Hand Stitching with Bonded Nylon

[Hydra]

Hello!

Previously I'd only hand-stitched stuff with waxed thread but decided to try bonded nylon. I like how this project turned out aesthetically, but I have two questions.

1) How do I keep the thread tight? I stitched the bracelet but when I bent it (copper core), the bottom thread appeared loose. Do I just need to try to sew with a lot more tension? Thicker thread, smaller stitch holes? (The thread I used is 277.)

2) Any suggestions for keeping the thread knot from unraveling from the needle? Because the thread is so slippery, it doesn't hold a knot very well, and I constantly have to re-tighten the knot. 

[fredk]

Smaller stitching holes, these keep the thread tighter. Pull each stitch real tight

Have you tried the pierced-thread way of putting your needle on?

[chuck123wapati]

you may have to bend it first too, or your stitches will look loose no matter what thread you use. Once bent it's a shorter distance between each hole than when straight.

so does the copper still work under leather? I hate washing my wrists three times a day lol.

[TomE]

Most of my hand sewing is using #207 bonded nylon that I wax.  If fact, I always re-wax waxed thread before use because the wax is usually dry and flaky.  I use a cobbler's wax that is a mix of beeswax and pine resin.  After waxing I burnish the thread with a piece of heavy brown wrapping paper to even out the wax.