Here's a video looking at two of the most popular hand stitching threads for leatherwork and also comparing man made to natural threads in general. I know there haven't been many videos recently but I do have quite a few planned, stay tuned they'll be out as and and when I can do them...
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is so informative and helpful. I'm working on a custom man's leather bracelet (with semi-precious stones) and was searching for the best way to connect the bead strands to the leather strips. One option is to overlap the beads on one continuous leather band, but the client likes the stones as the center focal point (also will look like 2 bracelets on front). Which would you suggest, and would it be wise to sew the beading thread through the leather ends or secure it by weaving through punched holes/slits? I prefer not to use jump rings, crimp tubes, et al, at the connection points. (The opposite ends of leather will be attached with glue-in magnetic buckle clasp.) Thanks, I am brand new to this type of leather work!
Thanks for taking the time to compare these threads. You saved me a headache and probably saved me some money too. There are so many options and products out there, it's tough to find exactly what you need sometimes. Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to many!
Thanks Ian for adding videos of this nature which are extremely helpful for the leather craft hobbyist. Yours are by far the most informative and encouraging I have ever found. I look forward to your continued contributions. Well done mate.
Well done, Ian. A new video from you always brightens the day. I thought perhaps you had followed Nigel off the edge of the earth. When I was a teenager I worked with a bee keeper from Yorkshire, so your accent brings back many fond memories.
Its really hard to be that objective when reviewing two products like that. You clearly favor the tiger thread and that's okay, I tend to agree based on the facts regarding them. but you still maintain a very objective stance on both products and convey that thoroughly. Shit like that is what makes your videos golden.
Glad to see you again ,you look healthy that's great, and as always your information was great . For me it's just tiger thread I just make the things for my self and few close friends thanks again don't be such a stranger looking forward to your next video . Happy Trails.
hi ian i am hoping you can answer my question. when you stitch with ritza threads do you just stitch as normal or do you try to keep the threads straight(flat)
Great video. I have used both threads myself and agree with all the points you made. However, for me personally, the argument between man made plastic thread and natural fibers has swayed me towards the linen, and I know linen production isn't the most eco friendly process but it is better than plastic and the chemicals needed to dye it. I have tried to find other suitable natural threads but to no real avail, there are other linen threads out there like SoMac, Barbour or J.Wenzel but they just don't have the colour choice.
Love both threads but I'm starting to get away from the tiger thread. At some point it will have a twist or kink that will make your stitch line look off. Haven't had that problem with round threads. Vinymo and Yue Fung Button makes excellent thread as well. Also the tiger thread doesn't come in a size that's good for watch straps and other small goods. 0.6mm is just to much. They need to step up their game and make some 0.45mm and start selling some better colors...lol. Nice to see you back.
I love a good video with lots of detail about a very narrow subject! I haven’t tried polyester thread so far. I cringe a bit from a lot of TH-cam videos where they end their perfect beautiful stitch by completely toasting it and leaving a big ugly scorch mark. I might try that Chinois thread as I have given up on finding full spools of 3 cord Crawford waxed linen in different colours.
Honestly try to think about how many leather crafters got there start with Ian's videos. I think he spawned an industry, or resparked one that was about to fade out. It is amazing the impact he has had.
Thanks Ian for another great informative video. I think the Tiger thread looks great from beginning to end of my stitching. I agree with all of your points.
Ian, Thank u so much. I have never used either of these and now I have the knowledge and will start to use.... I have always seen post about Tiger Thread before but never really understood the difference between any thread and now I'm in a better place... Bye bye Tandy Threads.... Thank you Ian...
I don't know what you're making, but you really should try out Tiger thread. I'm betting that if you did the math Tiger thread is cheaper, and is so substantially better than Tandy's thread a comparison doesn't even make sense. Tandy thread is good for about your first three projects, after that, honestly, really, truly, there is no point to using it.
It seems like some of my colors of Tiger Thread do not have as much wax as others. My red & yellow - I use the beeswax block on those to add a wee bit more wax. I use a thread zapper to finish off my stitches. Works slick... Thanks for a great video. I am going to give the linen a "look/see" one of these days.
I bought some of your thread a while back just to try it ( black tiger thread 1mm) and it was superb. Now all my other threads are shite soooo thanks for that!! 😂
Wishing you a healthy and happy new year! QUESTION: I will be attempting to restore my dad's dried out, stitch-rotted, 50 or so year old briefcase. The briefcase measures approx. 14x10.5x2 inches. I bought Tandy punches, 3.5mm. How would I determine what size needles and what size thread, as well as the minimum length of thread I'd need, for a traditional saddle stitch around the entire briefcase? Thank you !
On your website you have a photo of a stunning brown ”Leather Brogue Moleskine Notebook Cover” with orange thread. Do you remember what make and colour that thread is? Thank you for all your informative videos!
I really enjoyed the video!! but keep having one question... i understand both are very resistant but for equestrian leather items with are very exposed to friction and movements ( the swing is always moving and having friction with other leather or sewings) wich would be more resistant? ritza?
I'm needing to replace broken thread in a pair of leather suspenders. Been at least 40 years sin'ce I've done any leather work. Any suggestions on how to determine the type and size of thread as well as needles to buy?
When you draw a diagram, please write the type of the thread under the image so we know which is which and don't have to go back and forth in the video to find out where you say it.
Ian I do not like the Tiger thread? I used it 2 or 3 times and it was nothing but problems. i still have a roll of it laying in my tool cabinet. When I first got a sample it seemed like the best thing I ever used, but when I bought an entire roll it was a nightmare! Within the first 3 stitches I had pierced the thread and it's not as easy to deal with as round thread. If I pierce round thread, I can usually pass the needle back through the hole and get it through the thread, but NOT with Tiger thread because it's flat braided? Once you pierce that stuff; you're basically dead in the water, there's no going back and untangling it. Just my personal opinion. A lot of people LOVE the stuff. I'll stick with my round linen. Thanks for the informative video, great work as always. Stoney
you shouldn't ever pierce thread as every time you pass the needle through the hole you should then pull back on the thread to check that it hasn't happened, once you get into that habit it'll never happen again :)
I have used both linen and Ritza. I have also made thread with linen. Piercing can happen and does with both. As Ian points out pull you thread back when you pass your second needle through and it ends the problem.
When you pinch the thread around the place you pierced it braiding will loosen up and you`ll get big holes in the thread. Just wiggle the thread and pinch in and you can easilly back up. But this should not be a problem with proper stitching technique when you pull the thread that might get pierced.
Stoney327 I use Tiger Thread all the time. My wallets hold together like iron. If I pierce the thread accidentally, I just snip off the needle - pull it out and re-attach the needle. I do try to not pierce by pulling the other thread to the side but it happens. Tiger Thread is the world's strongest hand stitching thread...
Joe I agree. the stuff is like Iron. It was just such a nightmare to use "for ME." Maybe one of these day, I'll drag it out and use more of the spool, but I doubt it. I bought a small spool of the "Cigar Brown." Actually, I don't do that much modern knife work anymore. I specialize in 16th. and 17th. century; period correct, Black Powder shooting accessories, mostly knives, and for that I use artificial Sinew. Thanks for the reply Joe. God bless: Stoney (Dave)
Update. Tenara thread made by gore, PTFE. impervious to salt sun and chemicals. I’ll update you when I get it in and try it out. It’s horribly expensive.
Excellent, thank you. Quick question(s): can any of these threads be used in a sewing machine? If they could be used on a DPx17 system then which needles would you recommend? Thank you
Loving your videos! I've bought some of these finer threads and just can't lock them onto the needle. They're so fine it's almost impossible to get the needle through the middle of them. I've even tried 'untwisting' them slightly to get the needle through the different 'cores threads' - but still it doesn't seem to work. I've tried a few knots, but they're either too big and stop the needle going through, or wreck the holes! Any ideas? Or is it just practice I'm lacking?! Thanks in advance!
Lay the end flat on your bench take a modelling tool and squash a bit of the thread flat then stick the needle through the flat bit starting it while it is still on the bench. I don’t think untwisting it works very well.
Any help on the differences between finishing a line of stitching with each type? Cutting it and hiding the ends?The melt and "mash" with my lighter works for Tiger thread, but 332 au chinois is baffling me? do i tie an overhand knot and thread thread zapper it? I love the colors of the linen so i reallllly want to solve that. Thanks! I love your videos!
Here's a video looking at two of the most popular hand stitching threads for leatherwork and also comparing man made to natural threads in general. I know there haven't been many videos recently but I do have quite a few planned, stay tuned they'll be out as and and when I can do them...
please do maker's central next year!
Ian Atkinson what is the best size thread for most standard projects, such as bags, wallets, etc?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is so informative and helpful. I'm working on a custom man's leather bracelet (with semi-precious stones) and was searching for the best way to connect the bead strands to the leather strips. One option is to overlap the beads on one continuous leather band, but the client likes the stones as the center focal point (also will look like 2 bracelets on front). Which would you suggest, and would it be wise to sew the beading thread through the leather ends or secure it by weaving through punched holes/slits? I prefer not to use jump rings, crimp tubes, et al, at the connection points. (The opposite ends of leather will be attached with glue-in magnetic buckle clasp.) Thanks, I am brand new to this type of leather work!
I love that people take the time to make a video for anything you could be curious about. Thanks for the detailed breakdown
Finally a detailed look at Ritza tiger thread, and why I’m buying this by default
Thanks for taking the time to compare these threads. You saved me a headache and probably saved me some money too. There are so many options and products out there, it's tough to find exactly what you need sometimes. Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to many!
Thanks Ian for adding videos of this nature which are extremely helpful for the leather craft hobbyist. Yours are by far the most informative and encouraging I have ever found. I look forward to your continued contributions. Well done mate.
Well done, Ian. A new video from you always brightens the day. I thought perhaps you had followed Nigel off the edge of the earth. When I was a teenager I worked with a bee keeper from Yorkshire, so your accent brings back many fond memories.
You've answered questions I didn't know I had.
Its really hard to be that objective when reviewing two products like that. You clearly favor the tiger thread and that's okay, I tend to agree based on the facts regarding them. but you still maintain a very objective stance on both products and convey that thoroughly. Shit like that is what makes your videos golden.
It's good to see you even from a vid. I watch your vids often same vids over and over. Good quality cheers
Thank you Ian for taking your time to systematically compare these threads. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the great comparison. As a new hobbyist i really appreciate your videos! Keep on making them! Cheers!
Glad to see you again ,you look healthy that's great, and as always your information was great . For me it's just tiger thread I just make the things for my self and few close friends thanks again don't be such a stranger looking forward to your next video . Happy Trails.
hi ian i am hoping you can answer my question. when you stitch with ritza threads do you just stitch as normal or do you try to keep the threads straight(flat)
This is/was a GREAT video packed full of great details. Well done sir!
Great informative vid and I gotta say the time stamping it by subject is awesome
Great video. I have used both threads myself and agree with all the points you made. However, for me personally, the argument between man made plastic thread and natural fibers has swayed me towards the linen, and I know linen production isn't the most eco friendly process but it is better than plastic and the chemicals needed to dye it. I have tried to find other suitable natural threads but to no real avail, there are other linen threads out there like SoMac, Barbour or J.Wenzel but they just don't have the colour choice.
Love both threads but I'm starting to get away from the tiger thread. At some point it will have a twist or kink that will make your stitch line look off. Haven't had that problem with round threads. Vinymo and Yue Fung Button makes excellent thread as well. Also the tiger thread doesn't come in a size that's good for watch straps and other small goods. 0.6mm is just to much. They need to step up their game and make some 0.45mm and start selling some better colors...lol. Nice to see you back.
I love a good video with lots of detail about a very narrow subject! I haven’t tried polyester thread so far. I cringe a bit from a lot of TH-cam videos where they end their perfect beautiful stitch by completely toasting it and leaving a big ugly scorch mark. I might try that Chinois thread as I have given up on finding full spools of 3 cord Crawford waxed linen in different colours.
Love your vids Ian, inspiring people all over the world to continue their crafting!
Honestly try to think about how many leather crafters got there start with Ian's videos. I think he spawned an industry, or resparked one that was about to fade out. It is amazing the impact he has had.
Thanks Ian for another great informative video. I think the Tiger thread looks great from beginning to end of my stitching. I agree with all of your points.
THANK YOU! recently started to try some linen thread and can't wrap my head around it... also great to see you are back!
Florian Ladwig I don’t think it’s designed for wrapping your head. I tend to use it with a needle in conjunction with an awl to sew leather.
@@strickostricko .........
Great discussion. It's so hard to get Tiger thread here in the USA without paying big money
Thanks for the very good information. I really enjoy all of your detailed videos.
fantastic video! I was actually shopping around for thread and came across this video... extremely helpful! thanks for posting this
Ý
Thank you for this video! You(r videos) have thought me so much about leatherworking, very thankful!
Ian, Thank u so much. I have never used either of these and now I have the knowledge and will start to use.... I have always seen post about Tiger Thread before but never really understood the difference between any thread and now I'm in a better place... Bye bye Tandy Threads.... Thank you Ian...
Hey! Good to see you back. This is a good question to cover!
Thanks for this. I've been using the thread that they have available at Tandy, which I've found nothing wrong with, but it's good to know my options.
I don't know what you're making, but you really should try out Tiger thread. I'm betting that if you did the math Tiger thread is cheaper, and is so substantially better than Tandy's thread a comparison doesn't even make sense. Tandy thread is good for about your first three projects, after that, honestly, really, truly, there is no point to using it.
It seems like some of my colors of Tiger Thread do not have as much wax as others. My red & yellow - I use the beeswax block on those to add a wee bit more wax. I use a thread zapper to finish off my stitches. Works slick... Thanks for a great video. I am going to give the linen a "look/see" one of these days.
Nice to hear from you again
awesome video. answered all my questions
Ian, I'm very glad to see you online again! Awesome video as usual! I really like Barbour linen thread in 18/3 and 18/5 sizes too... Don't you use it?
Lovely video Ian. Thanks for the great information.
Thank you, this was very informative.
Nice to see you back good video
Excellent and informative as usual
Great video! Could you do one on different kinds of needles?
th-cam.com/video/Y0EL7K2NhYs/w-d-xo.htmlh05m18s
Thank you Ian
I bought some of your thread a while back just to try it ( black tiger thread 1mm) and it was superb. Now all my other threads are shite soooo thanks for that!! 😂
You’re welcome 😂
Ian Atkinson hahaha😂😂
Thanks Ian, I really like this video.
Great information Ian. Thanks.
Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!
QUESTION: I will be attempting to restore my dad's dried out, stitch-rotted, 50 or so year old briefcase. The briefcase measures approx. 14x10.5x2 inches.
I bought Tandy punches, 3.5mm.
How would I determine what size needles and what size thread, as well as the minimum length of thread I'd need, for a traditional saddle stitch around the entire briefcase?
Thank you !
Nice one For the head's up 😎👍🏽
Very useful as always
Good man! Thank you for what you do.
On your website you have a photo of a stunning brown ”Leather Brogue Moleskine Notebook Cover” with orange thread. Do you remember what make and colour that thread is? Thank you for all your informative videos!
I think that's probably colonial tan tiger thread
You, Sir, are the man!
Thanks Ian!
I really enjoyed the video!! but keep having one question... i understand both are very resistant but for equestrian leather items with are very exposed to friction and movements ( the swing is always moving and having friction with other leather or sewings) wich would be more resistant? ritza?
yes the Tiger Thread is stronger and more suited for outdoor gear
I'm needing to replace broken thread in a pair of leather suspenders. Been at least 40 years sin'ce I've done any leather work. Any suggestions on how to determine the type and size of thread as well as needles to buy?
Thanks Ian! 👍🏼 G
Thank you
When you draw a diagram, please write the type of the thread under the image so we know which is which and don't have to go back and forth in the video to find out where you say it.
Ian
I do not like the Tiger thread? I used it 2 or 3 times and it was nothing but problems. i still have a roll of it laying in my tool cabinet. When I first got a sample it seemed like the best thing I ever used, but when I bought an entire roll it was a nightmare! Within the first 3 stitches I had pierced the thread and it's not as easy to deal with as round thread. If I pierce round thread, I can usually pass the needle back through the hole and get it through the thread, but NOT with Tiger thread because it's flat braided? Once you pierce that stuff; you're basically dead in the water, there's no going back and untangling it. Just my personal opinion. A lot of people LOVE the stuff. I'll stick with my round linen. Thanks for the informative video, great work as always.
Stoney
you shouldn't ever pierce thread as every time you pass the needle through the hole you should then pull back on the thread to check that it hasn't happened, once you get into that habit it'll never happen again :)
I have used both linen and Ritza. I have also made thread with linen. Piercing can happen and does with both. As Ian points out pull you thread back when you pass your second needle through and it ends the problem.
When you pinch the thread around the place you pierced it braiding will loosen up and you`ll get big holes in the thread. Just wiggle the thread and pinch in and you can easilly back up. But this should not be a problem with proper stitching technique when you pull the thread that might get pierced.
Stoney327 I use Tiger Thread all the time. My wallets hold together like iron. If I pierce the thread accidentally, I just snip off the needle - pull it out and re-attach the needle. I do try to not pierce by pulling the other thread to the side but it happens. Tiger Thread is the world's strongest hand stitching thread...
Joe
I agree. the stuff is like Iron. It was just such a nightmare to use "for ME." Maybe one of these day, I'll drag it out and use more of the spool, but I doubt it. I bought a small spool of the "Cigar Brown." Actually, I don't do that much modern knife work anymore. I specialize in 16th. and 17th. century; period correct, Black Powder shooting accessories, mostly knives, and for that I use artificial Sinew. Thanks for the reply Joe.
God bless:
Stoney (Dave)
I want to make marine use utility items. Repeated wetting and exposure to sunlight are an issues there. Any comments on that?
You need a synthetic thread like the tiger then, natural threads would rot I think
Update. Tenara thread made by gore, PTFE. impervious to salt sun and chemicals. I’ll update you when I get it in and try it out. It’s horribly expensive.
Excellent, thank you. Quick question(s): can any of these threads be used in a sewing machine? If they could be used on a DPx17 system then which needles would you recommend? Thank you
You can’t put hand sewing thread in a sewing machine no
Loving your videos! I've bought some of these finer threads and just can't lock them onto the needle. They're so fine it's almost impossible to get the needle through the middle of them. I've even tried 'untwisting' them slightly to get the needle through the different 'cores threads' - but still it doesn't seem to work. I've tried a few knots, but they're either too big and stop the needle going through, or wreck the holes! Any ideas? Or is it just practice I'm lacking?! Thanks in advance!
Lay the end flat on your bench take a modelling tool and squash a bit of the thread flat then stick the needle through the flat bit starting it while it is still on the bench. I don’t think untwisting it works very well.
@@Leodis.Leather Brilliant! Thank you Ian - I'll give it a go!
Do you still sell samples of the Tiger thread on esty
Do you have a video with examples of thread size and it’s use on different projects? Great video!
Such info is on my website
Any comparison to the Vinymo Mbt threads?
Don’t use it so no idea.
👍😉. Thank.
Any help on the differences between finishing a line of stitching with each type? Cutting it and hiding the ends?The melt and "mash" with my lighter works for Tiger thread, but 332 au chinois is baffling me? do i tie an overhand knot and thread thread zapper it? I love the colors of the linen so i reallllly want to solve that. Thanks! I love your videos!
Watch my new stitching tips video when it comes out
Snip the thread and put glue in the hole. I use a needle to apply the glue.
I was so worried that if you were American or something that you'd butcher the French name so thank you for not.
Thank you, Ian ... a very helpful video ...
Thank you for this, very informative.