Tips on finishing up a stitching run?

[esantoro]

Is there a special trick to add to finishing up stitches other than just reversing three or four stitches?

For example, maybe, dabbing the end stitches with beeswax, or a tad contact cement if can be applied inconspicuously?

Ed

[BruceGibson]

That's all I do--I'll backstitch 3-4 stitches if I'm using one of the machines, and usually backstitch 3 if I'm hand-stitching. I don't do anything after I cut off the ends--you could melt them down with a heat source, but it makes the end sharp.

[abn]

Ed, may I ask what prompts your question? Are you worried that the back-stitching won't hold, or do you not like the look of doubled-over stitches?

Just curious, -Alex

[esantoro]

Ed, may I ask what prompts your question? Are you worried that the back-stitching won't hold, or do you not like the look of doubled-over stitches?

Just curious, -Alex

Hi Alex,

I'm a bit worried that the backstitching won't hold, and I've noticed on quality bags from Coach and Hermes that the finished off stitches are much neater. What I don't like is the bit of frayed thread that's left at the end. I'd rather it stay in the hole.

Perhaps my problem is with the quality of thread I'm using, but I'm pretty sure I'm using good quality bonded polyester 207 and 277, though I don't go through thread that quickly , so the 16 oz rolls are staying around a bit.

Good question, Alex.

Ed

[bruce johnson]

Ed,

The thing about them not backstitching or only going back one stitch is the reason I hate family gatherings. Not really, but it always seems that someone has this little Coach whatever that the stitching has come loose, can I fix it? Usally they use such small thread I can't match it and kind of blow it off. I usually backstitch 3-5 stitches or oversew the same. I have tried a few of the thread burners and just cutting. Probably as good a place as any to share the results.

1. Just cutting short with thread snips. usually a tag end, may or may not pull through. What I mostly do on thicker leather.

2. The thread burners that ShopTalk sells. These are battery operated cautery (for surgery) devices. I have used these for field and eye surgery because of the pinpoint tip and the portability. As thread burners - they cut the thread cleanly, and the thin tip can burn the thread off in the needle hole. The tips are very flexible and bend easily. They cut thread clean, and do not leave a knob on the end. Heat up quickly.

3. Wood burning or soldering pen. - These burn threads and generally melt a small knob onto the tip. This resists pull-through. I have found the rounded tips melt the thread down into the needle hole and leave a fairly smooth feel. You can almost weld the tag to the other threads and lock everything. My favorite for a smooth look. Longer to heat up.

4. burn with a match or candle - scorches leather and leaves a globby knob. rougher feel.

[abn]

Ed,

I use waxed nylon thread which is a bit slick, so to make sure the backstitches never come loose, I put about a quarter-drop of Super Glue on a stitching needle and lightly glaze the top of those stitches. That pretty much instantly welds them together, and they'll never come loose.

I figured I'd share this tip in case you're looking for an option other than thread burning.

Good luck, -Alex

[esantoro]

Ed,

I use waxed nylon thread which is a bit slick, so to make sure the backstitches never come loose, I put about a quarter-drop of Super Glue on a stitching needle and lightly glaze the top of those stitches. That pretty much instantly welds them together, and they'll never come loose.

I figured I'd share this tip in case you're looking for an option other than thread burning.

Good luck, -Alex

Great replies. Thanks. I think the super glue is a better idea than contact cement, as it will dry instantly.

[AKRob]

I use a grill igniter lowes 2.95. I first pull the treads to the back of the holster or pouch and nip them short. I just quickly melt the trhead and then touch the hot metal tip of the igniter to the hrad welding it.

When i hand stich, I pull the thread into the seams tie a bowline or granny knot and pull them out of sight then nip the ends. If you carefully hit the knot with a smoth faced hammer you create a durable invisble end.

rob