Let's Talk Needles

[Abram]

If this is the wrong place for this then please move it. Also if this has been discussed, I am sure it probably has, then please post a link to the thread.

I am using the stitching needles from Tandy, you know the ones where the eye is oblong and large. I have pretty good results using the 5 cord thread but was wondering if it would be better to get the harness needles as suggested in Al Stohlmans book. Then there would the question of the correct size. For those of you one here that hand stitch your holsters what do you prefer? Again if this has been discussed just point to the thread.

Thank you

[dbusarow]

I know it has been covered elsewhere many times. But it's easier to answer than search for the threads. When hand sewing I use #1 harness needles with 4 cord linen. I'm sure they will work with 5 cord too. It is soooo much easier with these small needles than those huge ones from Tandy. Try it, it's night and day.

http://www.csosborne.com/no517.htm

Dan

[katsass]

If this is the wrong place for this then please move it. Also if this has been discussed, I am sure it probably has, then please post a link to the thread.

I am using the stitching needles from Tandy, you know the ones where the eye is oblong and large. I have pretty good results using the 5 cord thread but was wondering if it would be better to get the harness needles as suggested in Al Stohlmans book. Then there would the question of the correct size. For those of you one here that hand stitch your holsters what do you prefer? Again if this has been discussed just point to the thread.

Thank you

FWIW from the grumpy old guy; I use #1 harness needles with either 5 cord or 7 cord waxed linen thread for holsters. I also firmly believe that if you can pull the thread thru your project by hand ---- the awl used is too damned big or you are somehow making too large a hole.. Mike

[mlapaglia]

I use a #0 or a #1 harness needle with 3-5 ply Irish linen. It works great. you have to prep the thread to get it to thread the needle but the Al Stohlman book tells you how to do that. No disrespect to our resident grumpy old man but, I use an awl that allows me to pull the needle through the leather without pliers. Its just faster and since it is a close fit it still closes up really nice. I sometimes have to pull it with pliers but not often. Its all how you like to do it.

[Abram]

Thanks folks

[steelhawk]

I use the harness needles as well. I tried the large eye ones and they broke too easily. I have only broken one harness needle in over 2 years, and still use some that a year old. They are a little harder to thread, but not that hard if you cut the end at an angle and rub beeswax on it first.

I accidently sat on one and bent it almost double. Not too much pain involved. I straightened it out and used it for two weeks until I could get some more.