Casting Thread--Do You Guys Do It?

[thekid77]

I would just like to know, from a fundamental perspective, is casting the thread over the needle correct when hand stitching?

I am referring to the practice of looping the thread over the needle when pushing it through to the back side of the project...

Stohlman didn't mention it in The Art of Hand Sewing Leather, but I have seen some talk about it...

What do you guys think in terms of advantages/disadvantages?

Edited January 7, 2013 by thekid77

[bruce johnson]

I was taught to do it on heavy leather and just do it out of habit for the little I hand sew anymore. It will really lock down a stitch. On thinner leather sometimes the overhand knot can show to one side or the other and I don't do it then.

[Matt S]

Stohlman didn't mention it in The Art of Hand Sewing Leather, but I have seen some talk about it...

Ah well of course Stohlman didn't mention rosin or pricking irons either!

[thekid77]

Thanks Bruce and Matt for your input, it's much appreciated

[Chavez]

A master saddler taught me to cast the thread (to lock the stitches) but as I do not usually do saddlery/tack work I sometimes forget to cast a few stitches and nothing bad happens.

Just make sure that you don't double loop the thread (I only double loop to lock the backstitch) or cast the wrong way, cause then your stitch will look different from the others.

I never noticed the casting knot showing through the leather, but 3-4oz + 1-2oz is the lightest I've stitched so far.

[thekid77]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience Mr. Chavez =)