Best Thread For Saddle Stitching?

[BanjoMan]

I am fairly new to leatherwork and am mainly focusing on making holsters, wallets, etc. I pretty much have the saddle stitching method down and am happy with the results, but I am wondering if I am using the most durable type of thread for my applications. I am currently using artificial sinew that I purchased from Tandy. Does anyone have any suggestions or input? I like the way the sinew stitches, but I am concerned about how well it will hold up over time.

[Cobra Steve]

I am fairly new to leatherwork and am mainly focusing on making holsters, wallets, etc. I pretty much have the saddle stitching method down and am happy with the results, but I am wondering if I am using the most durable type of thread for my applications. I am currently using artificial sinew that I purchased from Tandy. Does anyone have any suggestions or input? I like the way the sinew stitches, but I am concerned about how well it will hold up over time.

Hi BanjoMan, are you hand stitching, or using a sewing machine? All of my customers use a sewing machine and bonded nylon thread. It is durable, and makes a nice stitch. Thanks, Steve

Edited December 23, 2010 by Cobra Steve

[BanjoMan]

Cobra Steve, I am currently hand stitching and probably will be for a while. At this point, my leatherworking is just a hobby and I don't think I will be able to afford a sewing machine any time soon. I don't mind the handstitching even though it is more time consuming because it makes me appreciate the stitching process just as much as anything else and I enjoy learning how it was done years ago. I would just like to know what type of thread I should be using for items such as holsters, wallets, badge holsters, etc. Things like this will probably be worn on a daily basis and exposed to all kinds of things and I would not want an item to be retired early due to an inferior thread when the leather itself has years of use left. I know they offer several different options in thread for hand stitching, I just need some advice. Thanks!

[Ferg]

Cobra Steve, I am currently hand stitching and probably will be for a while. At this point, my leatherworking is just a hobby and I don't think I will be able to afford a sewing machine any time soon. I don't mind the handstitching even though it is more time consuming because it makes me appreciate the stitching process just as much as anything else and I enjoy learning how it was done years ago. I would just like to know what type of thread I should be using for items such as holsters, wallets, badge holsters, etc. Things like this will probably be worn on a daily basis and exposed to all kinds of things and I would not want an item to be retired early due to an inferior thread when the leather itself has years of use left. I know they offer several different options in thread for hand stitching, I just need some advice. Thanks!

Linen seems to be a favorite among hand stitchers.

ferg

[BanjoMan]

Thanks Ferg! I'll try it out.

Edited December 23, 2010 by BanjoMan

[alb]

My mentor in saddle making used artificial sinew to hand stitch everything. I have had saddles come back into the shop that he built 20 years ago and the stitching looks great. He taught me to coat with beeswax, do a tight twist, then rub with deerskin to create a twisted thread from the sinew before stitching. I have been meaning to find out what the sinew is made from. It certainly is a much more comfortable material to hand stitch with than a waxed nylon or poly. I tend to use linen on things I handstitch, though sometimes go back to the artificial sinew. I would be interested to know the long term durability of the various threads.

Ann

I am fairly new to leatherwork and am mainly focusing on making holsters, wallets, etc. I pretty much have the saddle stitching method down and am happy with the results, but I am wondering if I am using the most durable type of thread for my applications. I am currently using artificial sinew that I purchased from Tandy. Does anyone have any suggestions or input? I like the way the sinew stitches, but I am concerned about how well it will hold up over time.

[BanjoMan]

Thanks for the advice, Ann. That makes me feel better about using artificial sinew. I really like the way it feels and have been very satisfied with my results so far, but I am new to this and none of my projects have been put to the test of time. I just want to be sure that the thread that I'm using is going to hold up. I may still expiriment with different materials such as nylon and linen, but I think I will continue to use sinew as well. Thanks again for the info!

My mentor in saddle making used artificial sinew to hand stitch everything. I have had saddles come back into the shop that he built 20 years ago and the stitching looks great. He taught me to coat with beeswax, do a tight twist, then rub with deerskin to create a twisted thread from the sinew before stitching. I have been meaning to find out what the sinew is made from. It certainly is a much more comfortable material to hand stitch with than a waxed nylon or poly. I tend to use linen on things I handstitch, though sometimes go back to the artificial sinew. I would be interested to know the long term durability of the various threads.

Ann

[seveneves]

I tried some waxed linen from springfield leather and I had it break on me a couple times. Fortunately I also bought some plain waxed thread http://springfieldleather.com/store/product/4851/Thread%2CWax%2CPureWht%2CHeavy%2C50y/. It looks nice and I've never had it break on my no matter how tight I pull. I think most saddle makers use waxed linen thread around the horn and cantle.

[Rayban]

I used to use the artificial sinew all the time until I tried the waxed thread that Tandy sells. I started using that exclusively, except for when I wanted the rustic look, then used the sinew again.

[reddevil76]

I used to use the artificial sinew all the time until I tried the waxed thread that Tandy sells. I started using that exclusively, except for when I wanted the rustic look, then used the sinew again.

Hi Rayban, do you mind sharing which thread is it? I also have Tandy's, but it is the Tejas waxed thread. It is loaded with so much wax that my stitching holes are a mess of wax after that. I've stopped using it after just one project.

[thecraftsman]

I am fairly new to leatherwork and am mainly focusing on making holsters, wallets, etc. I pretty much have the saddle stitching method down and am happy with the results, but I am wondering if I am using the most durable type of thread for my applications. I am currently using artificial sinew that I purchased from Tandy. Does anyone have any suggestions or input? I like the way the sinew stitches, but I am concerned about how well it will hold up over time.

I am also fairly new to leather working and I have also been using artificial sinew. It stiches very nicely. I have seen people's older work, and the sinew holds up very well, not to mention the antique look it gives it. Sinew has been used for centuries where tough strands are required, most notably bowstrings.

[Old Navy]

Hi,I make leather hunting bags .I think you should use Dacron and or Nylon for making holsters.They will hold up better than any natural thread.I have bought a lot of things from these people.They wont cheat you and the price you see has shipping included.Old Navy http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/thread.htm

[JoelR]

Hi,I make leather hunting bags .I think you should use Dacron and or Nylon for making holsters.They will hold up better than any natural thread.I have bought a lot of things from these people.They wont cheat you and the price you see has shipping included.Old Navy http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/thread.htm

Heck, for the convinience of not having to taper my threads any more, I may pick up a bundle or two of their poly hand sewing threads.

[MADMAX22]

I have used several different things but once I ordered some unwaxed linen thread and learned to coat it properly I have really very much enjoyed it. Ive only got a few projects that are a few years old but are holding up very well. I use a rosin bees wax mix and wax the thread myself. It holds really well when threading. I cant imagine linen thread breaking unless it was very thin or something was wrong with it. The stuff I got which is 6 cord is very strong. Its not the only thing to use but I like it and will keep using it more then likely.