Saddle Stitch: Can Dark Dye Contaminate White Thread?

[Roger J]

Let's say one the made the holes for a saddle stitch, then dyed the leather a dark color, waited a full 24 hours and then proceeded to stitch with white thread...how likely is it that the thread would pick up stain and become "unclean" over a 6" run?

Dying the holes prior to stitching would be an attempt at preventing undyed leather from being apparent.

materials:

-3 layers of 8oz veg glued together (9 mm total)

-white braided polyester thread, waxed with beeswax

[Matt S]

Why don't you make up a sample and find out? It's great practice, costs virtually nothing and will result in an answer that applies to your specific materials and techniques.

[Basically Bob]

I normally dye, condition and finish leather prior to stitching. I have not had a problem with dye bleeding into the thread, but, like Matt, would suggest that you try it first.

[Roger J]

Normally I would have tested it out myself but am running low on leather and a bit pressed for time.

Would I be correct in assuming the dye+finish leather prior to making holes is generally the preferred method?

[Geneva]

Yes, the dye will turn the thread. Dye first, finish stitching.

[tntsl]

If you dye and finish the work piece and then put in the stitch groove and do the stitching, there should be no color bleeding. If you put in the stitch groove first and then dye and stitch, the thread will discolor.

[camano ridge]

Almost all black has rub off. Use a piece of white thread a couple feet long floss each hole befor you stitch it is a little extra work but it should remove any rub off that would contaminate your thread. Just rub the thread back in fourth in each hole until you no longer see any discoloration. should only take a couple of strokes.

[Dwight]

I follow Camano Ridge's idea, . . . but with a twist.

I hate, detest, dislike, abhor, and in general don't want to do ANY hand stitching at all. Hands are for hamburgers, . . . machines are for stitching.

BUT, . . . when I have to, . . . I pull off at least 4 feet too much thread just for this purpose, . . . if the thread is to be white. That way, . . . the first 24 inches of the thread on each needle, . . . picks up the wayward dye, oil, sweat, or whatever other contaminant there is to make my stitches "un-white".

May God bless,

Dwight