Which Thread should you use for Leather Craft?

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Which Thread should you use for Leather Craft?
There are lots of different threads in the world, and many work well for hand sewing leather goods! If you're looking for information on how to pick the correct threads for leather craft, this video will give you some insight into some of the more popular options and what we prefer to use in our own leather goods! Happy Crafting :)

[@polosandoval]

If your project is going to be subject to sunlight, choose polyester over nylon thread. Polyester is more UV resistant than nylon 66 which breaks down quickly in the sun.

[@megalodon2875]

Polyester also stretches less which can be helpful in keeping seams tight.

[@pubplays368]

@@megalodon2875 Polyester also frays easily and isn’t as damage resistant. Doesn’t hold the same tensile strength. Also, both are sun resistance. Nylon technology has come a long way from its initial release. Bonded nylon without a doubt is the best thread you can use today. Entire backpacks are made out of this stuff like maxpedition and vanquest.

[@gm_fatboy]

I'm beginner in a leather craft. A couple of days ago I made my first holster for wireless earbuds from scratch, and really enjoy working with leather. For that project, I used Maine thread and I like it more than Ritza. Also, I'm using a 4 mm diamond stitching chisel. I wanna say thank you for your detailed videos.

[@jeffp.5080]

Loving that you guys are so open with the tutorials. I love being able to learn from you while I'm just getting started. Especially being able to go back and see again and again

[@dperisty1]

I love this video! For someone who watches a lot of leathercrafting videos, it is not often I see something new and comprehensive coming out. I have been trying all these threads out, and still could not decide which ones I wanted to invest large spools in. Your context with sizes/irons/styles put it into perspective. Thanks!

[@jsmxwll]

fwiw waxed linen thread will outlast waxed cotton thread by decades usually. cotton has a pretty short staple length and that lets it fray much more easily under repeated stress or abrasion. linen has a much longer staple length, long enough where fraying isn't an issue unless you break the thread through abrasion. linen thread can be articulated a few dozen times more than cotton before it fatigues and breaks. i usually use my old baseball glove that was stitched with linen thread as an example. it was my great uncles, then his kids, then a couple cousins, then mine and now it's with my cousin's kids. most of the stitching is fine, a couple minor repairs over the years, but not much to speak of. the leather has been repaired a few times because that is a lot of bending and getting wet and drying etc. if it were a bonded nylon thread, it would definitely have lasted longer, but it might have also pulled through the leather, which has happened to me a few times with tool belts. i'd rather break the thread in some situations rather than the leather. linen thread does require some maintenance that synthetics don't, but general leather maintenance will usually do the job. i don't have much experience with polyester thread on leather goods under heavy use, so no thoughts on that. i am not trying to argue that linen is better than synthetics, just that it is better than cotton and in most normal wear situations similar in performance to synthetics. i'm not an expert, just a hobbiest making and using things. grew up around saddlery in the 80s and made my first few leather crafts from scraps from that with a finish nail, hammer and stanley utility knife. i've rarely made more than a few things a year as gifts or to solve problems like custom tool belts and the like. hope some of that was useful to someone. not a lot of detailed info on the actual uses and properties of the various threads available. need someone to pull a James Wright and do some testing. ain't gonna be me, but it'd be cool to see.

[@th.burggraf7814]

I like Ritza thread the most. I was introduced to it by a friend of mine and use it ever since. Great stuff !

[@CJ-dx5mc]

I really like videos like this. Would there be an image out there, or a PDF that showed the different threads in different spacings and sizes so as someone still shopping could visually see what to buy?

[@tannernewton8543]

Can you make a stitching cheat-sheet? Like a poster of the different combinations of thread and holes and spacing? I'd buy that as a download

[@louisgianfrancesco]

Linen because a) It's better for the environment than polyester/nylon. b) It doesn't dig/cut into the leather over time, (with tension, comes tearing) c) It just feels and looks better.

[@markwatts7634]

Personally I prefer the Italian made Slam thread over Ritza, as It feels nicer and is comparable in quality without the price tag of the Tiger thread. I also love the colour range of the slam threads. I use 0.8mm thread and either Sinabroks 1mm round hole punches, or for more classic look, 5mm spaced French style pricking Irons, again from Sinabroks. I will eventually get some 3.85mm irons as well, for smaller items like watch straps and the like.

[@micahbarror842]

Do you know of anyone doing cobbler work , footwear repair/improvement

[@trevorminton6084]

I was trying to learn with waxed thread, but it was grippy and my hands were sore by the time I was done. I switched to artificial sinew a couple days ago, mostly because I was curious. It turned out great and it was way more comfortable for me to sew by hand. And once the stich is done, the sinew lays flat and even with no effort. I definitely recommend trying it out if waxed thread is not working for you.

[@pubplays368]

You still need to wax the sinew. Otherwise the sinew will begin to fray over time and eventually crack from the dryness.

[@grimtt]

I regularly bend and even break JJ needles so for me I like a thinner thread for my 4mm diamond chisel. I hand sew a lot of hat patches. .6 ritza and the smallest size maine thread usually work for me.

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Thank you for always clarifying these technical issues.

[@avaviel]

I've always used Coat's outdoor thread. Mostly because it seemed to be the strongest thread I could find easily in person in stores.

[@aRaRaRA12345]

Your sewing thread concepts are so helpful!

[@crackerjack010101]

I know most folks are hardcore brand followers but there are some vendors on Amazon selling high quality thread that I’ve noticed some Ritza users find as as comparable to brand. I’ve used Selric & Butuze/Miusie. Both have a wide range of color options that are highly complimented when carrying my projects in the wild. Additionally, I recently purchased a Rhino brand thread as I was looking for a specific color and find it also comparable. There are lesser expensive options out there without sacrificing quality.

[@TheReminator98]

Any thoughts on hemp thread? Theoretically has a higher tensile strength than linen and cotton, but still a natural fiber and not plastic-based.

[@marqbarq5977]

Thank you. I wish you’d done this video years ago when I started leather crafting. I basically use .8 flat waxed. For larger bags I go with 1mm.

[@ianthomas3653]

I use .8 ritz on everything. I have my wallet stitched with orange, and will say that on the bend of the wallet its almost white after about a year of use. I also find it can grab color off of dyed leather, but that is likely the case with any thread. I want to try maine thread next as i have been eyeing their sample pack for a while. Great video explaining the differences. I never thought about how they lay i have only ever considered the thickness.

[@samueltremblay177]

what spacing and shape is your stitching holes? and got an instagram?

[@Handles-R-Lame]

If you use a thinner thread, the color wont bleed off as bad. Also Vinymo has had the best color retention ive seen in all my thread usage, next would be a linen thread. Ritza used to be my go-to but ive lost alot confidence in them once i switched to a polyester or linen thread.. just my opinions

[@grimtt]

Maine Thread has a rough hewn look which is interesting. Being more chunky, it’s not as uniform as Ritza or others but it is fully waxed and comes in various diameters. I only handsew. If you’re on a tight budget you can buy the thicker Maine thread and then peel apart the strand to get a thinner dimension. Plus it singes nicely. Maybe not the best for that sleek high-end look though.

[@toddmichael4271]

Thanks for this. Been reading up on thread for different projects.

[@nicholasnelums6668]

Thank you sir. I was surprised that stretch and consistency was not in your comparison.

[@johnhubbard6262]

I get so lost in your videos (Alice in Wonderland kind O lost) because there are so many hidden gems to find. One of my favorites that pops up in the shots over and over is the Crate Hammer. A hammer is a lifetime tool no matter the trade, My crate hammer dates back to my first grocery job in the '70s, and like my dad's hammer it has somehow stayed with me through my Navy years, Commercial fishing years, and 30-plus years of Contracting. You can always spot the favorites, and I love watching your videos to spot yours.

[@Handles-R-Lame]

Hey, Corter Leather just a heads up. Vinymo thread is a *bonded polyester* thread (as far as i know), not *bonded nylon* thread..

[@Jodhi_Singh]

Is this actually true? Wait so what is the difference between the Ritza and Vinymo thread?

[@raygetoutdoors6151]

Thank you for taking time to teach about leather craft. Have learned much by watching your videos and some others. Maybe one day I can do the same. Ray, Oklahoma

[@commonsensegaming1756]

I have trouble finding the correct size of needle for the thread

[@nobodyisprfct]

Glad you got into the strength specs in the different threads. I was wondering if a hemp thread exists? Have you ever used what is produced in Mexico which is "cactus leather "? If you have what is the durability and cost differences between the leathers?

[@danpost4755]

Great comparison and explanation! Thanks for doing this video.

[@BORIS21610]

Which one does high end fashion brands uses in Italy I wonder round waxed or non waxed polyester I guess ?

[@mzalshevano6145]

I was just looking in to this, wonderful timing thank you

[@user-hq1pu5sk8r]

Thanks for your info vid! I needed it and enjoyed it!! Lol. Recently found your site on line, hopefully, 1st Sept I can order some tools etc, from you.. question---- do you take orders over phone, to kind of help with your knowledge of items, when I order??? As you can perceive, I'm a leather newbie, but learning quickly.. Thanks!!

[@chrisholt2474]

Great film, very informative and food for thought. Thank you, much appreciated.

[@asimpson164]

Great video. I did have to slow it down to 0.75 speed to catch all the words though. I think I stumbled onto something more advanced than I was ready for since I don't know what a root of tiger is (closed captions misinformed me of the spelling) nor what Vinnie Moe is either. Lol, but I tried to keep up since they were just product names and the information was still good.

[@zchen358]

I like Slam Thread by CT Point and Amy Roke nylon threads. for Linen Meisi is pretty good. I've been trying various round nylon/polyester thread from several shops on Taobao (Wuta, Sozo, etc) and they all seem pretty nice. I do prefer synthetic thread since you can burn them to finish vs hiding it on the Linen. Also those Diamon Chisels looks good, looking forward to video on those.

[@gitruih]

Slam Thread was really nice discovery for me :)

[@grimtt]

I like the singeing effect, too. I have meisi too but sometimes worry it will back out

[@TheDude13]

What about needles? What size needle do you use for what size thread?

[@tanvirislam2473]

Very interesting and knowledgeable information u give us. So much thanks

[@The.Original.Mr.X]

9:25 You mention using Cotton thread, but you're holding linen thread. Is the type of thread you are holding the thread that only lasted 7 years or was it somthing else?

[@JeminiThaBard]

Anyone try sewing with waxed hemp thread with leather? I made a braided hemp once and it lasted for years with water and sun hitting it. I never used hemp for sewing though. Anyone?

[@ToddJohnson15]

The .8mm Ritza Tiger thread is just too thick for most small projects. Even .6mm is problematic because of its flat shape. I bought the sample pack, but now I'm not sure what to do with it.

[@steveblair1969]

Ritza tiger thread comes in .6 to 1.4 mm

[@Handles-R-Lame]

Rizta only goes to *1.2mm* not *1.4mm* Just a heads up.

[@steveblair1969]

@@Handles-R-Lame I have ritza in 1.4 mm I use it on some of my larger sheaths

[@steveblair1969]

@@Handles-R-Lame very limited on the colors though

[@leeway3739]

Hi...new to leathercraft but I have been sewing for 20ish years. I have a question about waxing the thread. In hand sewing, after we wax a thread we iron it (between two sheets of paper) to melt the wax into the fibers so it doesn't just rest on the surface. You and the other leatherworkers I have seen online don't do this extra step and I am confused as to why. Is there a specific reason?

[@jonnystumbles23]

Love your channel! My biggest problem with flat thread is I need to straighten it out when pulling through the hole or it can look twisted, leaving non-uniform stitching. It also takes an extra second between stitches which slows me down. I assume you do not have this problem with round thread, but do you have any tips?

[@jamesgarrison5546]

Do you hammer your seams down after stitching?

[@OgeiDennepeL]

You don’t have that same issue with round thread,but I found out that due to Vinymo (which I use) being rolled up,it tends to return to that shape even when you have it threaded in the needles. This causes me to get tangled up especially with long runs of stitching as the thread curls around itself when stitching,sometimes causing knots along its length

[@BenAnthony_]

Great info! Slightly unrelated, but where did you get your scratch awl that you are using in this video?? I haven't seen anything that looks like that online.

[@petroviljoen9570]

thank you for taking time to make the video. really helpfull information. what needles do you use for hand sewing?

[@windwolf3758]

Thank you! That was very helpful

[@elconquistador932]

Great video, made things much clearer for me. I do have one question though. Let's say I'm using a 5mm stitch spacing but with round holes instead of a diamond chisel. What type thread would you go with? Would the flat .6mm Ritza still work?

[@JohnTBlock]

Sinew is available from everybody - Tandy's, Weavers, does Buckleguys have thread?

[@JeffBuda]

Which thread and spacing does Corter Leather use on the products they sell?

[@ZERO_42069]

I like the Ritza tiger thread

[@danielcoffaro6569]

Wonderful and informative as always. I have always used vinymo and was surprised the first time I tried ritza. Cool to see some thoughts on the uses for both.

[@shyjugovindan]

Is ritza tiger thread or fil au chinos or vinymo better for wallet?

[@sons.moon.leather]

I started with Barbour’s linen thread but couldn’t deal with the breaking. Braided or twisted poly from here on out.

[@OgeiDennepeL]

I’d suggest braided,as twisted in my experience has the tendency to fray at the needles when you stitch and break,usually a couple of stitches before you’re done 😅

[@punctumsutura]

I like to use Au Chinois threads (living in France, Au Chinois’ threads are the easiest option available when it comes to quality) but I recently discovered Vinymo thanks to Korean leathercrafters. I do like it a lot but it is rather difficult to find here, and ordering Vinymo threads is quite pricy… Is Ritza a good one compared to vinymo ?

[@benjaminkeener9776]

Thanks for this, very informative.

[@stuartmarkman769]

What threads do you recommend for machine sewing.?

[@tiagopardete545]

Linen thread and Cotton thread are very different things. Linen thread is supposed to be made with flaxseed threads because they are longer threads and are much more durable than cotton threads. The cotton threads being sold as linen thread are a ripoff because they are much, much worse.

[@grimtt]

Yeah, you totally can’t go by claims on Amazon sellers advertising “linen thread”! Best to buy from a dedicated art supply store IMO. Like a bookbinding supply places, for instance where they sell archival quality linen thread (if that’s what you’re after).

[@linanae1]

This bothered me. Cotton threads are weaker than Linen. Its why traditionally, cotton thread was never used when making a garment via hand-sewing. Silk and waxed linen threads were used. They aren't the same and of course leather made with cotton thread fell apart

[@elijahkabutey7703]

Where can I get the thread to buy

[@grimtt]

Is there a white thread out there that won’t pick up dye in struck-thru leather 😬?

[@austinsc2]

when is your stainless steel bottlehook coming back in stock. I want one so bad!!!

[@MrRenoman2011]

Awesome video thanks so much

[@lisahuang6651]

This is so informative. Thanks for the video! Are there instances when you would use waxed versus unwaxed thread? Is there a benefit to applying beeswax to unwaxed thread before sewing?

[@punctumsutura]

Cotton (or linen) thread if unwaxed is really rough. I like to wax my cotton thread so it « slides » better when I sew, plus cotton thread tends to « split » sometimes when unwaxed (because of the abrasion when you pull the thread) so wax keeps it nice and smooth 😊

[@tacitus7408]

When you change thread type and size you negate the point of comparison. Change type of thread, use the same size would be much more helpful.

[@tianamarie989]

Wouldn't that mean, he'd have to buy thread he doesn't use just to make a video?