1925 Harley JD Seat Restoration

[Irishleather]

I am helping my grandson build his Harley long-nose seat. At this point, he will be stitching by hand, two layers of veg-tanned leather with pre-drilled holes. I'm ready to order the thread. I'm thinking waxed four-ply linen .8 to 1mm? But I'm not finding it where I can get it sooner than next year. And not sure if that thread is the best in this situation.  Any thoughts? 

[Mulesaw]

Strength wise, I think that a braided thread is stronger, but given the age of the motorcycle, I think waxed linen thread is the most correct thread to use.
I would go with a 6 strand waxed linen thread, And I would reapply some wax to the thread once in a while while sewing. Just to make sure that the thread don't start to fray.

It sounds like a great project, I hope you'll share some pictures once it is done.

You could try to ask a shoe repair business or saddle maker if you could buy 10-15 yards of linen thread, (if there is a one of anywere near where you live). That is my best guess for getting hold of something before Christmas.

Brgds
Jonas

[Irishleather]

Thanks! 6-strand linen! OK, this might be a test of his patience.  Here is the frame and the first layer experiment. Found better rivets today, so those will be changed out. 

[Mulesaw]

Looking really good! Here's a similar seat that was fitted with new leather.  It is a project I would really like to try, but I haven't got any bikes with that style of seat. 
My reasoning for 6 strand is that a seat lives a pretty rough life, there is plenty abrasion from the drivers legs and there is sunshine, rain and dust, all which is hard on the stitching.

Brgds

Jonas