Nylon or polyester thread

[ps0303]

I am going to start machine sewing my holsters and I am wondering if I should use nylon or polyester thread.

What are you folks using?

[Cobra Steve]

ps0303, I haven't sold a spool of polyester thread in years. Most everyone uses Bonded Nylon. Thanks, Steve

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

I personally prefer Linhanyl 277 weight bonded nylon top and bottom.

[ps0303]

I personally prefer Linhanyl 277 weight bonded nylon top and bottom.

That's exactly the direction I am headed.. Thanks!

[Shorts]

Nylon

[CampbellRandall]

Nylon

Depends on the machine. Nylon works fine in traditional single needle machines, but I would not use it in a needle and awl machine. Nylon has more stretch in it than polyester, and the tighter tensions on the needle and awl system don't like it.

Edited August 18, 2009 by CampbellRandall

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Depends on the machine. Nylon works fine in traditional single needle machines, but I would not use it in a needle and awl machine. Nylon has more stretch in it than polyester, and the tighter tensions on the needle and awl system don't like it.

I didn't know that. What brand/weight of thread are you running in your needle and awl machines?

I used to want a needle and awl machine after seeing some of the work they produce, but I really like being able to sew through the same stitching holes more than once. I decided that the walking foot single needle machines suit my needs much better, and as long as they are tensioned correctly they produce excellent results as well.

I'm also a big fan of the bonded nylon threads performance, and it isn't as toxic as the polyester if you are melting your thread ends (I know that a lot of folks just snip their threads close anyhow when running the needle and awl machines, so that might not be an issue).

[Shorts]

What are you folks using?

Nylon on my Cobra Class 3. See Steve's reply above.

[CampbellRandall]

I didn't know that. What brand/weight of thread are you running in your needle and awl machines?

I used to want a needle and awl machine after seeing some of the work they produce, but I really like being able to sew through the same stitching holes more than once. I decided that the walking foot single needle machines suit my needs much better, and as long as they are tensioned correctly they produce excellent results as well.

Back stitching isn't a problem on a needle and awl machine.

Most of the leading holster manufacturers use our Campbell machines for their work, and they back stitch the holsters. The only difference is a Campbell dose not have reverse, so you simply lift the foot and restitch over the first few stitches. Cutting the thread shouldn't be a big concern unless the awl is perpendicular to the stitch line. If the awl is set parallel, it shouldn't cut the thread any more than a leather point needle. You can always sew to the side of the previous stitch, and use the same hole. Normally thread sizes 138 to 415 are used, but I have sewn as light as 69 and as heavy as 693. A needle and awl will make a cleaner stitch than a single needle (especially on the bottom), and can pull a much tighter stitch, especially at heavy weights.

[Reichenbach1976]

What nylon thread should I buy for hand stitching with an awl