Overstitch Wheel & Pricking Iron Size Coordination

[CustomDoug]

Been thinking about buying a pricking iron and since they come in different sizes, I'd like to know which one will coordinate with the various sizes of overstitch wheels? This should be in direct relation to the number of stitches per inch that the overstitch wheel is made for, right? I plan to use the overstitch wheel for going over the top of the stitching after they are completed, to help the general appearance... so, I'm looking for (for instance) "a size no.6 overstitch wheel would have the same stitch per inch as a 2.5mm pricking iron" [which is just a guess and example].

Edited February 6, 2011 by CustomDoug

[gary]

You shouldn't need to use an overstitch wheel if you've used a pricking iron; the stitches will have sunk partly into the leather. If you want the stitches to be below the level of the leather surface you could always gouge a stitching channel and then prick the stitch marks into that.

Gary

[CustomDoug]

Gary, yes I know the overstitch wheel will not be "necessary" if I use the pricking iron BUT I WANT to use the overstitch wheel after the item is made to help set the threads in a more consistent uniform way. Not to mark where holes will go. The thing is... that none of the pricking irons I see advertised mentions anything about number of stitches per inch - that would make it easy for me. To confuse matters further, I'm looking at the japanese made items which are metric measurements. I may have to break out a math book to figure this out. I just thought someone might have a breakdown of their size comparisons. thanks.

[tonyc1]

Gary, yes I know the overstitch wheel will not be "necessary" if I use the pricking iron BUT I WANT to use the overstitch wheel after the item is made to help set the threads in a more consistent uniform way. Not to mark where holes will go. The thing is... that none of the pricking irons I see advertised mentions anything about number of stitches per inch - that would make it easy for me. To confuse matters further, I'm looking at the japanese made items which are metric measurements. I may have to break out a math book to figure this out. I just thought someone might have a breakdown of their size comparisons. thanks.

Dixon pricking irons are always marked with the number of stitches per inch!

Tony.

[CustomDoug]

Dixon pricking irons are always marked with the number of stitches per inch!

Tony.

Thanks for the reply Tony but since I know very little of pricking irons in general, having never bought one - Dixon is new to me... no link? I did a search just now of course and neither of the two places that I find them at, list the stitch per inch count (unless I've missed it at both places). The two sites are "josephdixon" and the other is "siegel".

http://www.josephdixon.co.uk/products/Saddlers_Tooling/Pricking_Irons/One_and_Half_Inch_Pricking_Irons.html#ProdInfo

https://www.siegelofca.com/view_cat_product.asp?id=41

Also... why are some pricking irons $175+ and others are around the $40 range (goodsjapan.jp) which is made from high carbon steel.

[gary]

Pricking irons are usually identified by their size (No 8 = 8 stitches per inch). I had a look at the Dixon's site and it does appear confusing as they state teeth per 1.1/2 inches. It's slightly clearer on their 1" irons.

I have found that the difference in price is reflected in the quality. Some years ago I thought I'd give a cheaper pricking iron a try (I think it was an Eastern European manufacturer) and it was a disaster. They may have been made of good quality metal but the teeth were not set an equal distance apart and the angles of the teeth varied. It went in the bin.

Gary

[tonyc1]

Thanks for the reply Tony but since I know very little of pricking irons in general, having never bought one - Dixon is new to me... no link? I did a search just now of course and neither of the two places that I find them at, list the stitch per inch count (unless I've missed it at both places). The two sites are "josephdixon" and the other is "siegel".

http://www.josephdix...s.html#ProdInfo

https://www.siegelof...oduct.asp?id=41

Also... why are some pricking irons $175+ and others are around the $40 range (goodsjapan.jp) which is made from high carbon steel.

You could try this woman. Joanna Flint and her add. is Joanna@leatherandstuff.co.uk

She sells Dixon tools and I've bought a couple of items over the last couple of years and she was the cheapest and quick delivery also.

Tony.

[reddevil76]

Been thinking about buying a pricking iron and since they come in different sizes, I'd like to know which one will coordinate with the various sizes of overstitch wheels? This should be in direct relation to the number of stitches per inch that the overstitch wheel is made for, right? I plan to use the overstitch wheel for going over the top of the stitching after they are completed, to help the general appearance... so, I'm looking for (for instance) "a size no.6 overstitch wheel would have the same stitch per inch as a 2.5mm pricking iron" [which is just a guess and example].

Doug, I use a Goodsjapan pricking iron myself and the holes made does already help align the thread as long as you are consistent with your needle entry. Eg. right needle always before the left or vice versa.

In any case, this stitching method itself also helps to align the thread by making a square knot in every stitch, even for round stitching holes.

Edit: example of my stitching produced by the pricking iron, and the particular method. I hope it is what you are after.

Edited February 8, 2011 by reddevil76

[CustomDoug]

Thanks for the advice you guys, I do appreciate it. Again, I do understand that the overstitch wheel is not necessary to mark holes if using a pricking iron... but it is not uncommon for it to be used as I'm planning, as a final stitch unifier. I actually thought this was how it got it's name. BTW, reddevil76, that's a great looking stitch job I must say!