Use this guide to help select the right Vinymo MBT thread size, needle, and stitch spacing for your leathercraft project.
| Vinymo MBT | Approx. Diameter | Approx. Tex / V Comparison* | Suggested John James Needle | Suggested Stitch Spacing | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 20 | 0.3 mm | Fine / approx. Tex 75–80 | No. 4 (004) | 2.5–3.0 mm | Watch straps, fine card holders, small leather goods |
| No. 8 | 0.4 mm | ≈ V92 / Tex 90 | No. 2–4 | 2.7–3.4 mm | Wallets, card holders, watch straps, fine leather goods |
| No. 5 | 0.5 mm | Slightly thicker than V138 / Tex 135 | No. 2–3 | 3.0–3.85 mm | Wallets, handbags, small leather goods, general leathercraft |
| No. 1 | 0.6 mm | Slightly thinner than V207 / Tex 210 | No. 1/0 | 3.85–5.0 mm | Bags, briefcases, belts, heavier leather goods |
| No. 0 | 0.7 mm | Extra Heavy** | No. 2/0 | 4.5–6.0 mm | Heavy bags, belts, cases, bold stitching |
| No. 00 | 1.0 mm | Extra Heavy / Heavy-Duty** | No. 3/0 | 5.0–7.0+ mm | Very heavy leatherwork, straps, bold decorative stitching |
No. 20 — 0.3 mm | Extra Fine
Best for very fine and subtle stitching. A good choice for watch straps, fine card holders and small leather goods where you do not want the thread to dominate the design.
No. 8 — 0.4 mm | Fine
An excellent choice for wallets, card holders, watch straps and refined leather goods. Comparable in use to approximately V92 / Tex 90 machine thread.
No. 5 — 0.5 mm | Medium
A versatile all-around size for wallets, handbags and general leathercraft. It creates a visible but still refined stitch line. It is somewhat heavier than V138 / Tex 135 machine thread.
No. 1 — 0.6 mm | Heavy
Ideal for bags, briefcases, belts and heavier leather goods where a more prominent stitch is desired. If you currently use V207 / Tex 207 thread, No. 1 is the closest Vinymo MBT option, although it may be slightly thinner.
No. 0 — 0.7 mm | Extra Heavy
Designed for heavier leatherwork and projects where the stitching is intended to be a noticeable part of the design. Suitable for heavy bags, belts, cases and decorative stitching.
No. 00 — 1.0 mm | Extra Heavy / Bold
The heaviest Vinymo MBT size in this range. Recommended for very heavy leatherwork and projects where a large, bold stitch is intentionally used as a design feature.
For hand stitching, the needle should pass comfortably through the stitching hole without requiring excessive force.
| Vinymo MBT | Suggested John James Harness Needle |
|---|---|
| No. 20 | No. 4 (004) |
| No. 8 | No. 2–4 |
| No. 5 | No. 2–3 |
| No. 1 | No. 1/0 |
| No. 0 | No. 2/0 |
| No. 00 | No. 3/0 |
These are starting-point recommendations rather than strict requirements. The appropriate needle depends on your stitching holes, leather thickness and stitching technique.
As a general rule, thinner thread works well with closer stitch spacing, while heavier thread usually looks more balanced with wider spacing.
| Thread | Recommended Starting Range |
|---|---|
| No. 20 | 2.5–3.0 mm |
| No. 8 | 2.7–3.4 mm |
| No. 5 | 3.0–3.85 mm |
| No. 1 | 3.85–5.0 mm |
| No. 0 | 4.5–6.0 mm |
| No. 00 | 5.0–7.0+ mm |
These spacing recommendations are aesthetic starting points, not manufacturer specifications. The ideal spacing will vary depending on the leather, stitching iron, hole shape and desired appearance.
Vinymo MBT numbers and Tex/V machine-thread sizes use different sizing systems and cannot be converted precisely on a one-to-one basis.
For example:
Vinymo MBT No. 8 is commonly compared with V92.
Vinymo MBT No. 5 is commonly described as slightly thicker than V138.
Vinymo MBT No. 1 is commonly described as slightly thinner than V207.
For No. 0 and No. 00, we recommend selecting by actual thread diameter and intended application rather than assigning an exact Tex/V equivalent.
The diameter measurements shown above are approximate. Actual perceived thickness may vary depending on thread construction, twist, tension, leather thickness and stitching method.
When in doubt, we recommend purchasing a flat first to confirm the size and color for your project.
