Why wax thread?

[sydnie7]

I've also read that waxing increases the strength of the thread, but not sure how that works.

As for waxing a fringe, my guess is for appearance? Making it smoother, less "fuzzy" and more apt to hang (stick) together. But just a semi-educated guess.

[Chas]

Waxing makes the thread slide through the material far easier. Sail makers have been doing this since the beginning of time. People have been waxing sticking drawers for hundreds of years.

As to a fringe, I would never wax it nor want it waxed. It will hold on to dust if waxed. It is only one step from that to dirty and discoloured.

Regards

Chas

[Bugbear]

I've also read that waxing increases the strength of the thread, but not sure how that works.

It might be that it helps a little in that way with that cotton wrapped polyester thread that tends to fray a lot and wad up when the outside wrapping breaks: holds the wrapping in place a tiny bit? I'm not sure it helps much, though…
Wax does seem to help the threads from cutting into things and friction to some degree.