OutEast Report post Posted April 14, 2010 Greetings all, This past year I picked up a used Classic #9 for a steal and have been sewing holsters fairly well with it. The type of holster I make is typically two layers of 7/8 oz dyed black, and I have, up until now, used 277/207 black bonded nylon thread. I am now making a rough side out pocket holster left natural and have switched over to white thread of the same type and size. The problem I am having is that the top thread is turning gray when the stitch is pulled up and completed. As far as I can tell the stitch remains white until it passes through the needle and into the leather. I checked and ensured that the machine is not excessively oily and that no gunk has built up that may contact the thread. The bottom stitch is nice and bright white. Any suggestions? I apologize if I failed to describe the problem adequately, as I am new to machine stitching. Thanks in advance. Mike, NY Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted April 14, 2010 I've found that white thread, if pulled tightly, becomes transparent or gray in color. This is a good indicator I'm pulling my hand-stitching too tight. I'm not a sewing machine user, but I wonder if your problem relates to your tension setting? I'll let other more knowledgeable members chime in now... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutEast Report post Posted April 15, 2010 I've found that white thread, if pulled tightly, becomes transparent or gray in color. This is a good indicator I'm pulling my hand-stitching too tight. I'm not a sewing machine user, but I wonder if your problem relates to your tension setting? I'll let other more knowledgeable members chime in now... My tension looks and feels right (unchanged from my black thread tension), but what you say makes sense. I will lessen my top tension and see what I get. Thanks abn! Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutEast Report post Posted April 15, 2010 My tension looks and feels right (unchanged from my black thread tension), but what you say makes sense. I will lessen my top tension and see what I get. Thanks abn! Mike I adjusted the tension somewhat but still have the problem. Some of my stitches appear to have stained the leather in some places, as I can see small amounts of gray/black in the stitch holes; which would leave me to believe that it is oil....I just can't figure out from where exactly..... Anyone? Thanks again! Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutEast Report post Posted April 17, 2010 I adjusted the tension somewhat but still have the problem. Some of my stitches appear to have stained the leather in some places, as I can see small amounts of gray/black in the stitch holes; which would leave me to believe that it is oil....I just can't figure out from where exactly..... Anyone? Thanks again! Mike Definately oil. I can't see where I have over oiled, and am having a hard time with this. ANY help would be greatly appreciated, as this is holding up a customer's holster. Thanks again! Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyc1 Report post Posted April 17, 2010 Definately oil. I can't see where I have over oiled, and am having a hard time with this. ANY help would be greatly appreciated, as this is holding up a customer's holster. Thanks again! Mike If it is PLB thread it is probably the lubricant that is used on the thread when it is manufactured. Tony. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted April 17, 2010 Mike, I've referred your thread to our Sewing Machine Moderators. I'm hoping they'll be able to weigh in with some potential solutions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted April 17, 2010 Hi Mike, Just because the bobbin thread is white, doesn't mean the bobbin/shuttle area is clean. The top thread has to make a trip around the whole shuttle to lock the stitch. There is also the trip the top takes through the leather putting some serious rubbing action on the thread, particularly the top. That being said, I ran some 346 through the No.9 (top and bottom) and didn't have the problem, however I was lubing the top thread. Is it possible to switch to another spool, preferably Coats or Linhandl. Run a line of stitching on a different leather also, with all the contact with the leather, the top could be picking something up from the leather itself. The top has a lot more opportunity to pick something up from the leather than the bobbin which basically is just touching the leather once when it is pulled up, the top goes through the leather twice. If your No.9 is clean, I wouldn't expect your problem is there, it is either the thread or the leather. Art Greetings all, This past year I picked up a used Classic #9 for a steal and have been sewing holsters fairly well with it. The type of holster I make is typically two layers of 7/8 oz dyed black, and I have, up until now, used 277/207 black bonded nylon thread. I am now making a rough side out pocket holster left natural and have switched over to white thread of the same type and size. The problem I am having is that the top thread is turning gray when the stitch is pulled up and completed. As far as I can tell the stitch remains white until it passes through the needle and into the leather. I checked and ensured that the machine is not excessively oily and that no gunk has built up that may contact the thread. The bottom stitch is nice and bright white. Any suggestions? I apologize if I failed to describe the problem adequately, as I am new to machine stitching. Thanks in advance. Mike, NY Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutEast Report post Posted April 17, 2010 Hi Mike, Just because the bobbin thread is white, doesn't mean the bobbin/shuttle area is clean. The top thread has to make a trip around the whole shuttle to lock the stitch. There is also the trip the top takes through the leather putting some serious rubbing action on the thread, particularly the top. That being said, I ran some 346 through the No.9 (top and bottom) and didn't have the problem, however I was lubing the top thread. Is it possible to switch to another spool, preferably Coats or Linhandl. Run a line of stitching on a different leather also, with all the contact with the leather, the top could be picking something up from the leather itself. The top has a lot more opportunity to pick something up from the leather than the bobbin which basically is just touching the leather once when it is pulled up, the top goes through the leather twice. If your No.9 is clean, I wouldn't expect your problem is there, it is either the thread or the leather. Art Art, Abn, and Tony, Thanks for the information and suggestions! I, unfortunately only have the one type of white thread on hand. I have run the thread through 2 types of leather and have the same results. I will try and remove most traces of oil and see if that might help. I only say a once over with the cleaning because I can physically see traces of oil around the stitch holes. Could the factory applied thread lube cause that? Sorry for rambling, just need to find a solution rather quickly. Thanks again! Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
