of time. Each spool is unbleached to maintain a natural linen color.
Some pointers on thread sizing:
- Common thread sizes include 12/3, 18/3, 25/3, and 53/3.
- The first number is the thickness of the thread. The higher the number, the thinner the thread; i.e 12/3 is thicker than 18/3.
- The second number is the number of strands that are twisted together to make the thread. 12/3 has three strands.
Approximate measurements:
- 12/3 = 1mm thickness, 127 yd length
- 18/3 = 0.6mm thickness, 172 yd length
- 25/3 = 0.5mm thickness, 235 yd length
- 35/3 = 0.4mm thickness, 335 yd length
Skill Level | Intermediate, Advanced |

Shipping and Returns
Enjoy $5.99 Flat Rate Shipping (2-7 business days) on orders over $50. (*Large sheet paper (uncut) will have an additional $15 fee due to oversized shipment price increases)
We ship worldwide! International orders are subject to all applicable customs & duty taxes & fees. These fees are not included in the shipping price.
Orders placed online and by phone generally ship within 48-72 business hours. Paper and Ink Arts is closed on Saturday & Sundays, so orders placed over the weekend will begin shipping on the following Monday.
If there is an item in your order that is out of stock, we will contact you via email when your order is packed to allow you the choice of having your other items shipped or having your entire order held until your backordered item arrives.
Shipping charges are simply the standard UPS or USPS rate of shipping your package to your location based on the package's weight. Sheets of paper require a tube for shipping, thus your shipping rates will increase from the amount you see on your online order to compensate for the extra parcel. No handling charges are ever added.
If an item doesn’t suit you, package it carefully to avoid shipping damage. We’ll be glad to give you a full credit or refund for the price of the unopened/unused item. Please note:
We are unable to accept returns for items purchased on SALE or CLEARANCE.
Simply include a note with your order number and return regularly-priced, unopened/unused merchandise within 30 days by US Mail or UPS to:
Paper & Ink Arts
Attention: Returns
113 Graylynn Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214