In this study, new cationic homopolymer and anionic copolymer were synthesized, and deposited onto polyglycolide sutures using a layer-by-layer assembly technique. The coated sutures were rendered antibacterial by chlorinating with dilute solution of household bleach solution at pH 7. The chlorination treatment transformed the N H groups of anionic copolymer into N -halamine structures. The N -halamine-modified sutures were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria at different contact times. The suture with chlorine loading of 0.22% completely inactivated both bacterial strains in 30 min contact time. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and analytical titration confirmed the successful deposition of the N -halamine multilayers. The effect of layer-by-layer coatings of polyelectrolytes on the chlorine loading and antibacterial efficacy of sutures was evaluated. The straight-pull and knot-pull strength tests performed on the sutures reported slight decline in tensile properties after chlorination treatment. The in vitro hemolysis and cytocompatibility tests revealed that the N -halamines-based antibacterial sutures were biocompatible.