What Kind Of Thread?

[l2bravo]

I am a newb, but learning faily quick. One thing I am really confused on, is therad. I am hand stitching, oil and veg, from 4-10 oz. I have been using some waxed cord from Tandy, and really like it, but have used some of the standard waxed from them as well.

What kind of thread does everybody use? There are endless sizes, and types. I guess waxed is the way to go. But is nylon the best? What else is there? I also see sizes 207, 415, and 554.

Where are you guys getting your thread at?

I apologize in advance for all the questions, but appreciate any help I can get. Thanks, Josh

[smirak]

I just started leatherworking, so take my "advice" with a grain of salt. I saw everyone on hear talking about tiger thread and figured I'd give that a shot. Got it at Rocky Mountain Leather (google search). It's a braided polyester, waxed thread that comes in 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6 mm sizes (maybe more/less, but I think that's right). It comes in a variety of colors and I like it a lot.

[oldhat]

Hello Bravo12,it is always hard when you start out knowing which is the right way to go, you asked if nylon is best, well that depends on your point of view. Many leatherworkers use nylon thread like tiger which to be more correct is actually polyester but that is nitpicking, however some leathercraftsmen would prefer to use linen as it is more traditional. I think most people would agree that tiger thread is the strongest but if you are trying to make historical re enactment pieces you might prefer to go for something more authentic, There really is no right or wrong. You do not say what kind of leather items you are making so it might help a bit if you did that. As for size i find 1mm waxed poly thread fine for most projects but might go for 0.8mm if i was wanting some finer stitching.If you want my advice i would start with buying some 1mm tiger thread, you can buy small quantities of some ebay sellers to let you give it a try without buying a full roll straight out.Also check out you tube for Nigel Armitages videos on sewing where he gives advice on types of thread and techniques and also Ian Atkinson has a video on sewing where he discusses different types of thread.Hope i have been some help.

[Art]

I use Barbour's thread in my Campbell machine and find it works quite well for hand sewing. I use left hand only because it works in the Campbell machines, I have right twist 8 cord for use in the two Landis 12s (one black thread, one white). Twist doesn't matter for hand sewing. The linen thread also takes dye well, the polyester not so much, hence all the colors. Rocky Mountain carries Ritza Polyester Thread in small quantities which are not a good deal in the long run, but nonetheless reasonably priced in 25 meter lengths. Allows you to use many colors without going to the bank for a loan. They also carry a waxed linen thread that I have not tried, Waxed linen does not take dye well either.

Rocky Mountain has John James Harness Needles, and Campbell has C.S. Osborne Harness Needles, both are quite good and I use whichever I have.

Art

[l2bravo]

Thanks guys for the ideas. I have read about Tiger, and am going to call Rocky mt. and order some.

Art, are the John James needles really good? Will I notice a difference? Thanks again guys, I really appreciate it.

[oldhat]

Sorry to jump in i know you asked Art, but i use nothing but John James needles, also this is something Nigel talks about in his videos, i like the number 002 harness needles, not to be confused with number 2 needles which are much bigger, again check out Nigels sewing videos for advice on this.

[l2bravo]

Hey Oldhat, no need to be sorry! I only asked Art, because he mentioned them. Thank you for letting me know, I will be sure to pick some up, and give them a try, along with the Tiger.

[Art]

Bravo,

For years I used C.S. Osborne which are just fine, and before that Whatever Tandy sold (the old tandy you could get good stuff at), which was probably CSO. Tandy always had the size 000 that you could use thread to tie up the Queen Mary with. I started with the JJ needles and they are pretty good, as good or better than CSO. If you get a pack of 2s then 0s and then 4s, you will cover all your bases. I still use CSO Glovers (curved) needles as they are the only ones I have found that I like.

Everyone knows I am a sewing machine kind of guy, but when doing bags and other things that are difficult, it is so much easier sometimes to just grab an awl and a needle and thread and do the work in some hard to get at place. So don't convert over to machine until you can handsew pretty well.

Art