When hand stitching long runs I'm having tremendous difficulty keeping the threads from tangling, twisting and knotting up. Currently, I just finished stitching the perimeter of a belt but taming a ridiculously long thread was a huge challenge. As a result, I was forced to break out the old Stohlman book on stitching to learn how to properly cut and run a new thread. After that, the stitching went smooth until it started twisting and knotting up again. I got through the stitching with only having to change out the thread twice. I know it looks cleaner with only using 1 thread but does everyone really do that with very long stitching projects like belts and straps? If so...how does one manage all the issues that come with working with this much thread? How does one get the twisting action out of the thread once it starts? I tried waxing the thread and it didnt do much to mitigate the issue. I was using WUTA waxed cable polyester thread.
Dave,
I realize this is an OLD post and the information is long overdue, however I thought I would share what I do while I am hand stitching belts. I also run both edges of the belt at the same time. I struggle with my threading tightening and the belt becoming a bit misshapen when I stitch one side at a time.
There is a back stitch at both ends of the belt, the billet end being the least desirable as it is visible. You could avoid this simply by not cutting the thread a second time and running with the longer threads to produce a more professional outcome.
Seems that I also read in a fabric quilting discussion that the way the thread is held and rolled in between the index finger and thumb can impact how much the thread twists and turns. I would really need to rack my brain and think this through to come up with the correct description of what is right or not.
I am new to the forum and the leather craft masterclass and I am being challenged to re-think many of the ways I have been doing things. Everything I have learned has helped me progress to the next level of leather craft!
Cindy
When faced with a unusually long run of stitching, I look for places that allow me to break it down into two or more shorter runs. For example on a long shoulder strap or belt, I’ll do it in two runs starting from tip and running down each side to the buckle. Other places to hide a transition can be where a strap or tab will cover the first section of stitching or an out of the way place like under a lip or edge.
Similar subject in this thread:
https://www.leathercraftmasterclass.com/forum-1/help-from-the-community/thread-coiling
This has little to do with too much wax/not enough wax and more to do with the thread naturally twisting as you stitch until it wraps around itself so many times that the friction is greater than the force pulling against it to unravel and it will snag eventually.
As Christina says, just drop the needles every so often when you see the thread twisting so that they can unravel.
I wax the thread by running it through a block of beeswax or paraffin wax prior to stitching. I'm not sure if I'm twisting it at all...I run the thread through the wax In small sections keeping it pretty straight. I also run the thread through a cotton cloth to melt any excess wax on the surface of the thread. The thread appears pretty straight before i start stitching. I try to pinch the thread all the way down to the needles to get some of the twist out and that works a little but not much.
hey, one "easy fix" would be to stop after couple of stitches, letting the threads hang on each side to "untaggle" by itself. you can help it by taking it between two fingers and kind of slide from the leather away all the way down to the needle to straighten it again and then pick it up again. are you waxing it before and maybe twisting it a little too much already yourself?