Needle Shredding Backstitch On Backside...

[Steve W]

Hi Folks, I'm running what looks like a diamond point size 200 needle, the one that came set up on my Cobra 4, with size 277 bonded polyester thread. On my back stitches, the needle cuts or shreds the stitches on the back side. The backside ends up looking frayed and, well, bad. Can anybody suggest technique(s) for avoiding this? Do you try to shift the leather sideways so that the needle drops to one side of the thread that's in place already? Should I try a different needle point shape?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[Wizcrafts]

Yeah, diamond or triangle shaped needles do tend to do that when backtacking, or even forward tacking over previous stitches. Do try sewing on the side of the previous stitches, if you can. In the meantime, order S point needles as soon as possible.

[JLSleather]

What's a "S" point, the round?

[Steve W]

Thanks, Wiz. I appreciate your thoughts. I have some Organ needles that don't seem as "aggressively" shaped as the D point 200 size needle that I have. It doesn't have any manufacturer's mark on it. My impression is that it makes pretty nasty shaped holes.

I understand that different point shapes also affect stitch alignment. This one makes staggered stitches that are slightly diagonal across the centerline of the stitches. Do the S point needles make stitches that are parallel with the stitch line? Are you aware of any needle point guides that illustrate stitch pattern relative to needle point shape?

I seem to remember from other posts that you prefer Schmetz needles because they loop better in both directions. Still true?

Thanks again!

Steve

[Steve W]

I love the internet!

I just found the Schmetz guide to leather cutting point needles that illustrates stitch appearance. Very helpful!

http://www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/leather-needles.pdf

Cheers!

Steve

[leatherjo]

Is this what you are looking for? Hope it helps.Needles and stitch type.pdf

[Steve W]

Nice! Thanks Leatherjo! That's a good one too. Do you have a favorite needle?

Steve

[leatherjo]

Not yet. I'm a complete newbie. I'm still reading and putting together a list of suppliers. It's going to be 6-months to a year before I can even get a machine and start sewing.

[neelsaddlery]

One other suggestion --- try a bonded nylon thread. I have found the nylon to be more resistant to fraying and a generally tougher thread. I use diamond point needles on all my machines and have not had this problem.

Make sure also needle is fresh....no burrs.

Make sure you are using right size needle and thread as well.