question on thread and assembly

[Black River Johnny]

What type of thread do you guys use and where do you get it? do you use the linen thread from tandy? Also do you dye your holsters before or after you sew them together? if you wait until you sew them what kiind of thread do you use and do you wax it and if so how does the dye take? Thanks for all and any info.

[Gun Butcher]

BRJ, I use the linen thread and I personally like it white so I dye before I sew and wax the heck out of the thread.
Once in a while if I want dark thread and don't have any I will dye the thread with the color I use on the holster and then wax it.
If you dye after you sew, its guess your best what color your thread will end up. Seems like it will take the color in spots and not in others. I suppose that is due to the wax being heavier in some areas than others.

If I get in to big of a hurry and don't let my dye dry completely then I end up with kind of a turd murkelty dun color 

It all depends on what you prefer

[JD Alan]

I can say for sure I wouldn't want turd murkelty dun Anything Fact is though I've managed to create several things that color

[panhead pete]

Campbell-Bosworth has linen thread very reasonably priced, per foot that is.  The USA thread is $45.00, for a 1000 yard spool.  I tried the Hungarian linen that is half the price as well.  It is Okay, but it broke several times when hand stitching a rifle case which is pretty aggravating!  Use either a 4 or 5 chord depending on how thick your projects are and the size of your needles.   Wax well with beeswax.  Be sure to "taper" the ends with the backside of a knife before waxing.  This will give you a point that makes it easier to thread into the needle and gives a nice taper on the backside as you draw the thread through the leather.

Hope this helps.

Panhead

[Gun Butcher]

AW, come on now JD, I once upon a time in N.E. New Mexico Had a very good roping horse that was that color. On a horse it don't look bad

[northwestgrizzly]

What about using pre-waxed thread. I used to do that for many of my leather projects and would save me the time of having to wax it. Is it a cost issue or period reflective?

[Gun Butcher]

 Grizz, I also use tandys pre-waxed thread . Its a little heavier so depending on how much I want the thread to stand out is what I use.

[RollingThunder]

I switched from the lightweight Tandy thread to a heavier thread, and actually I like the more rugged look it gives me on some pieces. It also depends on what you are sewing and how difficult it might be to get a heavier coarse thread through the holes needed, vs. lighter thread. The weight of the leather also matters a great deal. Lighterweight leathers might need lighter weight thread in certain instances, like sewing up the inside edges on a small pouch.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Black River Johny

    Welcome to the forum Pard, the boys have given you some good points and information, you can't go wrong with the Tandy waxed linen thread, I started out on it myself, and still use it on different things, I also use the Campbell Bosworth 5 cord linen thread and wax my own thread, but if you're just starting out the Tandy waxed linen thread would be a good choice , and a good choice anyway, it is good thread, and you won't have to buy so much of it at any one time,it comes in natural, black, and brown.


                                Let us see what you come up with, we really like pictures around here

                                                              Regards

                                                          tEN wOLVES   

[Black River Johnny]

where does one get tri color linen thread ?

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Welcome, BRJ. Yes, we are picture fanatics. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.