Thread to use for sheath making?

[kINGPIN]

I've been looking at the various threads and am very confused about the sizes thicknesses. I'm after a good strong thread in both nylon as well as linen. I want it to be reasonably thick like many of the other sheaths I see here with prominent stitching. Any recommendations would be appreciated, and any photos to show what it looks like on a sheath /pouch would be really useful.

I've seen 60s and 40s. What does that mean? :confused2: ...and which one is thickest? Are they suitable for sheaths/and small leather goods?

Thanks

Andy

[Thumbcrusher]

Hi Kingpin, I often use Dakron thread. This is actually meant for making bowstrings out of so you can imagine its pretty strong stuff. It also comes ready waxed so stays nice and tight when you are stitching your leather. I also use linen but as far as thickness measurement are concerned i just look at it and think "yeh that'll do" so not much help to you there i'm afraid! Definately recommend the Dacron though!

Here's a supplier! (never used this one though!) http://www.chilternonline.com/brownell-b50-dacron-material

[TreeCamper]

You could try using whipping twine as used by sailors.
Comes in various colours and is extremely strong and waterproof.
It is certainly thick enough to give a nice definition in leather.

Its manufactured by Marlow and is available from most chandlers.

[kINGPIN]

Thanks thumb. The problem I have is that almost all my buying is online, so its very hard to guage sizes. If I come across dacron in a shop I'll pick some up.

That seems like pretty expensive stuff treecamper, but looks the part. I'll be experimenting with alternatives, but I want to get experience first with the bonded nylon, and the waxed linen first. Thanks.

[TreeCamper]

http://www.marlowropes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98&Itemid=174

[kINGPIN]

Finally found my answer, but it took a while to find it. I'll post this up here in case anyone else is interested; http://www.bowstock.co.uk/acatalog/Linen.html

I had to read it a few times for it to sink in. I think I'm going to be going for 18/3 or 18/4 for now.

[Tony1948]

51505151515251535154This is wot I use Leather sewing waxed thread,item No 390081409291 £22:99 plus£5:00 postage on ebay,go on all categories,then on crafts,then on more at the bottomand go down to leathercraft.Its a bit dear but its good and braded so you can put the needle throw the middle of the thread,hope this helps.

[kINGPIN]

That stuff looks fantastic, is it nylon?

[Tony1948]

No its Thread,waxed.T^

[kINGPIN]

Just shown my lack of knowledge there... I thought thread was just 'thin string'...made of any material. :D

Lovely sheaths you made, I really like the one on the left. The stamping gives an excellent effect.

[Humakt]

I use linen thread bought from Hobbycraft. It's available in a variety of colours (I tend to go for the brown one).
Buying it from Hobbycraft may not be the most cost-effective way of purchasing thread if you're planning on doing a lot of leatherwork, but for the occasional, hobby, leatherist (is that a word? It is now!) then it's convenient, readily-available, and inexpensive enough (I think it's a couple of quid for about 5m of the stuff - which lasts me a while).

[biker-bri]

Hi Kingpin, the mistake we all make when starting to sew for the first time, is pulling the thread too tight when doing the cross stitch - which then cuts into the leather as it is still pliable after moulding.
There are plenty of tutorials on You tube showing how to do the cross stitch, and when you have done it once you wont forget - like riding a bike - take your time, try on a few scraps first and you will soon get the hang of it.
If you are going to drill the stitch holes use a drill slightly smaller than the needle you are using that way the holes arnt obvious when you are done.

Cheers Bri

[kINGPIN]

I use linen thread bought from Hobbycraft. It's available in a variety of colours (I tend to go for the brown one).
Buying it from Hobbycraft may not be the most cost-effective way of purchasing thread if you're planning on doing a lot of leatherwork, but for the occasional, hobby, leatherist (is that a word? It is now!) then it's convenient, readily-available, and inexpensive enough (I think it's a couple of quid for about 5m of the stuff - which lasts me a while).

I hadn't even thought of hobbycraft, I've never even been in one but I often see them about. I'll check it out.


Hi Kingpin, the mistake we all make when starting to sew for the first time, is pulling the thread too tight when doing the cross stitch - which then cuts into the leather as it is still pliable after moulding.
There are plenty of tutorials on You tube showing how to do the cross stitch, and when you have done it once you wont forget - like riding a bike - take your time, try on a few scraps first and you will soon get the hang of it.
If you are going to drill the stitch holes use a drill slightly smaller than the needle you are using that way the holes arnt obvious when you are done.

Cheers Bri

Thanks for the advice Bri, I haven't got a dremel yet so I'll just be using an awl for now. I assume the crossstitch is the same as the saddlestitch isn't it? If so, then I tried it out the other night and picked it up ok, although I was only using thin sewing thread from my Mrs sewing box. One thing I couldn't see on any of the vids was, how do I finish the stitch off? ...do I tie it, cut it or what? :confused:

[Humakt]

One thing I couldn't see on any of the vids was, how do I finish the stitch off? ...do I tie it, cut it or what? :confused:

That's easy enough. Just go back on yourself for half dozen or so stitches. Then just cut the thread off. By the time the leather has relaxed and you've put dye on the leather it will have expanded enough to grip the thread. Although I also tend to put a dab of superglue on it as well - but make sure you do this after dyeing the leather (because the dye won't penetrate the superglue) but before you polish it.

[biker-bri]

That's easy enough. Just go back on yourself for half dozen or so stitches. Then just cut the thread off. By the time the leather has relaxed and you've put dye on the leather it will have expanded enough to grip the thread. Although I also tend to put a dab of superglue on it as well - but make sure you do this after dyeing the leather (because the dye won't penetrate the superglue) but before you polish it.

There you go, I have just learned something new - superglue - never would have thought of that one thanks Humakt.
I found a Tutorial over on British Blades, written by a user by the name of Tiffers which really helped clear things up for me when I started out, words with clear photographs can be so much more helpful.
I hope this link works!!!!!
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?19963-Saddle-Stitch-Tutorial-stitching-with-2-needles/page4

I can't do the cross thing she does with the needles, but I do tie a knot on every stitch otherwise all you are doing is a running stitch, which can unravel if a thread breaks.

[kINGPIN]

T^ Cheers Humakt. Thats easier then I thought it would be. Great tip on the superglue.

Thanks for the link bri, that explains a lot. The poster definatly knows what he/she is doing. Thats going to take a bit of practice to get the hang of.

[kINGPIN]

I bought this stuff in the end. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390081409291?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 It arrived within a few days. First impression are that its very strong and looks good quality. My only problem is that I can't get it through the needle. I've tried everything like wax, a singing with a lighter, cutting neatly etc. The biggest ones I have are sz 2.0, so I bought some size 3 needles from Bowstock today, hopefully that should sort it.

My leather is on its way today. In the end I bought a full shoulder from le prevo, looking at the size of the thing I think that will be me sorted for some time, although I will be buying straps soon aswell.

I should be starting my first sheath this week for my modified MOD knife.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh579/ProtienandIron/SAM_0215.jpg

Thanks for all the help guys.T^

[biker-bri]

TIP, before you start to wet form your sheath - CUT your finger nails!!!! otherwise you will end up with lines all over the place. Cheers and good luck Bri

[kINGPIN]

Thanks for the tip! No risk of that though, I've bit my nails since I was a kid! :D

[Tony1948]

Go for the tapestry needles,biger holes and there blunt,you can get 10 nickel plated one's on ebay for £1:10 and £0:85 postage.

[kINGPIN]

Go for the tapestry needles,biger holes and there blunt,you can get 10 nickel plated one's on ebay for £1:10 and £0:85 postage.

Ordered, cheers for the heads up! I wasn't sure which size to get so I got the 18s and the 16s. Hope thats going to be ok? At £1.10 it was worth the risk.