Finishing a row of stitching

[Gonnate]

Hi all,

This question shows just how self-taught you can get ... When I get to the end of a seam of saddle stitches I tend to double back down the last hole or two, then tie the 2 ends of thread on the side which won't show so much. It's secure, but looks a bit clumsy.

What's the proper way to do it, please?

Thanks,

Richard.

[tashabear]

Hi all,

This question shows just how self-taught you can get ... When I get to the end of a seam of saddle stitches I tend to double back down the last hole or two, then tie the 2 ends of thread on the side which won't show so much. It's secure, but looks a bit clumsy.

What's the proper way to do it, please?

Thanks,

Richard.

Go back two or three holes and then cut the ends close with a knife. That's what it says to do in the Al Stohlman book on handsewing, and it works quite well.

[Rawhide]

Once you cut the loose ends as close as you can with an x-acto knife or scalpel, you can burn the ends with a lighter. Be careful not to cut the stitch, just the loose end.

[Bree]

Hi all,

This question shows just how self-taught you can get ... When I get to the end of a seam of saddle stitches I tend to double back down the last hole or two, then tie the 2 ends of thread on the side which won't show so much. It's secure, but looks a bit clumsy.

What's the proper way to do it, please?

Thanks,

Richard.

When I'm not using real heavy thread and I have a lot of room, I like to go back 3 and up 1, clip the threads, and then maybe take a needle and run a little bit of FabriTac or even some clear nail polish to the threads I just cut. That helps lock them in and prevents them pulling out and leaving danglers.

I'm not sure that there is any right or wrong way. I used to just go back two like lots of folks do but I changed. Nevertheless, I could easily do back-2 and it wouldn't bother me.

[celticleather]

Give this a try . . . it's the way I was taught by an old-time saddler.

Go back two stitches, as previously suggested, but on the last stitch wrap the loop thread once around the needle before pulling it tight (see pic). This effectively ties a knot inside the hole, and it will never come loose. Trim the ends flush in the usual way.

[TrooperChuck]

I've never seen the "wrap the needle" technique. I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for posting that, Celticleather.

[Rawhide]

Give this a try . . . it's the way I was taught by an old-time saddler.

Go back two stitches, as previously suggested, but on the last stitch wrap the loop thread once around the needle before pulling it tight (see pic). This effectively ties a knot inside the hole, and it will never come loose. Trim the ends flush in the usual way.

That's a great idea. Thanks for the tip. I will incorporate this in my work.

Thanks again.

[Crystal]

Give this a try . . . it's the way I was taught by an old-time saddler.

Go back two stitches, as previously suggested, but on the last stitch wrap the loop thread once around the needle before pulling it tight (see pic). This effectively ties a knot inside the hole, and it will never come loose. Trim the ends flush in the usual way.

Good tip! Thanks!

Crystal

[bruce johnson]

You can also use a fine point soldering iron to trim the tags with. I try to pull both tags to the backside on machine sewing and do that. It burns a little knob on the end that resists pulling back through. Shoptalk sells a little battery operated cautery pen to use as a thread burner. I use them a bit in my other job. It cuts clean and works well but doesn't leave a knob, it tends to cut flush.

I like that wrap the needle too. I had an old Irish harness maker show me that. He wrapped once on every stitch. He put 2-3 on the last couple depending on how thick the leather was. He taught me to tie in buckles, took my awls and made darts from the old ones, rasped my stitching horse jaws to be proper without asking, and we enjoyed a wee bit o' Bushmill's Black. A grand time was had that day....

[Gonnate]

Thanks to all for these replies - I'll try the extra turn round the needle as well.

All good wishes to all,

Richard.