Single Linen Yarns For Rolling Threads

[Matt S]

In Ron Edwards' books he mentions that most saddlers would roll threads from "best common no2 hemp", and fancier ones from no15. I currently roll from no12 single shoe or some no8 I got hold of. Was no2 really a 2 lea yarn? Seems awfully thick when Edwards mentions using a 6cord in saddlery!

[Les No6]

In Ron Edwards' books he mentions that most saddlers would roll threads from "best common no2 hemp", and fancier ones from no15. I currently roll from no12 single shoe or some no8 I got hold of. Was no2 really a 2 lea yarn? Seems awfully thick when Edwards mentions using a 6cord in saddlery!

Not familiar with Ron Edwards book but if he was including harness then yes we use very heavy threads on collars, never come across no2 though and where did you get the no8 hemp from?

[Matt S]

The specific purpose was using a 6-cord to stitch girth points on Aussie stock saddles, which is certainly where you would want some hefty threads. I calculated the equivalent in no8 (8/24) and rolled it up, and it is insane.

The no8 hemp was from an eBay seller. It's unbleached, unlabelled and dryspun. I'd be happy to set you up with some if you are interested. I'm looking at getting a cop of Thrum from Abbey but I can't find a great deal of info on it.

[Les No6]

The specific purpose was using a 6-cord to stitch girth points on Aussie stock saddles, which is certainly where you would want some hefty threads. I calculated the equivalent in no8 (8/24) and rolled it up, and it is insane.

The no8 hemp was from an eBay seller. It's unbleached, unlabelled and dryspun. I'd be happy to set you up with some if you are interested. I'm looking at getting a cop of Thrum from Abbey but I can't find a great deal of info on it.

Thanks for the offer but its not a colour I use, I don't make many threads only when I want one that I don't have prespun, I get the No12 hemp from Abbey the thrum is basically the same just un dyed don't know what weight the Abbey thrum is. There's quite a few old myths surrounding hand stitching hemp is linen you spin your self thrum is un dyed linen you spin your self. If you like the old leather working books I have some old harness making books in PDF form if you are interested?