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

 

[wizard of tragacanth]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes, it is a small holster, and proportion does make a difference, And yes, some people would actually really like that look. I don't hate it but I think for my next project, I will try 0.8mm or 0.85, with the 5spi irons I tried Ritza on one project in the past and seem to remember that it is essentially a hollow tube that lays very flat and that did not appeal to me. I prefer the twisted cord "rope" look.

Dave... beautiful work... My next project is a holster for my Kimber K6s DASA 3", so I can relate to snubbies.

[Stetson912]

Looks a bit chunky to me. I think it's cuz your leather is a bit on the thinner side. The second photo looks like your holes are getting blown out too, which can happen with improper needle feeding or overly large thread or dull stitching chisels. Thicker leather will allow you to seat your stitches better with more tension. I'd try .8mm or .7mm and see how that works for you.

[wizard of tragacanth]

Thanks Stetson912. I will heed your advice.

Yes, the leather is a thin 6/7.

The "blown out" holes were done with my old Tandy irons. The tines are not tapered, so it is not possible to make smaller holes. That's why I got new irons. Next purchase will be 7/8 or 8/9 leather.

I think .8mm thread would be a good move as well.

Edited August 6 by wizard of tragacanth

[JLSleather]

As a rule, I like 6 spi.  Prolly just preference, though the rule is - thicker leather, heavier thread and wider spacing.  Awls are generally tapered, so with heavy leather, pushing through all that may result in holes bigger than a guy wanted ...
Adjust that 'rule' with the function of the equipment (have to have a reasonable breaking strength) and the cosmetics (I like the hole FILLED IN with the thread completely and TIGHT).
Again, thinner leather, smaller thread and tighter spacing.  It's a 'rule'.  Understandably, there may be times a guy wants to alter that for whatever reason ... keepin in mind nobody wants to step into a saddle using fenders sewn with 138 thread... and a holster for a snubby will look ridiculous with 346 weight (though it will certainly hold).
And, then - just when you thought it was safe to go back in the questions... there's that lady from VA who wants it strong but still "pretty".... so you adjust as needed ...

Some folk want thre thread to shock ...

 And others want the thread to 'disappear"....