Ripped Lacing Holes

[fredk]

I've noticed that Tandy kits don't seem to give you the bast of anything but charge you top dollar for it.

I have several types and sizes of threads. Currently two of my general purpose threads are 1mm and 0.65mm. Both are pre-waxed and flat in section. I buy my thread from Chinese sellers on ebay. Example below, most of these sellers can supply thread in different colours ~ I have threads in Brown, black, yellow, red, blue, purple et cetera. I like this thread as it is a. prewaxed, b. it lays down nicely when pulled tight

example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260M-150D-1MM-Leather-Sewing-Waxed-Wax-Thread-Hand-needle-Cord-Craft-DIY-Ne-P9N1/143168155306

I have to import all of my leather work supplies. The thread order usually takes 10 to 20 days to arrive with me so I order well in advance of need, ie I keep a stock in hand

I think for what you are doing and to suit your chisels 1mm thread is required. With pre-made holes, eg punched with chisels or made with a sewing awl you need Saddlers Harness needles. For 1mm thread I use John James size 2/0 or 1/0 Harness needles. For 0.65mm thread I use JJ size 4 .

When sewing soft leather and I don't pre-punch holes Glover's needles are needed.  For 1mm thread I use John James size  001 or Osborne 17 gauge, for 0.65mm thread I use JJ size 2

It was all trial and error for me too. I started with the small 'leather' needles in general purpose needle packs and a couple of very large spools [about 1500m each] of waxed Barbour thread I was given. [I still have some of those spools!]

Others may chip in here and give their advice

 

[Rockoboy]

I use John James size 2 needles (not the larger 2/0) for a lot of my hand-stitching where I use 1.0mm Tiger thread or the Chinese variant.

When I am using 0.65mm Tiger thread, I try to use a smaller needle size, but the eye of the needle is quite often difficult to thread. Sometimes I need to use a smear of beeswax to sort out the end of the thread so I can thread the needle.

Sometimes I need to use pliers to pull the needle through, but it's usually only a few holes, then a few are OK, then pliers again for a few.

Ohh yeah ... I forgot to mention your belt. It's looking pretty good for a 1st project, despite your troubles with thread size, stitching chisels etc. Keep at it, you will get it happening, as you improve with each project.

Edited September 2, 2019 by Rockoboy
forgot the belt

[CrazyC]

Thanks, guys!  That’s really helpful. This thread looked stark white until I started working it. Now it’s dingy (and I don’t know why...maybe picking up dye from the leather?), so I’m ready to throw it out!

[Rockoboy]

19 minutes ago, CrazyC said:

This thread looked stark white until I started working it

I always use an extra couple feet of thread, so the 1st couple of feet through the hole can get dirty as it scours out the hole, but the thread in the project (hopefully) stays clean.

I have seen somebody here on LW.net suggest running a thread through holes to clean out dye or gunk.

[CrazyC]

Good to know. I’m glad I tried this thread on this “practice” piece.  Up until now I’ve used black and brown threads, so I never considered that I could have a problem. 

[mikesc]

If you are on a phone..email the picture to yourself, that shrinks it to a size that you can upload to here.

[fredk]

2 hours ago, CrazyC said:

Thanks, guys!  That’s really helpful. This thread looked stark white until I started working it. Now it’s dingy (and I don’t know why...maybe picking up dye from the leather?), so I’m ready to throw it out!

Thats why I keep clear of white thread, 

could I ask, for you to put your locality in your 'profile? that way when we give any advice, especially on purchasing, we can be more specific for you and your area

Edited September 2, 2019 by fredk

[Northmount]

9 hours ago, CrazyC said:

I’m on my phone, so I just cropped it

Tom