Hand Stitching With White Thread

[Suicide]

Hi guys!

I have annoying problem with white color thread.

Stitch starts as white, then tend to change its color.

First I thought it is picking up a dye, but stitching latest project i had just plain natural veg tanned item and was ending up with grayish or completely grey thread after about 10-15 cm from each starting point.

I dunno.... Hands are clean, awl is clean and waxed periodically, wax is clean white.

Any tips how to keep white waxed thread WHITE while stitching? or it is not feasible in a real life?

Cheers!

[soccerdad]

Not saying this is an issue for you ... but I sweep up before hand stitching on runs long enough that the thread hits the floor. Otherwise, thread picks up enough flecks of who-knows-what to dull white thread a little. Even with the sweeping, the white never seems pristine by the time I'm done. In general, I doubt a client would notice, but they are paying for our obcessiveness, after all. Would love to hear how others handle this.

[TinkerTailor]

I switched to natural because it hides dirt better.

I hate white thread.

[rmr]

I see the same- Im guessing as its passed through the leather multiple times- it starts to pick up some of the dye, or even oils/waxes in the leather and starts to discolor. Switch to an off white and it will not be noticeable

RMR

[Suicide]

thanks for all your feedback, guys!

Unfortunately switching to off white often is not an option because cutomer just want it white

All I can say it is not a dye residiques (coz I tried undyed leather), not hitting a floor with thread (usually I'm not using thread longer than 1,5-2 m). Actually such short pieces make things even worse - if stitching line is long enough you can see on the finished project set of intervals starting with pure white color and then became grey after some distance, then same starts over and over

I suspect it might be sort of chemicals they used for tanning a leather there.

I can not be sure however coz I always use the only the same leather comes from Tandy (can not say it has a great quality but it is easiest to get here), have not tried other manufacturers yet.

Cheers!

[rickdroid]

PM sent.

rick

[Suicide]

Thanks, Rick!

And sorry guys forgot to mention I am using Tandy http://www.tandyleather.eu/en/product/waxed-linen-thread-25-yds

There is no white available now (may be by reason??), but mine white was stocked up here couple of years ago.

[rickdroid]

Let us know if that other thread helps any.

[Ole South]

Try using a bone awl as a test. The steel awl blade may be leaving metal in the stitch slot as it does when you polish it and then that transfers to the wax in the thread.

[Suicide]

Try using a bone awl as a test. The steel awl blade may be leaving metal in the stitch slot as it does when you polish it and then that transfers to the wax in the thread.

Good catch! I'll give it a shot, thanks!