MuddyClearWaters Report post Posted January 5, 2015 I have a pretty annoying problem. I have a few threads that do this. I have a blue that is particularly bad. The thread is dark royal blue on the spool but once it passes through the needle and the leather the thread turns a light baby blue. It's really a dramatic change. My best guess is that the thread is getting abraded and the coating is becoming matte and causing the thread to look lighter. Any ideas on if this is just a cheap thread issue? Or needle is too small? Has any one else seen this happen? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted January 8, 2015 i wonder if abrasion is causing it. i have the same thing happening with tiger thread (yellow) but i noticed that it only happens when i pull the stitch tight. when i pull it tight, the color will lighten up - kind of like a pull up leather does. it's not really a problem for me and i wonder if others notice it. does this sound like the same thing you're experiencing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MuddyClearWaters Report post Posted January 14, 2015 i wonder if abrasion is causing it. i have the same thing happening with tiger thread (yellow) but i noticed that it only happens when i pull the stitch tight. when i pull it tight, the color will lighten up - kind of like a pull up leather does. it's not really a problem for me and i wonder if others notice it. does this sound like the same thing you're experiencing? I'm willing to guess it that and a combination of the tension. It goes all the way to the needle and then changes. I'm debating moving to Poly thread. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tramps Leatherworking Report post Posted January 14, 2015 (edited) That is bizarre, I have used A&E bonded Poly from the thread Exchange for years, and I have never had that problem, not even close... Edited January 14, 2015 by Tramps Leatherworking Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MuddyClearWaters Report post Posted January 25, 2015 I bought poly thread to check out. This is the only thread that does this in my stock… Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 25, 2015 I would have thought that it's more of an issue with either the translucence of the thread to begin with - looks dark when wrapped against more thread, but lighter when not backed up by more of the same color. But, if it doesn't change until after the needle, it sounds like the coloring is in the bonding (presuming you're using bonded nylon) Going through the needle and leather, it's exposed to heat (from friction), and that little bit of heat is causing the color to wash out. If you have the next larger size needle, try sewing the thread with a larger needle. It won't necessarily 'fix' the problem, but it may help narrow down the possibilities. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
