Stitching help

[Chiro75]

OK, so I'm progressing in some ways with my leather work, but in other ways, not so much. Before the pics below, I was using some softer, oil-tanned leather. With the same tools, the stitching came out better, I think because the holes I made with the diamond-shape teeth tool may have "rebounded" back a little, whereas the veg tan leather doesn't seem to do that. So, what can I do to improve the look of my stitches? Do I need to use a thicker gauge string? Use a round awl and make smaller holes? Or what? Thanks in advance!

 

[sheathmaker]

The thread you are using is not large enough to fill the holes made by your tool. I'd recommend you use and overstitch wheel at about 6 stiches to the inch or maybe 7 to mark the spacing for the holes and then use an awl to make a smaller hole which will still accomodate the needles and also alow your thread to more completely fill the hole. I think this would make for a far more attractive watch band. The tool you are using is fine for lacing the project and the lace would fill the hole nicely, but the question was about sewing.

Paul

 

[Chiro75]

Dumb question, probably, but what's the difference between thread and lace? BTW, thanks for the recommendation on the overstitch wheel. I was going to do that and a regular round awl, but the people at Tandy talked me out of it and sold me this tool instead. Unfortunately, it's 25 miles away, one way, and the closest leather place to me has a very poor selection of tools. Grr

 

[leatherman]

Thread is round, and usually twisted fibers.

Lace is flat and usually a solid piece.

Oversimplified but basically there.

 

[Chiro75]

Gotcha, thanks!

 

[rmfnla]

The thread you are using is not large enough to fill the holes made by your tool. I'd recommend you use and overstitch wheel at about 6 stiches to the inch or maybe 7 to mark the spacing for the holes and then use an awl to make a smaller hole which will still accomodate the needles and also alow your thread to more completely fill the hole. I think this would make for a far more attractive watch band. The tool you are using is fine for lacing the project and the lace would fill the hole nicely, but the question was about sewing.

Paul

I've made lots of holsters and love the overstitch wheel.

I use a medium-sized sewing needle chucked into a Fordham to make the holes; very clean and easy on the wrists.

 

[Shaman15]

Yes, the thread you are using is too small for the diamond point punch...should be using a 4 or 5 cord thread. I very much prefer bee'swaxed linen thread over nylon or polyester. No synthetic thread lays as nicely as the waxed linen.
Also, the synthentic threads have a tendency to cut into leather when under strain, bit like fishing line going through your hands. The waxed linen does not do this.
Good luck and Regards,
Harry

 

[M. McCord]

I've made lots of holsters and love the overstitch wheel.

I use a medium-sized sewing needle chucked into a Fordham to make the holes; very clean and easy on the wrists.

I've never used a needle, but a 1/16" drill bit in a Dremel has worked well for me. I'm also using beeswaxed 6 cord linen thread and it fits perfectly when saddle stitching.