What type of thread for leather?

[syvmn]

I live with an older lady and found some leather sitting around in the closet from back in the day when she did leather working. It seems like very nice stuff. Its a roll about 1.5 feet by 4 feet or so. I'm wondering what type of thread to use to sew with? Can you use just about anything or is there a specific thing I should be looking for.

I want to make something relatively simple along these lines:
http://www.knivesby.com/dan-sheath-tutor-1.html
just without all the flare.

Thanks!

 

[george tichbourne]

I prefer using waxed polyester thread, strong and the wax keeps it tight in the holes when sewing.

George

 

[Kostoglotov]

Waxed thread. You can get it from Tandy (There's one in Bloomington & St Paul)

 

[Sam Salvati]

The waxed thread is also called synthetic sinew?

 

[AcridSaint]

I prefer to use unwaxed synthetic sinew and wax it yourself. The Tandy stuff seems to break a lot on me, it's a bit narrow and isn't "waxy" enough. Also, all of the Tandy stuff I've used is just black, I like the way the sinew turns out on sheaths dyed colors other than black.

I'm not a pro sheathmaker or anything, I've just been learning from a couple of people and this is what I've found to be the case for me.

 

[logem]

Here's what you want to use: 5-cord linen sinew, left hand twist.

A little expensive, but it will last you a lifetime.

Get some beeswax, and wax it yourself, that way you can taper the ends before threading into the needles.

Mike L.

 

[BladefulArt]

Artificial sinew is the most durable that I know of.