Needles

[Chris623]

Any recommendations for a good brand of Harness needles for hand stitching?  I had an order in with Fine Leatherworking for a package of their size #1/0 needles, but requested a refund when it had been 18 days since ordering and I'd still not received them.

[Tugadude]

John James harness needles.

[Chris623]

John James was the brand I ordered.  I just now found and placed an order for them with Rocky Mountain Leather Supply.  We'll see if it takes THEM 18 days to get them to me!!!!!

[zuludog]

Yes, John James needles

For the most used diameter of thread, which is 0,6mm synthetic, 18/3 linen or 432 linen in the French system choose John James Saddlers Harness needles product code L3912 size 002. Beware; JJ sizing system is a bit confusing. Make sure you get size 002 and not 2/0

Incidentally, what thread do you use?

RMLS sell the Chinese Yue Fung thread, both linen and synthetic under their own 'Twist' name, and it's excellent

[Chris623]

8 hours ago, zuludog said:

For the most used diameter of thread, which is 0,6mm synthetic, 18/3 linen or 432 linen in the French system choose John James Saddlers Harness needles product code L3912 size 002. Beware; JJ sizing system is a bit confusing. Make sure you get size 002 and not 2/0

Incidentally, what thread do you use?

 

I don't use thread............at this point!  Admittedly I've never done any hand stitching, so I have no idea what thread I'll be using 

I'm trying to get set up to make knife sheaths for the custom knives I make.  Of course my attitude may change, but I really have no plans on making anything else in leather.  One of my friends has told me I needed the size #1/0 harness needles.  I don' know anything about needles other than they have a one point on one end and a slot on the other end for the thread.    He said that's what I needed to do my sheath work.  So I'm assuming he based that size needle on the size of thread I'd be using on sheaths.  I've a WHOLE lot to learn about the craft.  Thanks for the RMLS thread tip.  I'll check that out.

[chuck123wapati]

14 minutes ago, Chris623 said:

I don't use thread............at this point!  Admittedly I've never done any hand stitching, so I have no idea what thread I'll be using 

I'm trying to get set up to make knife sheaths for the custom knives I make.  Of course my attitude may change, but I really have no plans on making anything else in leather.  One of my friends has told me I needed the size #1/0 harness needles.  I don' know anything about needles other than they have a one point on one end and a slot on the other end for the thread.    He said that's what I needed to do my sheath work.  So I'm assuming he based that size needle on the size of thread I'd be using on sheaths.  I've a WHOLE lot to learn about the craft.  Thanks for the RMLS thread tip.  I'll check that out.

lol that's how I started and glad i had my mind fixed so i could change it. Matching holsters, matching belts, it doesn't end.

[Chris623]

Please tell me you are kidding!!!!!   Believe me when I say I was dragged kicking and screaming down this leather working rabbit hole because I "have to make sheaths for my knives".

[zuludog]

Who knows how we settle on a hobby? 

I, too, started with knife making and realised I had better learn to make the sheaths; I think several people on this forum got started that way. At first it was just a means to an end to make the sheaths, but I now also make belts and wallets 

If you do start doing leatherwork you will quickly realise that the same construction techniques - sewing, edge finishing, dyeing etc are used in many items  - belts, sheaths, belt pouches, wallets and so on  And one of the first things you will need to learn is the saddle stitch

YouTube is your friend, Search it for techniques and how to make specific items. In your case knife sheaths, including making a sheath for a round knife, are an obvious choice, but consider others, and watch as many as you have the stamina for. You'll soon see the methods and the tools that are used - you have a whole lot of new jargon to learn; welcome to the fun!

I can recommend these channels - Nigel Armitage.....Ian Atkinson.......J H Leather.......Geordie Leather

Don't be afraid of the suppliers! email or phone them, explain that you're a beginner and what you'd like to do. After all, they know their stock, and it is in their interests to help you

But before you buy anything you might think about asking on this Forum for suggestions and opinions on your possible choices

Edited September 19, 2020 by zuludog

[Frodo]

this just my opinion

buy a set of 4mm  stitching chisels

size lg 000 harness needles   [springfield leather sku- 130-119200]

a roll of 1 mm flat waxed bonded thread

 

[Frodo]