I am wanting to use waxed linen thread for sewing a bag(s) and was wondering what you experienced makers use. I have some 4 strand linen thread and it looks to be a good size, not too heavy, yet strong. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Type of cord for sewing a bag?
- Thread starter mazo kid
- Start date
Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2004
- Messages
- 15,602
- Reaction score
- 24
Use it, get some wax to pull the thread over. A lot of guys do it that way or just buy waxed thread. Most of the time I use 4 ply. Been trying some 7 ply lately but only because I had it really and was sewing a lot of layers together.
tony ennis
32 Cal.
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2009
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 0
Artificial sinew is nice.
I've used artificial sinew a few times, works good for me.
Yeah, I've split some artificial sinew and used it for sewing things, but I'm going for a more period look. After use for some time the artificial sinew looks like, well, artificial sinew. But it's strong stuff!!mcsteinscamp said:
paulvallandigham
Passed On
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2006
- Messages
- 17,537
- Reaction score
- 94
Some natural fiber braided fishing line will work, if you use upholstery needles, with large eyes to carry the thick line. Upholstery needles have a triangle shape, in cross-section, and that prevents holes from tearing out in leather goods.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2004
- Messages
- 14,767
- Reaction score
- 320
mazo kid said:
You nailed it. I have experimented with a number of threads, both synthetic and natural, and keep coming back to waxed linen 4-ply. Shoot. I did one project (a rigid camera bag) that had five plies of 4-5 oz leather in places and the 4-ply did fine. I was wishing I had 7 on hand like Swampie is using, but I got away with the 4 and no regrets.
Get yourself a good awl though, and polish it real well. DO NOT try to sew 4-5 oz veg tan leather directly with the needles and no awl. You'll break needles, raise blisters, draw blood and most likely make hash of the final job. A good awl has a nice handle to ease the job, and if sharp and well polished, will slide effortlessly right through several layers of leather.
Ive used only the artificial senew for knife sheaths only because thats all I had worked well.The guys at work were admiring a sheath and knife I made and said I didn't know you had a sewing machine to do leather. I told them I don't and they just look at me then I explained that I used contact cement and pre punched holes for my thread . I want to try some linen on some of my next projects it would be alot nicer I'm sure
Stick with the waxed linen. It is great thread, and it is the real deal.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2004
- Messages
- 15,602
- Reaction score
- 24
You do great work on your knives and sheaths, not knocking them at all but for me, I don't like artificial sinew like some do. I much prefer working with a linen thread but thats me, we are all different and do things differently. :v
"Get yourself a good awl though, and polish it real well. DO NOT try to sew 4-5 oz veg tan leather directly with the needles and no awl. You'll break needles, raise blisters, draw blood and most likely make hash of the final job. A good awl has a nice handle to ease the job, and if sharp and well polished, will slide effortlessly right through several layers of leather."[/quote]
I have a hand-made awl I built several years ago with an antler tip handle. It works good for small projects, but will probably make another using a larger handle for more comfort on larger projects. I have used veterinarian needles for sewing the lighter leathers; they also have triangular points and work slick. The down side is that they can the cord when coming back through on the saddle stitch. I prefer to use a stitch marker for uniform stitches and use the awl to poke through the leather for harness needles. Thanks to all you guys for takling me through this.
I have a hand-made awl I built several years ago with an antler tip handle. It works good for small projects, but will probably make another using a larger handle for more comfort on larger projects. I have used veterinarian needles for sewing the lighter leathers; they also have triangular points and work slick. The down side is that they can the cord when coming back through on the saddle stitch. I prefer to use a stitch marker for uniform stitches and use the awl to poke through the leather for harness needles. Thanks to all you guys for takling me through this.
