Glueing Thread Ends

[RiverRat]

Does anyone glue thread ends rather than burn them? What kind of glue do you use?

I have noticed, especially in holsters, lots of makers glue the thread ends, I assume because the burning is only unnoticeable in blacks and dark browns.

Thanks.

[abn]

On all of my projects, I backstitch twice and then use a needle to apply a little bit of Super Glue. (I'm using nylon thread.) In seven years of building personal items, like wallets, that get lots of use, I've never had a stitch come loose. Just don't get messy with the Super Glue... It can be an eyesore if not done carefully!

[Double U Leather]

I've also heard of using clear finger nail polish. I've tried it, and it doesn't do too bad. Do any of you tie the ends of the thread on the underside? Or does the back stitching take care of that?

[abn]

If you backstitch twice and use glue, there's no need for unsightly knots, etc. I'll literally hold forever...

[Double U Leather]

Well thanks for that tip. Those knots do get ugly.

[celticleather]

Have a read through this thread . . .

http://leatherworker...topic=7006&st=0

[NoahL]

Have a read through this thread . . .

http://leatherworker...topic=7006&st=0

I use the same internal knot method as celticleather, I just learned it from a knifemaker instead of a saddler

I will note that I actually backstitch doing these internal knots, and of course then you need to do something with the ends of the thread, as you've mentioned. I melt them on dark leather (which is almost all of what I do) but on natural fibers (they don't melt) or light colored leather I will super glue either with a needle or with a fine-tip applicator.

[RiverRat]

I use the same internal knot method as celticleather, I just learned it from a knifemaker instead of a saddler

I will note that I actually backstitch doing these internal knots, and of course then you need to do something with the ends of the thread, as you've mentioned. I melt them on dark leather (which is almost all of what I do) but on natural fibers (they don't melt) or light colored leather I will super glue either with a needle or with a fine-tip applicator.

Thanks ya'll. I'll try the super glue first.

[RiverRat]

Have a read through this thread . . .

http://leatherworker...topic=7006&st=0

valuable post, thanks much....I'm using the Boss and don't know how it will work for that.......I love the beauty of hand stitching

[ShortBBL]

I tried the GEL Superglue and was not too impressed with it.. it takes 5 minutes to set up!

Do those of you who use Superglue, use gel or the original, just put a drip on??

Another idea I got from my Uncle was to use a fine tipped Soldering Iron! Anyone try that? No flame = No burn!

Edited August 19, 2010 by ShortBBL

[abn]

I use regular old Super Glue and I apply about a quarter-drop to a stitching needle. Then, I very carefully glaze the top of the two backstitches. I find this method a little neater than simply putting a big old unsightly drop on top of the stitches...

[Spinner]

I just started using the 'locking technique" on my backstitches and once yuo get the feel for it, it works really well. On projects that I can get to the back of the stitch run, I'll pull my ends through (basically only doing a 1/2 stitch on the last one) and burn/glue them there so they don't show at all. on pieces where I can't do that, like belts, etc. I use flexible CA glue on a needle like Noah as I can control where it goes better. Nothing sucks more than to plan a small dot and oversqueezing the tube.

I like flexible CA (Cyanoacrylate) glue better than Super Glue or regular CA because it doesn't end up as brittle and will flex with the piece a bit more. The difference between the two is flexible CA has a rubber compound added to it that allows it to be a bit more resilient and doesn't end up becoming as brittle as super glue over time. Cost about the same and is available at most woodworking stores like Rockler & Highland.

[MADMAX22]

I hand stitch with linen thread and use the above back stitching method with the internal knots if you wanna call them that. After backstitching 2 or 3 times I trim the thread as close as possible and then use my stylus to push the ends into the awl hole just a tad. Never use any glue or anything but my stitching has never come loose or unraveled. Granted I have only been doing this for a few years but all my old projects are still holding together just fine. I assume they will for many years to come.