hand sewing and left/right twist

[MADMAX22]

OK so I know you can either get left or right hand twist thread. I assume that with machines there is a reason for choosing either direction but I have no clue as I dont have one.

Now for hand stitching using the saddle stitch with two needles which is the only way I stitch is there a reason for choosing either left or right twist thread. Im guess its probably a pretty easy explanation but I cant seem to figure out how it would matter.

Thanks for the input.

[jimsaddler]

OK so I know you can either get left or right hand twist thread. I assume that with machines there is a reason for choosing either direction but I have no clue as I dont have one.

Now for hand stitching using the saddle stitch with two needles which is the only way I stitch is there a reason for choosing either left or right twist thread. Im guess its probably a pretty easy explanation but I cant seem to figure out how it would matter.

Thanks for the input.

Hi

Simply put. Right Handed Sewers should use Right Hand S Twist and the thread will maintain it's twist as you sew.. If you use Z Left twist it will unravel as you sew. If you're a Lefty use the Z. Have a try and you'll see what happens.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.

[MADMAX22]

Thanks Jim, guess Ill stick with the right hand twist then since Im right handed.

[Rawhide]

I'm right handed and use the Left twist, and I have never had a problem with it unravelling. Left-twist thread is always used in the sewing machine because the action of the stitch-forming mechanism tends to ravel or break right-twist thread. Left- or right-twist thread may be used for hand sewing. I bought left twist in the event I ever wanted to sew with it.

[jimsaddler]

I'm right handed and use the Left twist, and I have never had a problem with it unravelling. Left-twist thread is always used in the sewing machine because the action of the stitch-forming mechanism tends to ravel or break right-twist thread. Left- or right-twist thread may be used for hand sewing. I bought left twist in the event I ever wanted to sew with it.

Hi Rawhide

Please have a close look at your stitch. You'll find that there is a definite tendency to unravel as you stitch with left Hand (Z) for the same reason as Machine sewing. S will lay down better for a Right Hander.

Or you can use Braid which doesn't seem have the problem so much.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.

[Rawhide]

Hi Rawhide Please have a close look at your stitch. You'll find that there is a definite tendency to unravel as you stitch with left Hand (Z) for the same reason as Machine sewing. S will lay down better for a Right Hander. Or you can use Braid which doesn't seem have the problem so much. Kindest Regards. Jim Saddler.

Hmm, I still don't see an unravel. Maybe it's because I stitch with my left needle first, then the right, and I stitch toward me... here's an example...

Edited October 8, 2009 by Rawhide

[katsass]

OK so I know you can either get left or right hand twist thread. I assume that with machines there is a reason for choosing either direction but I have no clue as I dont have one.

Now for hand stitching using the saddle stitch with two needles which is the only way I stitch is there a reason for choosing either left or right twist thread. Im guess its probably a pretty easy explanation but I cant seem to figure out how it would matter.

Thanks for the input.

Maxx, I have never seen a difference when hand stitching (saddle stitch) with any thread. I've been stitching my work for over 40 yrs. and have never had a problem with that. I prefer waxed linnen and try to never have to use more than a single strand of thread on any project. Enclosed are two examples...the holster is a few months old ...the knife sheath is over 20 yrs. old. Mike

[MADMAX22]

Thanks for the input guys. I like handstitching now that I have become more comfortable with it and it suits my needs for what I make. I just never found much info on the differences or why.

Everything shared is very helpful.

Marlon I stitch starting with the right needle first and come towards me, with the face of the project to the right so I am allways going thru the front of it first.

The main reason I asked was Im looking at getting some plain linen thread and wanna try my own wax/rosin mix on it. I really liked the way the waxed linen thread lays and want to experiment further.

That knife sheath looks like it is holding up very well Kat. NIcely done.

[CampbellRandall]

The thread twist is more important for machine sewing than hand sewing. The sewing action by hand is about as simple as you can get, so unless you are doing summersaults while you sew, you shouldn't see much difference between the two types.

Traditional sewing machines (single needle or straight needle and awl) all use left twist thread, as the mechanism is designed to work without the thread unraveling. If you sew with right twist thread in a traditional straight needle machine, it will unravel. The bobbin doesn't mater since the mechanism doesn't have far to travel.

A curved needle machine, as used in a shoe shop, uses right twist. If anybody has taken a close look at these machines, although it is a needle and awl, the mechanism is upside down (needle on top, awl on bottom). So if the machine works in reverse, it make sense that it would take the opposite twist.

[oldtimer]

Hi Rawhide

Please have a close look at your stitch. You'll find that there is a definite tendency to unravel as you stitch with left Hand (Z) for the same reason as Machine sewing. S will lay down better for a Right Hander.

Or you can use Braid which doesn't seem have the problem so much.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.

I use the same thread in my machines as when handsewing, and I have never seen any sign of unraveling. I use Barbours bonded nylon plus a sticky wax - no problem. I think the problem might occur when using linen thread which is poorly waxed, but I have never been up to it - so far.