Number of times you pierced the thread when threading for saddle stitch?

[JayEhl]

Great conversation.  I appreciate everyone's insight and their technique!

[DJole]

I have tried "locking" the needle onto the thread a couple times, but I don't do it anymore. Here is why:
When (not if!) I pierce the thread while stitching, if the thread is not locked onto the needle, I can just slide the needle off the thread, and then pull the thread out to correct the error. 
I then just thread the needle back on, and then back to stitching. 
I can hear people say, "Well, just don't pierce the thread!"  Of course, that's the ideal. I've gotten MUCH better at it lately (just once or twice per project maybe)...

[billybopp]

16 hours ago, DJole said:

I have tried "locking" the needle onto the thread a couple times, but I don't do it anymore. Here is why:
When (not if!) I pierce the thread while stitching, if the thread is not locked onto the needle, I can just slide the needle off the thread, and then pull the thread out to correct the error. 
I then just thread the needle back on, and then back to stitching. 
I can hear people say, "Well, just don't pierce the thread!"  Of course, that's the ideal. I've gotten MUCH better at it lately (just once or twice per project maybe)...

I don't have an issue with piercing the thread while sewing anymore.  I used to, but was politely informed by my significant other that the vocabulary lessons which such thread piercing elicited were not acceptable for any younger ears that might be within earshot.  It seemed easier to figure out a way to avoid that problem than to learn to sleep on the couch.  So after much thought, what I now do is run my first needle and thread through the hole and go about 3 or 4 inches long leaving some slack.  Then, as I'm inserting the second needle I pull the second thread backward a little faster than the second needle is moving making it impossible to pierce the thread.  It took conscious effort to follow that procedure at first, but became habit before long.  Vocabulary lessons mostly came to an end, I didn't need to learn to sleep on the couch.  Life is good!

- Bill

[NDphung]

On 3/22/2022 at 11:27 AM, tsunkasapa said:

The needle's sole job is to lead the thread through the leather. It is not a handle to drag the thread around with. As soon as the thread clears the leather, I grasp the thread and pull. I have never had a needle 'slide off'. YMMV

Can you tell me what kind of thread and size you are using. Is the thread waxed?.  and the needle? Thanks for the help.

21 hours ago, DJole said:

I have tried "locking" the needle onto the thread a couple times, but I don't do it anymore. Here is why:
When (not if!) I pierce the thread while stitching, if the thread is not locked onto the needle, I can just slide the needle off the thread, and then pull the thread out to correct the error. 
I then just thread the needle back on, and then back to stitching. 
I can hear people say, "Well, just don't pierce the thread!"  Of course, that's the ideal. I've gotten MUCH better at it lately (just once or twice per project maybe)...

Does your thread ever slide off the needle if not what kind of thread and size you are using? Is it waxed? Personally I always pull the thread down on the slanted hole and goes on top with the other needle. Less piercing of the thread. 

[tsunkasapa]

2 hours ago, NDphung said:

Can you tell me what kind of thread and size you are using. Is the thread waxed?.  and the needle? Thanks for the help.

I use 3 and 5 ply linen, or hemp, exclusively. I HATE synthetic thread. I do wax the thread. As to needle size, I don't pay any attention. What ever EYE I can get the thread through. I really believe you are over thinking this. It's NOT rocket science.

[chuck123wapati]

I dunno but i pierced my thumb twice today does that count?

[tsunkasapa]

1 minute ago, chuck123wapati said:

I dunno but i pierced my thumb twice today does that count?

[DJole]

10 hours ago, NDphung said:

Does your thread ever slide off the needle if not what kind of thread and size you are using? Is it waxed? Personally I always pull the thread down on the slanted hole and goes on top with the other needle. Less piercing of the thread. 

Sometimes, yes...but mostly when I'm not paying attention, or when the thread becomes short. I have a variety of threads I use, from waxed linen to waxed flat synthetic. I find the flat threads don't catch the needle as often. 
And yes, I pull the thread like you mention, and it does indeed help. it also helps to size the needle and thread to the hole. Too large of a needle, and more stabbing happens.

[toxo]

I too never pierce the thread, on a long stitch line when the thread gets frayed I just move the thread along. absolutely no need to pierce the thread. On the subject of piercing the thread whilst sewing, if you get both needles crossing in the hole you will never pierce the thread but  if things are a bit tight, before I resort to one needle at a time I'll try to use the front portion of the needle where it tapers down a bit.

[chuck123wapati]

So i was doing a holster today and the curvature of it was a pain in the a** to sew i couldn't see one side. So i figured i would try the two needles in one hole simultaneously trick. I've seen it done but it always felt awkward to me, i do one needle then the other. well it works well for finding your holes and helped a bunch however I still pierced the thread a couple of times right at the eye of the opposing needle and my thumb a couple times lol. But that's how a guy learns, leather work is always a new problem and a new solution with new techniques learned as we go.