Pegar la hebra

[poli]

I think it means to break the ice, but I'm not sure. Google search states it means to start up a conversation which is similar to break the ice. Is this an international term?

[Don José]

In Spain it's used. I'd say it doesn't mean necessarily to start up a conversation, but also just to talk.

E.g. Cuando X va a comer a un restaurante, le gusta pegar la hebra con los camareros.

Here, X enjoys talking to the waiters, not only "breaking the ice".

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I agree.
Pegar la hebra = platicar, conversar.

In Mexico, it's often associated with people talking long.

[poli]

We use chew the fat.

Thank you both for the information.

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Pegar la hebra implies to waste time

[poli]

so does chew the fat or shoot the breeze