Using Permanent Markers To Color Tread Prior To Hand Stitching?

[Roger J]

Is this a beginner's mistake?

I was given a rather large spool of unwaxed, white, braided polyester thread; it happens to work really well for saddle stitching.

Out of curiosity, I ran different colored waterproof permanent markers over the thread and it really seemed to soak-in the color. Cutting the thread revealed that the color saturation was 100% all the way to the center. Initial swipes through tissue paper leaves color trails, but later swipes are clean.

Anyone try this?

Looks good now, but how bout in ten years time(fading,leaching)?

Edited September 15, 2013 by Roger J

[electrathon]

Permanent markers are good for dying small areas. But polyester will not accept dye, it is plastic so the dye is really just on the surface. You might have long term color issues.

Aaron

[Dwight]

Electrathon is correct, . . . you will have color issues later on if there is any wear or flexing of the stitches.

Belts for example, . . . will lose some of theirs, . . . but most holsters don't lose a lot of it.

It depends on what you are using it for.

May God bless,

Dwight

[cem]

I've dyed braided polyester thread with no problems sealing the thread with wax will help with leeching, some of the stuff I have done is coming up to nine years old and there has been no colour shift or leeching I only make decorative items though.

But what Aaron and Dwight said will no doubt come up with stuff that is flexed a lot, if you are making belts, wallets, bags with flaps etc I would try and find the colours you want already done or if you do want to experiment use linen which can be easily dyed.

[Roger J]

Thanks guys, good thing I checked here first.

For the amout of time it takes to make something, better use the right materials.

So I guess I should start liking white stitching for a while