Saddle Stitching Long Distances

[lazybum]

Hi

Just wondering, when you guys stitch fairly long distances, like around the border of a wallet, do you break up the stitching or do you do it at one go with a single long thread?

Because my issue with stitching it all at one shot is that the thread needed is incredibly long, hence often getting tangled or caught onto the stuff around me.

[cre8vmynd]

Just pull an arm span worth of thread and sew with that. It's easier to handle and you can always pull your stitches tight without letting go of your needles.

Casey...

[Nutty Saddler]

The longest piece of thread I use is about 3m - anything beyond that gets really difficult

[lazybum]

Just pull an arm span worth of thread and sew with that. It's easier to handle and you can always pull your stitches tight without letting go of your needles.

Casey...

So you break up the stitching when you require more than an arm span worth of thread? My concern with breaking up the stitching was that it might not look as neat since there will be more back stitches along the stitch line. Maybe im just being too picky

[RobDude30]

The "correct way" (if there is such a thing) according to the Stohlman book and other old timers is to keep the thread no longer than 6' which would be roughly your arm's reach when sewing. However, I like to cut my thread long enough to do the entire project because I don't like the look you get when having to start a new piece in the middle of a project. As a rule of thumb, I measure the running length of the section I want to sew, and cut my thread a little more than 4 times the length of that measurement. On longer items, such as belts, tangling can be a problem, but I usually sew standing at my workbench and just let the excess thread hang to the floor. I have also heard of folks saying that very long lengths of thread can get worn when pulling through so many holes, but in my experience the only sections that get really worn are the ends where you are handling them. This part usually gets cut off and thrown in the trash anyway. YMMV.

[lazybum]

Yeap the thing about the thread getting worn was also an issue that I was thinking about. But you're right that the damage done is usually negligible except at the ends near the needles. However, I do notice that for white thread, they do become dirtier looking towards the end of your stitching if you do it at one go!

Anyway thanks for the input! That was just about the answer that I was looking for

Edited January 30, 2011 by lazybum

[katsass]

Hi

Just wondering, when you guys stitch fairly long distances, like around the border of a wallet, do you break up the stitching or do you do it at one go with a single long thread?

Because my issue with stitching it all at one shot is that the thread needed is incredibly long, hence often getting tangled or caught onto the stuff around me.

Well, from the grumpy old man. I make all of my contemporary holsters (that excludes historically accurate ones) with two layers of leather. They are bonded with their flesh sides together and that necessitates stitching around all edges. I generally accomplish this in two stages, first, the upper portion and integral belt loop, and second, the toe and main welt. (most of my holsters are open toed) Each section usually will require about 5 to 6 feet of thread.....sometimes a bit more. Certain styles, however, must be broken up into a few more sections...such as an Avenger style holster. All I find that is needed is to rewax fairly often. Mike

[Kevin]

I'm a single span kind of a guy, with practice you can keep things clean and figure out how to not have to double sew and not have things come unraveled.

You can sew with longer thread, just don't put your needles all the way out on the end of the thread and keep them moving out as you go along (don't pierce the thread with the needles).

Good luck,

Kevin

[woodandsteel]

I'm a single span kind of a guy, with practice you can keep things clean and figure out how to not have to double sew and not have things come unraveled.

You can sew with longer thread, just don't put your needles all the way out on the end of the thread and keep them moving out as you go along (don't pierce the thread with the needles).

Good luck,

Kevin

I like this idea, in theory. But doesn't it get tight with four lengths of thread squeezing through a hole at a time?

Edited August 7, 2011 by woodandsteel

[Kevin]

No, you only have three. You just have to have large enough holes, they don't look bad. When I started out, I used the smallest needles and holes I could get by with and fought all the time. Now I go with whatever works easiest and it actually looks better. I work with a lady that's always trying to force stuff and bending needles and in a big hurry and it shows in the end. (I Love you Janet!)

I've only used the doubled up thread method a couple of times, I usually just use a single span, end it with a double crossover pulled good and tight, start the new thread for a few stitches THEN go back and cut the old thread off. It's not coming out unless it's in a bad spot or somebody picks it out a'purpose.

Kevin