thread for kilts

[tr.fiddler]

For a bit of cross-cultural sharing of knowledge, many American Indians use what we call artificial sinew for heavy duty stitching. Most times, when we sew two pieces of leather together we use artificial sinew. It might be usable for sewing your buckles and straps, which is why I point it out. Its usually already got wax on it though. Some people even use a high quality waxed dental floss. I've heard the Inuits often use dental floss for stitching their mukluks. Not that I expect anyone to go trying to use either of these materials, but if you do, I'd love to know. Although, artificial sinew is excellent stuff to have around. We usually wax it up good with beeswax when stitching leather pieces together. It can also be stripped down into thinner diameters by the user. These days you can even get artificial sinew in various colors. In the old days, real sinew would have been used but this artificial sinew is so cheap and easy to use that real sinew is used by 'purists' trying to keep the old ways alive. Good for them I say.

[Barb T]

Can you post links to suppliers for those who are interested?

[David Thorpe]

Can you post links to suppliers for those who are interested?

I use artificial sinew for leather work. It is available online from www.crazycrow.com and www.nocbay.com, among others.

[tr.fiddler]

Right, those are the best suppliers. I get most of my stuff from NocBay.

[tundramanq]

Thank you Barb! You just explained exactly why some of my colors of thread are a real pain to use, hand or machine. About half of the seldom used colors are cotton covered.

[Stoff]

I have a question also. Why not cotton wrapped thread? I have been using it for years for modern and historic reproduction clothing without any problems. I also have an old kilt that I built 20+ years ago and it is fine and the thread did not give any trouble.

Just wondering.

Stoff

[sydnie7]

I have a question also. Why not cotton wrapped thread? I have been using it for years for modern and historic reproduction clothing without any problems. I also have an old kilt that I built 20+ years ago and it is fine and the thread did not give any trouble.

Just wondering.

Stoff

Here is Barb's post on the subject from the old "thread, thread."

note that the new style Dual Duty does not fall into this category (now poly wrapped poly)

[Deesquared]

For button/carpet thread, I found 'heavy duty' gutterman thread at the fabric store. Will this be okay? I didn't see anything specifically marked as carpet/button thread.
Thanks!

[Dixiecat]

Yes. That's a good choice.

I've also used the Guttermann cotton quilting thread. I like how it's a little stiff and doesn't tangle, awesome for hand-sewing.

[Barb T]

For button/carpet thread, I found 'heavy duty' gutterman thread at the fabric store. Will this be okay? I didn't see anything specifically marked as carpet/button thread.

This is what I buy: http://www.joann.com/coats-andamp-cl...hread&start=47

Also - the Coats and Clark Dual Duty XP, which came out a few years ago, is a vast improvement on their old dual duty. It doesn't shred and slub the way the old cotton stuff did. I have to say, though, that I don't use it. I find it a big springy for basting, and I just buy the cheapest 100% polyester that I can find on sale.