Stitching

[zuludog]

Here's something you should know about Tandy stitching chisels- 

For most diamond stitching chisels the spacing is measured by the distance between the points, and the Tandy Craftool Pro chisels with the flat handles and silver/metallic finish, item code 88057 are like this

But Tandy Craftool with the round handles and black finish, item code 88046 are measured between the sides of the prongs, which means that the distance between the points is bigger; I've just measured my 88046 - 02 & - 04 and I reckon the distance between the points is 5,5mm, so you could improve your stitching by getting chisels that are actually 4mm between the points

For 4mm spacing I use John James saddler's harness needles item code L3912 size 002 and 0,6mm dia thread. Hmmmm..... you might also try better quality thread. It's not so easy to see from the picture, but your thread looks a bit rougher than that shown by GatorGordo

Ritza  25  and Twist synthetic are good threads; they, and the needles are available from  Leathercraft Supplies – Rocky Mountain Leather Supply (rmleathersupply.com) 

 

Edited February 21, 2022 by zuludog

[Selvune]

20 minutes ago, zuludog said:

Here's something you should know about Tandy stitching chisels- 

For most diamond stitching chisels the spacing is measured by the distance between the points, and the Tandy Craftool Pro chisels with the flat handles and silver/metallic finish, item code 88057 are like this

But Tandy Craftool with the round handles and black finish, item code 88046 are measured between the sides of the prongs, which means that the distance between the points is bigger; I've just measured my 88046 - 02 & - 04 and I reckon the distance between the points is 5,5mm, so you could improve your stitching by getting chisels that are actually 4mm between the points

For 4mm spacing I use John James saddler's harness needles item code L3912 size 002 and 0,6mm dia thread. Hmmmm..... you might also try better quality thread. It's not so easy to see from the picture, but your thread looks a bit rougher than that shown by GatorGordo

Ritza  25  and Twist synthetic are good threads; they, and the needles are available from  Leathercraft Supplies – Rocky Mountain Leather Supply (rmleathersupply.com) 

 

Thanks for the information.  I had done research before buying anything but didn't trust my judgement, so I went to the Tandy store and asked for help and that is what they suggested I get.  The thread is also Tandy thread.  With just starting, he suggested the inexpensive thread and said once I get good (or stick with the hobby), he would suggest getting a better quality thread.  I am going to keep practicing with what I have today and when it runs out, definately get a better thread and will look into different chisels.  Thank you again.,

[Tugadude]

The spacing on the irons the OP bought is too wide for many leather items in my opinion.  I bought the same irons shortly after I began leatherworking and I didn't like the result.  I don't really use them at all anymore but I might consider using them on the inside of a turned bag or something, but not on anything where the stitching is going to be visible.  Even when you do achieve a slant the stitches aren't attractive (to me!).  Others might not feel the same.

Tandy sells several different irons.  I've gotten good results from their fine diamond pro chisels.  They have a 2.5, which is good for watch straps and wallets and a 3.0 and 3.5 which I like for bags and briefcases.

 

 

[Tugadude]

Here's a thread I started about the irons I mentioned.  Someone shows a 4.0mm diamond chisel stitch in the thread.  It is an example of what I'm talking about.  They achieved a nice slant to the stitches but in my opinion they are simply too long.

 

[zuludog]

We have all worked out our own preferences and what suits us, and we could go on & on, but that's what forums are for. I use -

For wallets - Tandy Craftool Pro chisels, 3,5mm spacing; John James L3912 size 004 needles; 0,38 to 0,45mm thread

For belts & pouches  & small to medium knife sheaths- Seiwa Diamond/Japanese style chisels 4mm spacing; JJ L3912 size 002 needles; 0,6mm thread

For axe covers and medium to large knife sheaths - Craftool stitching chisels '4mm spacing' = 5,5mm ;  sometimes JJ L3912 size 002 needles & 0,6mm thread; sometimes Tandy 'Big Eye' needles item code 1195 & 0,8mm thread. This shows the choice is not fixed, there is some variation in what is a medium knife sheath, thread & needles used, depending on what I think is best at the time

Here are some low cost suggestions - RMLS have short lengths of Ritza 25 0,6mm thread at a reasonable price

Perhaps someone in the USA can suggest a supplier for reasonably priced stitching chisels with a genuine 4mm spacing

Polish the prongs of your chisels with  a homemade polisher made by gluing fine wet & dry or abrasive paper to a lollipop stick. Say grits 500 to 1,000 in a couple of increments; there are You Tube videos. 

Rub the prongs on beeswax as you use the chisels to lubricate them and use a small block of wood to hold down the leather as you pull them out; this will reduce distortion of the leather around the holes. Just a thought.... have you waxed the thread before sewing? 

 

Edited February 21, 2022 by zuludog

[GatoGordo]

While talk of chisels and threads is fun, it is not applicable to the OP's question. He needs to develop his stitching technique and his current thread and chisel set is just fine for that. Once he develops some skill, I am sure he will also develop a sense as to what type of stitching appeals to him whether it be long or short stitches, diamond, French, or round chisels, plastic or linen thread.

 

[Selvune]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I have managed to get the angle of the stiches on both sides of the leather to be angled versus one side angled and one side straight, however my stitching is still going the wrong direction LOL.  More videos and practice are on the table.  Might run to the leather shop and have someone show me in person and tell me what I am doing wrong.

[Tugadude]

43 minutes ago, GatoGordo said:

While talk of chisels and threads is fun, it is not applicable to the OP's question. He needs to develop his stitching technique and his current thread and chisel set is just fine for that. Once he develops some skill, I am sure he will also develop a sense as to what type of stitching appeals to him whether it be long or short stitches, diamond, French, or round chisels, plastic or linen thread.

 

Sure it is applicable.  What I pointed out is the the OP may not be satisfied even if they use the irons they have with proper technique.  I'm sure someone out there like the look of those long stitches, but they leave me totally cold.  

If this is a beginner, as stated, then they really are going to want something closer to 3.0mm as it will have more application to the sorts of things beginners tend to make, key fobs, wallets, etc.  

And yes, after gaining some experience, there are all sorts of options to consider.  

Just now, Selvune said:

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I have managed to get the angle of the stiches on both sides of the leather to be angled versus one side angled and one side straight, however my stitching is still going the wrong direction LOL.  More videos and practice are on the table.  Might run to the leather shop and have someone show me in person and tell me what I am doing wrong.

Hopefully the folks at your local store know how to properly saddle stitch.  If they do, then that's a great idea.  While you are there ask to see other iron options and have them discuss the features and benefits with you.  Perhaps they'll let you try some of the other options?

[Selvune]

2 hours ago, GatoGordo said:

While talk of chisels and threads is fun, it is not applicable to the OP's question. He needs to develop his stitching technique and his current thread and chisel set is just fine for that. Once he develops some skill, I am sure he will also develop a sense as to what type of stitching appeals to him whether it be long or short stitches, diamond, French, or round chisels, plastic or linen thread.

 

Thanks for the feedback.  Was a little worried how much of an investment I was really going to need for just starting out to learn technique and see if I even enjoy it.

 

Regardless of all the different feedback above, I just want to say this forum is very polite and understanding with a newbies questions.  I have been on forums for other hobbies (miniature painting) and they are BRUTAL even when you say it is the first time painting a miniature after a 32 year break.  

 

Well, I believe I have the stitching now going in the correct direction.  Not the prettiest, but the right direction...I hope.  When I say left versus right, it was the side in the stitching pony, diamonds facing away and up from me.  I started stitching away from me and stitched towards my body.  Am I reading the directly correctly now?  They go up on the right side and down on the left side.

[Tugadude]

If you haven't yet, make sure to tap those stitches down with a smooth-faced hammer.  That will help close up the holes a bit and flatten the thread.  I think it will make them look a little better.