“Invisible Thread” refers to a type of thread which is clear or matches so closely with the background it becomes undetectable. In the 19th century, magicians used horse hair to levitate small objects. Since the 1980s, magicians such as Steve Fearson and Jon LeClair have used Kevlar as invisible thread.

The earliest documented use of invisible thread (or hair) for magic levitation tricks dates back to the late 15th century. In a late 15th century notebook, Thomas Betson, a monk at Syon Abbey in Middlesex, wrote about using a fine strand of woman’s hair to move a blown egg in air.

An invisible thread reel is a precision-engineered device used by magicians to perform levitation and animation effects, creating the illusion of objects moving or floating without visible support. An invisible thread reel embodies a compact mechanism that dispenses an ultra-fine, nearly undetectable thread, made of nylon or Kevlar, allowing the magician to manipulate lightweight objects with apparent telekinetic power. Invisible thread capitalizes on visual deception, exploiting optimal angles and lighting to render the thread imperceptible to the audience.

The technique has evolved from using naturally occurring materials like human hair and silkworm silk to engineered fibers that are stronger, more reliable, and imperceptible to audiences. This evolution represents over 500 years of continuous development in one of magic’s most enduring methods for creating levitation effects.

Today’s invisible thread is made from nylon, silk, kevlar, or elastic materials that have been separated into individual strands. Modern thread is often purchased in “unstripped” form – clusters of threads that must be separated before use – or as pre-stripped individual filaments. In 1985, magician Finn Jon introduced looped invisible elastic thread, originally titled “Revolutionary Thread,” which was later popularized by Yigal Mesika as “Loops”.

An invisible thread reel enables effects like the Floating Bill, where a dollar bill hovers over the magician’s hands, or the Dancing Cane, where an object appears to move autonomously in mid-air. Thread reels are often pinned discreetly under clothing, providing quick access to thread for spontaneous or staged acts.

High-quality threads ensure durability and invisibility under varied conditions, while reels facilitate smooth retraction and adjustment for repeated use. Mastery demands rigorous practice to perfect angles, timing, and misdirection, ensuring the thread remains unseen while producing mesmerizing visual phenomena.