Strong, But Thin Hand-Stitching Thread.

[OurJud]

If I wanted a machine-type stitch (thin thread and small stitch) but had to do it by hand because I didn't have a leather sewing machine, how would I go about that?

What's the strongest thread to go for at that size? I'll be using thread the same colour as the leather to help hide it, but I was just wondering how thin thread goes, while still being strong enough for leather products.

[Red Cent]

Confused. When you say leather sewing machine, is that for really thick stuff? I have a machine but I do not use thin thread and not a real small stitch. I use 277 on top and 207 in the bobbin. Look up the size and see if is what you mean.

I use bonded polyester thread.

[Dwight]

If I'm not using my standard 346 thread, . . . the only other one I use at all goes on my other sewing machine, . . . I buy it at JoAnn fabrics, . . . it is called upholstery thread in their store.

It is one strong thread, . . . would do wonderfully for smaller stitches (I do 5 spi with the big machine, . . . about 8 spi with the upholstery thread) if you are sewing by hand.

May God bless,

Dwight

[OurJud]

Sorry to confuse, Red Cent, just a symptom of me being new to all this. I wasn't suggesting leather sewing machines only do small stitches, but that I am hoping to acheive the kind of small stitch that is usually associated with mass-produced, machine-stitched leather goods.

Dwight, thanks very much, I've had a look at some of that upholstery thread at Joann fabrics and I think this is the kind of thing I'm after. Luckily I think my mum has a big bobbin of this stuff, but I just wasn't sure it would be strong enough.

Just to clarify, this is the kind of stitch I'm wanting to achieve

Thanks again to you both.

Edited March 6, 2014 by OurJud

[Chris Hill]

How do you plan on punching your holes to hand stitch with that small of a thread? You might have to work an awl blade down super small; otherwise you're going to wind up with awl holes much much bigger than your thread and it will look bad. Also, finding a stitch marker that small (13-14 spi?) is gonna be tough. Just a few thoughts.

[gary]

OurJud,

I sometimes do 12 or 14 spi. I use 0.4mm Tiger thread and the awl I use is a sharpened (to approximately diamond-shaped) size 3 needle. For needles I use In-betweens. As you're in the UK, Abbey do the thread and the needles. you have to do the awl blade yourself. It's a pain that small and tight.

Gary

[Dwight]

One source for stitch markings might be a hacksaw blade. Many of them have 12 teeth per inch, . . . and other derivitives.

A short piece, . . . maybe 1 inch long, . . . could be affixed to a wooden dowel, . . . and used to mark the stitch placement.

Sometimes you gotta be creative, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

[OurJud]

Thanks everyone - why are things that are worth doing never easy?? Can anyone answer me that?

Gary, what do you use to push your sharpened needle through your leather, a thimble?

Just to pick up on a few more points - sorry if I miss you:

Chris, you ask a good question regarding punching the holes. Typically for me I hadn't thought that far ahead.

gary, I didn't realise Tiger thread came as thin as 0.4mm. I bought some from Ian Atkinson's etsy store last week and opted for the smallest he was offering (0.8mm). I presumed this was as thin as TT came.

Dwight, I like the idea of using a saw blade to mark my stitch holes. I shall investigate further.

Edited March 6, 2014 by OurJud

[gary]

My apologies, it's Ritza, not Tiger - see http://abbeyengland.com/Store/tabid/77/txtSearch/thread/catpageindex/ProductID/68932/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

You can do 12spi with 0.8mm but it will look a bit clunky (IMO).

You use the sharpened needle as an awl blade and fit it into an awl handle. That sort of answers Chris' question too.

Hope that helps.

[OurJud]

Thanks, gary.

[cem]

You can find small stitch marker wheels in fabric stores, my mum uses one for some of the hand stitching she does on her quilts.

[OurJud]

Thanks, cem.