wearthefoxhat Report post Posted October 4, 2013 I am about to do my first leather sew on a knife pouch I have made and was wondering how much thread would I take off the spool? Is there any rule of thumb you guys use like 3 or 4 times the length of the area to be sewed. My biggest fear is not cutting a length long enough... cheers and thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WyomingSlick Report post Posted October 4, 2013 First of all, thread is relatively cheap, so you shouldn't worry about some waste the first few times you sew something. It's better to have too much than have to end one piece and start another. On the other hand, if you have a long distance to sew, you don't want to be pulling a bunch of thread through the holes for every stitch - that will extend your stitching time unreasonably. How much thread will be required depends on the thickness that you are sewing and how many stitches per inch you are using. On sommething like a knife sheath, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to use just one piece to do the job. Just measure the length of the stitching line. Add to that the number of holes time the thickness of your sheath. Now add eight inches for working room, and double the whole thing for your total length. Remember to keep the thread waxed so that your thread will not fray while pulling through the holes and end up looking "ratty" ! Sewing leather is just like any other leatherworking skill. It is best learned by doing it, critically evaluating the results, and striving to improve your work. I really do suggest that you get and study Al Stohlman's book on the subject. It is the most comprehensive work I know of for the beginner. Then I would suggest his 3 volumes on making leather cases for more advanced work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy I Report post Posted October 4, 2013 I use 4.5 to 5 times the length of my stitch line. This has worked out will for me using a saddle stitch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted October 4, 2013 As wyomingslick says, for a knife sheath, should be able to do it with no joins. However on longer stitch lines, you will need to learn how to join. Not only does it take you longer to pull all the thread through each stitch, but the thread starts to look kind of ratty after a while. I second Al Stohlman's books. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wearthefoxhat Report post Posted October 7, 2013 Thanks for the good advice everyone. I finished my knife pouch and was pleased with how it turned out but I have a few improvements that need to be made on the next one. I am really enjoying the new learning experience. Cheers all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
