5 SPI vs. 6 SPI... your thoughts?

[wizard of tragacanth]

I have always made my holsters with 6spi spacing and Tandy waxed linen thread. A couple of weeks ago, I got a wild hair and thought that I would like to try 5spi with 1mm thread.

I got some 5spi irons and some Maine thread, size 0.040 (1.02mm). Used that on the BTB holster. Thread used on Avenger is my usual Tandy waxed linen, unknown size but smaller than 1.02mm. 

I'm thinking that the 1mm thread is looking chunky and I thought that's what I wanted but now, I'm not so sure. What do you think?

I could try a smaller thread with 5spi and that may work better.

A couple of comments about this little experiment. I really like the Maine thread for its' lower wax, better uniformity and overall handling. I absolutely love my new Crimson Hide Japanese irons for their super polished tapered tines. The 5 tine iron came out of the leather like a dream.

These are both prototype holsters, made from cheap Tandy shoulder. Not the prettiest. The Avenger is Fiebing's Pro Dye, Mahogany, and the BTB was hot wax dipped.

Maine Thread has free shipping for orders over $50. I went overboard, like I do on everything. Red, Black, Blue, and four colors of brown. I do not work for Maine Thread : )

What are you thoughts? Is 5spi and 1mm thread too chunky?

 

Nick

[dikman]

It does look pretty "chunky" but it is a small holster, which probably accentuates the look. Mind you, some people will probably like that look.

[fredk]

The thread does look over large. I would drop to about 0.6mm flat thread or 0.8mm flat at most. And tamp it down using a small rubber head mallet

[Yellowhousejake]

I think the thread is too large if you think it looks chunky. I use 4mm stitching irons, a bargin set of Aiskaer for diamond holes and a set of 4mm Sinabroks when I have room for a very obvious stitchline. I use 1 mm Ritza thread and it does not look that big. You could drop down to a .6 Maine thread and I think it would look less bulky and appear "tighter". 

DAve