MorningStarL Report post Posted January 19, 2015 I know: it's two topics. I joined last week. I make knife sheaths and since I joined here and started reading, I haven't drilled a hole in a piece of leather to sew through. I'm using 9 - 10 ounce vegtan and by the time there's a front and a back and a welt, there's a good half-inch or more to go through. I've ordered some Bob Douglas awls cuz you guys said they were best. In the meantime I've taken the blade out of a sewing awl and chucked it into the drill press, cuz I never had strong hands anyway and now I have arthritic fingers. That's working out okay. What I've done so far looks MUCH better. But my needles are too big for what I'm doing, and I'm having to pull them through with pliers for every stitch, and back-stitching is almost impossible. I'm going to use up the waxed linen and cotton threads I have before I look at buying more, new, more expensive stuff like Tiger. It sure would help to get better needles though, and I'm asking for advice. And since I'm here, I really love that Old West look like Chuck Burrows does at Wild Rose Trading Company. Lots of fringes there and I've never successfully done fringe. I'd like ideas on that too. When I get the current sheath done, with an iguana skin insert, I'll post it on the Critique My Work forum. You guys rock, and I'm grateful for all the help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tramps Leatherworking Report post Posted January 19, 2015 I use C.S. Osborne harness needles, I have no complaints about them... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MorningStarL Report post Posted January 19, 2015 Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted January 19, 2015 This tutorial on YouTube has advice on choosing leather needles 'Saddle Stitch in Detail' by Armitage Leather Another Armitage tutorial, can't remember which one unfortunately, shows the correct use of pliers for pulling needles Still, Armitage Leather tutorials are useful to watch, it wouldn't be too much of an imposition to watch them all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaw Report post Posted January 19, 2015 (edited) I use John James needles and I have to pull many through with pliers, to do this use pliers that are smooth and pull your needle from the end straight and not the side as you will have a issue with pulling off sided and brake more needles that way. I use #2 an #4 needles for the most part. Edited January 19, 2015 by papaw Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MorningStarL Report post Posted January 19, 2015 Thank you. I've broken more than my share of needles, that's for sure. Is there a place to look that will tell you what size needles for different weights of leather? Oh, Zuludog, I missed the first two lines of your reply. I'll watch the video tonight and maybe I'll find out what I want about needle sizes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
