Stitching Unlined Watch Strap

[superpacker]

Making a single piece leather watch strap. Wanted something simple. So the only stitching is to sew the buckle. But what kind of stitch do I use? Also, what size thread and needle? I don't want the row of stitches to loop over the edge, but rather be contained within the edges of the leather, if that makes sense. Usually see it in a row of 4 neat little stitches but no idea how to tie that off either. Thanks for the help!

[superpacker]

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Matt S]

I would use either the saddle stitch or the back stitch. 8 or more SPI. 18/3 linen or a similar-sized braided polyester (0.4 or 0.6mm). You don't tie off stitches, you back-stitch.