Pancake Holster/belt Rig With Badge Holder For Glock 22

[Leather Bum]

That's a cool-looking holster, gun belt, and badge holder, BanjoMan.

I believe Randy is referring to #277 sewing machine thread; #207 is smaller than #277, and #346 is larger. Check The Thread Exchange for some size comparisons and other information about thread. I was slightly surprised to learn that size #346 (considered a rather heavy thread) is actually smaller than the regular hand-sewing thread I normally use(d) -- which was smaller than what I had been previously using! From what I've gathered, many holster makers, like Randy, do not even always use size #346 for stitching a holster.

[BanjoMan]

Thanks for the clarification, Leather Bum. I need to learn more about thread types. The belt, holster, and badge holder were actually all hand stitched using artificial sinew. I am curious about different thread options for hand stitching, though. I like how the sinew feels, looks, and stitches but I don't know how well it will hold up over time. Is there anything else you would reccomend for hand stitching?

[Leather Bum]

Actually, I haven't even found how to get my hand stitching to look how I would like it to all the time, so I'm not exactly qualified to advise on what's best to use or anything. However, from looking around here, it seems a lot of people like to hand-stitch with linen thread, as Al Stohlman's book The Art of Hand Sewing Leather mentions. Campbell Bosworth sells linen thread, as does Royalwood Ltd.. I haven't ever used linen thread, but other people definitely seem to prefer it to synthetics.

Maine Thread Company sells a good selection both in size and color of waxed polyester cord. It works well, but it has a rough look to it (it's called "cord," after all). I actually prefer the appearance of the twisted strands of machine thread stitching, and since polyester thread is said to be as strong as nylon with superior sunlight resistance, I've been experimenting hand stitching with polyester machine thread. . . This thread is usually bonded (lubricated), so it does not act the same as when hand stitching with regular waxed thread (and when I've tried to apply wax to it, the wax does not stick very well.)

Check this topic for information on hand stitching (scroll down for links to some cutting and stitching articles by The Capgun Kid): Hand Stitching Guide.

Edited December 31, 2010 by Leather Bum

[ramrod]

it looks awesome, banjoman! nice job.

the only thing you might want to think about is to use a larger circumference holder for the badge holder. your stitches are a tad too close to the edge - although there isn't much stress on a badge holder. very nice work altogether.

leatherbum.....i'm like you. i've been stitching with polyester machine thread for a while. it's relatively slippery without wax. (i've bought tandy waxed thread and it was waaay too waxy - clogged up everything.) i bought their 3200 yard spool of machine thread thinking it would work for the machine that i have. nope. too big. so, instead of returning it, i'm using it to stitch with. i like the diameter also.