Loops on money belts

[Skeeter Lewis]

Do any pards know how the loops on nineteenth-century money belts were sewn? I've heard a suggestion that they were sewn continuously. Maybe Rick could chime in.
Skeet

[Buck Stinson]

Yes, I sew all of my belts with a continuous length of linen thread.  To make it easier, I cut several lengths at 46" and hand wax the thread with bees wax.  It takes approximately 115 inches of thread to sew 32 large caliber pistol loops.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Thanks, Buck. This is my attempt at sewing continuously. Is it right to twist the thread where it is diagonal? Also - I'm finding it hard to fix the thread top and bottom so it holds firm. Is there a knack?
Skeet

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

This is how I do most of mine, and I make sure I use a stitch groover to bury my threads, otherwise the threads get worn out before they should, buried they last pretty much as long as the belt will....


tEN wOLVES 

[Skeeter Lewis]

TWF - I bury mine too, but not on moneybelts: the leather is too thin. I use 3 ounce leather, which Chuck said was PC. Moneybelts are tricky as a result.

[Buck Stinson]

When sewing cartridge loops by hand, some saddle makers did twist the thread if using the two needle method.  Others used only one needle, so there was no need to twist the thread.  Meanea, Gallatin and many others used the single needle method on both single thickness belts and money belts.  I do it this way on my belts.  It is just as durable and takes far less time.  I can hand sew 32 loops in 22 minutes.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Fascinating as always, Buck. If I've understood correctly, the single-thread technique would produce this pattern -

[Buck Stinson]

Hard to understand from your photo, but I think you have the idea.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Thanks, Buck.