alpha2 Report post Posted April 9, 2017 Well, I did it. After perusing the sample card, I finally ordered some "other than crap" thread and needles. I'm upgrading my stamps, awls, thread, needles and other misc. stuff. I've used the cheap stuff, "to see if I'm going to stick with this leather thing". If any of you are on the fence about spending what it takes to get quality tools and materials, if you are AT ALL serious, spend the money. "Spend once, cry once". I've got some cheap Tandy stamps, bevelers etc. if you are in the "checking it out stage". I ordered a LOT of misc. sizes and colors of Tiger Thread from Egyptian Leather. I've got a few projects waiting the arrival of the goods. I also ordered some John James harness needles in 4 sizes. Now, for some real leather. I went to the "everything's on sale" weekend at Tandy this weekend, but couldn't pull the trigger on any more abysmal leather. I've done the cheap, getting my feet wet, practice stuff. By the time you eliminate the unusable stuff, what you have left is not enough to make up for the lower cost. Low cost for waste leather is not a bargain. Unless it's for what I used it for, cheap practice while I did some learning and practice. Can't wait for the UPS/USPS/FEDEX delivery! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted April 12, 2017 I use Egyptian for thread also. Just a heads up if you don't but the full spools and get the shorter runs of Tiger they respool and sell. It's on a smaller spool obviously so it can want to twist on you as stitching. Just a heads up. Never had it happen off my full spools just the smaller spools. No fault of Egyptian just the nature of unwinding and rewinding it. I get the full spools when it's a color I know I will be using or can use again. It is .06 a meter for full and .30 a meter for 20 meter spools. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted April 12, 2017 Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking to find out what the sizes look like on my usual projects. I got quite an assortment of sizes and colors to start out, kind of in an investigation phase right now. Then comes the full spools. Jeff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted April 12, 2017 3 hours ago, alpha2 said: Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking to find out what the sizes look like on my usual projects. I got quite an assortment of sizes and colors to start out, kind of in an investigation phase right now. Then comes the full spools. Jeff I just did the same thru Rocky Mountain Leather. The .8 looks good on most stuff. .6 for small stuff and 1.0 for big stuff like holsters. Just my opinion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted April 12, 2017 I agree with Mutt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nrk Report post Posted April 12, 2017 7 hours ago, bikermutt07 said: I just did the same thru Rocky Mountain Leather. The .8 looks good on most stuff. .6 for small stuff and 1.0 for big stuff like holsters. Just my opinion. same here RML is a good supplier. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted April 12, 2017 Sooo, the 1.2 - 1.4 and xxl needle is over the top. Good to know. I'll find a use for it, and update when I do! Thanks, guys. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted April 12, 2017 10 minutes ago, alpha2 said: Sooo, the 1.2 - 1.4 and xxl needle is over the top. Good to know. I'll find a use for it, and update when I do! Thanks, guys. I wouldn't say over the top... I tried some 1.0 with 5mm chisels and it looked good. I would probably use it on a CC or Western rig, or even a big sheath. But again, just opinions here. Some people like their holes a little more stuffed with thread than me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted April 22, 2017 Well, I've finished a checkbook cover with 1.0, and started a belt with 1.0, and keeper with .08mm. I really like the thread. It is "well behaved" for want of a better description. The length of the thread for the belt is quite long, and the thread doesn't twist or tangle, and glides through the leather nicely. I'm still experimenting with stitches per inch and awl sizes for the various thread sizes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted April 22, 2017 Oh, and the tip about the smaller than 500m rolls twisting, I can verify that. I had to stop every and then and strip it off between my fingers and unwind the thread. Not a big deal, but noticeable. All in all, with the belt I just finished, and the checkbook cover that I had to finish for my trophy wife, (was SUPPOSED to be mine), the stitching went very well. Now I have a hand-me-down first attempt checkbook cover for myself, and the aforementioned trophy has the new, improved one. Took her about two seconds to claim the new one. (Happy wife, happy life, though, right?) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted April 22, 2017 I see where I originally said the thread doesn't twist...well, it does, but only after 3/4 or more of the belt. No biggie. My fault I had about one third too much thread. Carry over from THICK holsters, when I didn't have enough thread. Apparently, thin stuff doesn't need near as much thread. Go figure. Live and learn. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted April 23, 2017 There are mathematical equations for figuring out thread length. But I've found 4 times the thread length works. On thin stuf like wallets I do like 3.5 X length. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted April 23, 2017 Good info, thanks Matt! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted June 24, 2017 I just received my second order from John at Egyptian Leather. Fast service, 'cause he upgraded the shipping! I had to build a "thread board" today because my collection of sizes/colors is increasing. It's not like me to be this organized...ask the trophy wife. But, I figured with all the colors, and sizes, I'd better stay ahead of the airplane on this one. I've found that I need more than one SHARP awl at a time. I know, I know, but again, that's just not me. So during down time...aka drying time...I sharpened some more awl sizes. I HATE having to enlarge stitching holes from their original sizes to accommodate the needle/thread sizes. APPARENTLY there's a correlation between awl size and thread/needle size. Go figure. Hey, read my profile..."newbie mistakes". It's what I do. Oh, and get this...the scoundrel...John included a sample of "Egyptian Blue" tiger thread, AND a coupon for 5% off on my next order of 5 bucks or more. Sly devil. I'm wantin' me some Egyptian Blue! Said trophy wife wants to know, "what are you going to use THAT thread color with?" Like that entered into the equation! I WANT it, I NEED it, I'll find a use for it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted June 24, 2017 Blue goes nicely with saddle tan.......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
