Sewing thread material for leather sheath - help

[Zaper]

I'm a noob regarding sheath making both leather and kydex.

I'm confused about the selection of thread for use in leather:

- Waxed Polyester
- Waxed Linen
- Waxed Cotton
- Waxed Nylon

Please advice about which one for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for practice.

Thanks!

 

[Brian Avila]

I use the bonded nylon for my sheaths, the same stuff that is used in the leather sewing machines. I then run it through some wax, just in case, plus it helps "catch" or hold when hand stitching. ( that tip came from the leatherman, works good )

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I have no idea what I'm using if I'm honest. All I know is that I bought a big spool of it, it's black, multi-strand, waxed and strong enough to cut me before breaking.

I have no idea when/if this spool will ever run out, but when it does (and likely much sooner since I want colors), I'll buy some of that Tiger thread. Read nothing but great things about it.

 

[Zaper]

Strig,

You are right! Some sellers don't mention the type of material, just a general description like "waxed sewing thread, 4oz"

 

[leatherman]

Tejas thread from Tandy is tough stuff, I've rarely had an issue with it aside the fact that they have been known to over wax on occasion.

Tandy also carries a smaller gauge thread that they label for their sewing awl. It looks nice but I have not used it, I do want to test some out as I want a smaller thread for inlay's

I've also used the aforementioned bonded thread and its great! Waxing helps a lot. But its not my first choice, its just a pain for me to use.

The Tiger thread has me very interested as I've been wanting to work in color for quite a while and never found a good supplier till I was directed to them.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Dwayne, pm me your address and I'll send you some of this. I'm fairly certain that it's the awl thread now that you mention it.

 

[Zaper]

I ordered a spool of 5-ply linen thread from Campbell-Randall. It is not waxed.

For sewing thread wax: just beeswax or beeswax + pine pitch?

 

[leatherman]

I may be missing something, but I have only used beeswax. Pine Pitch has me very curious, I've heard it used on rustic sheaths as it holds the thread in place so well after it cures in. Caution, I would stain or dye the leather first as I bet it would be a perfect resist against all kinds of colorants.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

I like to add pine pitch to my beeswax. It has anti-fungal properties and it sure smells nice.

 

[leatherman]

Agreed, I love the smell of pine pitch.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I like to add pine pitch to my beeswax. It has anti-fungal properties and it sure smells nice.

Cool! I believe coconut oil has anti-fungal props too. It clears a diaper rash really well anyway.

 

[Zaper]

I got the beeswax and pine pitch mix idea from here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/590038-Waxed-thread?highlight=pine+pitch

 

[americasaddle]

waxed cotton thread is for outdoor use and nylon for
everything else. UV light breaks down nylon and polyester threads
waxed or not. wax is for water and fungus proofing.