Sewing Biothane

[Parott1]

I plan on making heavy duty dog leashes and harnesses out of biothane. I've read a few threads About it being a pain to work with... Does anyone have a recommendation on what size thread to use and what size needle to use? Thank you

[Colt W Knight]

I just finished making 30 GPS tracking collars for cattle out of booths new material. I used #138 thread and had to sew with a needle 2 sizes larger than normal to get it to pull the knot up through.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Yes it is a pain to work with and I despise the stuff. However, it seems to be here to stay. Colt is correct, you have to use a needle two sizes larger than you would for leather. And use a leather point needle, not a nylon point. Even with everything set up right, it is impossible to get a good-looking stitch on that stuff, It is absolutely horrid. Beta is a little less horrid to work with, but nearly as durable as the Biothane.

[Parott1]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I'll be using the beta, not the regular biothane.  Is it necessary to melt the ends of the thread once snipped?

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

I always melt the ends of the thread whether sewing leather, beta, biothane or nylon. You will also want to melt any holes that you punch, as well as the cut ends. Be careful, the smoke is said to be toxic and they put warnings right in the packaging.  Yet another reason why I much prefer working with leather. There is some labor saved using the synthetics by not having to dye edges and you just unroll the stuff off the roll, very little to no waste, but unless you have a hot knife/punch setup, you will spend a lot of time sealing by hand.  I get cranky when I have to make something out of the stuff.

[Colt W Knight]

I also always melt thread ends, and yes the smoke from melting that stuff is super nasty. I where a double cartridge respirator when I burning holes or ends.