Timbo Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Ok, I have reached the point of doing some hand stitching on my first saddle but I am not happy with any of the thread that I have. I am wanting to know what all the saddle makers on here use for hand stitching and what size cord and where do you get it?? My first preference is for linen but I have no idea how many cords I need to use for my saddle. I use some 4 cord for small stuff but don't feel it is heavy enough for this use. I also don't like my nylon as it looks dirty once you pull it tight. I am basically on hold until I figure out what cord or thread to use........and I really want to get my horn cap stitched up!!! Thanks, Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jman Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I use a 6 cord from http://www.mainethread.com/index.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timbo Report post Posted January 13, 2009 It's Maine Threads 4 cord that I use now. How do you keep the white from looking gray after you pull the stitches tight?? Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jwwright Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Timbo, I sometimes use some linen thread I get from Sheridan Leather. I is a very off white or tan color and I like it. Mostly, I use some poly thread I get from Weavers. They sell it in several colors, but I usually use what I think they call "pheasant" color. It is the same color as I run in my machine, so it matches. This poly thread is about the size of 346 thread. Hope this helps. JW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timbo Report post Posted January 13, 2009 (edited) I wish I could buy from Weavers. They have lots of stuff I'd like to buy. What color is pheasant?? Anybody else wanna throw in their .02?? Tim Edited January 13, 2009 by Timbo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Brewer Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Tim.If using linen I use 8 cord for cantle bindings and horns try not sew much rese by hand Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esantoro Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I wish I could buy from Weavers. They have lots of stuff I'd like to buy. What color is pheasant??Anybody else wanna throw in their .02?? Tim Pheasant is a light yellowish straw color, at least the Coats pheasant I get from Ferdco is. I just got in some color swatches from Coats, and I think the industry might be using the same color system, as it seems that color naming and numbering seems similar across manufacturers, at least for Coats and Eddington. Give Ferdco a call. ed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAM Report post Posted January 19, 2009 My first teacher uses (and taught me to use) artificial sinew for horn cap and cantle binding, and I'm about to do a whole saddle with hand-stitching. Your thoughts on sinew? Thumbs up? Down? Why? Julia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites