Tying thin thread to needles

[Panzerradeo]

Hey all. I'm using size 004 JJ saddlers harness needles and #8 Vinymo MBT thread. Since I can't tie it on like you would ritza25 by piercing the thread (or maybe you can and I'm just awful), I've been using a clinch knot. It works but it doesn't give the smallest knot. Is there a better way?

[tsunkasapa]

I have never tied the thread to the needle. Nor have I ever used the 'pierce' technique. I just thread it and sew with it, never had an issue.

[Panzerradeo]

1 hour ago, tsunkasapa said:

I have never tied the thread to the needle. Nor have I ever used the 'pierce' technique. I just thread it and sew with it, never had an issue.

Not to be rude but how the heck are you able to keep the thread on the needle . Both threads come right off when working at any decent speed. Especially with vinymo MBT because it doesn't have a thick wax coating like tiger thread.

[GatoGordo]

Vinymo thread is twisted. What I do is to give it a little back twist to open the thread and then pierce it just like you do with the Ritza thread.

[Matt S]

 

12 minutes ago, Panzerradeo said:

Not to be rude but how the heck are you able to keep the thread on the needle . Both threads come right off when working at any decent speed. Especially with vinymo MBT because it doesn't have a thick wax coating like tiger thread.

Something I learned from somewhere (probably Nigel Artimage) is not to pull the thread all the way through by the needle. Once you've got about an inch of thread "out the other side" let go of the needle and pinch both threads between your thumb and forefinger, *then* pull. This reduces wear and tear on the thread where it goes through the eye (which with linen can wear out before you run out of thread  ), it gives you finer control over thread tension, and it reduces the tendency for the thread to slip out the eye of the needle.

[tsunkasapa]

19 minutes ago, Panzerradeo said:

Not to be rude but how the heck are you able to keep the thread on the needle . Both threads come right off when working at any decent speed. Especially with vinymo MBT because it doesn't have a thick wax coating like tiger thread.

Well, for one thing, I only sew with linen or hemp. I won't use plastic thread.

[Panzerradeo]

3 minutes ago, Matt S said:

 

Something I learned from somewhere (probably Nigel Artimage) is not to pull the thread all the way through by the needle. Once you've got about an inch of thread "out the other side" let go of the needle and pinch both threads between your thumb and forefinger, *then* pull. This reduces wear and tear on the thread where it goes through the eye (which with linen can wear out before you run out of thread  ), it gives you finer control over thread tension, and it reduces the tendency for the thread to slip out the eye of the needle.

I pull by the thread but when you're using a fine thread like .4 or .5, it can still work it's way out easily. Especially on a long run of stitching. I'm going to try Gatos method. If that doesn't work, I'll give the no tying method a go. I appreciate the ideas to all that answered!

[Matt S]

4 minutes ago, Panzerradeo said:

I pull by the thread but when you're using a fine thread like .4 or .5, it can still work it's way out easily. Especially on a long run of stitching. I'm going to try Gatos method. If that doesn't work, I'll give the no tying method a go. I appreciate the ideas to all that answered!

I would definitely recommend locking the needle onto the thread in that way too if you can, with 1-3 passes though. However if you pinch both bits of thread (the "live end" and the bit between the needle and the leather) right behind the eye it's pretty much impossible for the thread to slip out the eye, locked on or not. You also retain full control of the needle.

[fredk]

8 hours ago, Panzerradeo said:

Hey all. I'm using size 004 JJ saddlers harness needles and #8 Vinymo MBT thread. Since I can't tie it on like you would ritza25 by piercing the thread (or maybe you can and I'm just awful), I've been using a clinch knot. It works but it doesn't give the smallest knot. Is there a better way?

I've had success with thin thread, on short sewing runs, by threading the needle, giving about 2 inches of free length, folding that back on to the main length then rubbing in bees wax and then rolling the needle and thread on the work bench, pressing it together to get one smooth length of coated thread. Takes longer to write this than actually doing it.

btw; If I can I always pierce thread to lock it on a needle. afair I picked that method up from an Al Stohlman book

 

[chrisash]

I just use a long tail which also gives the advantage that there is less thread to pull through at each stitch