How Do I Keep My White Thread White?

[Sixer]

Hey guys and gals,

I'm a fan of the contrasting look of white thread on brown leather... How do you guys do it?

In my case, I am using white waxed nylon for stitching my holsters. The stitching is done before the dyeing. When I dye the leather, the thread picks up some of the color as well.

Any ideas on how to keep that thread white ?

[Hilly]

  On 2/5/2010 at 7:36 PM, Sixer said:

Hey guys and gals,

I'm a fan of the contrasting look of white thread on brown leather... How do you guys do it?

In my case, I am using white waxed nylon for stitching my holsters. The stitching is done before the dyeing. When I dye the leather, the thread picks up some of the color as well.

Any ideas on how to keep that thread white ?

I'm not a holster maker, so I'm not familiar with the construction methods most used, but why can't you dye before stitching?

[Sixer]

  On 2/5/2010 at 8:22 PM, Hilly said:

I'm not a holster maker, so I'm not familiar with the construction methods most used, but why can't you dye before stitching?

Well, I guess I could... but from almost everything I've read (online) they recommend the dyeing part comes after the stitching and wet forming. I'm still a newb at this, so I haven't strayed to far from the directions / methods I have read.

I guess there is one good way to find out...

Just try it and see what happens

[Storm]

Here's another approach to consider. Dye the exterior, then sew, then try wet forming and finish the inside. When I do card cases I use this approach and it seems to be OK. Just try the approaches using scrap rather than on a full blown holster. Give you more freedom to experiment and not burn some good leather.

Good luck!

Storm

[Dwight]

  On 2/5/2010 at 9:25 PM, Sixer said:

Well, I guess I could... but from almost everything I've read (online) they recommend the dyeing part comes after the stitching and wet forming. I'm still a newb at this, so I haven't strayed to far from the directions / methods I have read.

I guess there is one good way to find out...

Just try it and see what happens

Sixer, . . . your process is the one I follow. If I wanted a super contrast like that, . . . I would sew it after it was dyed, . . . before the final Resolene treatment.

I use contractor grade contact cement on all my holsters and belts, . . . so I can do anything I want to them, . . . including stitching, . . . anytime after the final molding/boning.

May God bless,

Dwight

[carljc72]

I agree...you have to dye first and then stitch with white thread. I have used white thread on black holsters and it has come out really nice. Your thread on long "runs" (like on a belt) can start to get dirty or dingy looking as you go. At that point, backstitch a few threads and start with a new clean piece. A lot of this has to do with the type of dye and the dyeing method used.

Carl