r/Leatherworking • u/XEZRO • 2d ago

Measurement formula for a novice?

Post image

How's it going everyone I'm new(ish) to leather working. I really like hand stitching my project but im tired of either pulling to much or not enough wax thread. So I was wondering if there was a measurement formula that I could use to accurately gauge how much thread I need in advance (assuming I have no complications) The drawing above is the stitch I have in mind for a project I was commissioned recently along with the punch I plan to use as well. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

16 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

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16

u/lx_anda 2d ago

This is what you're after

5

u/XEZRO 1d ago

Holy sweet merciful crap. This is perfect!!! Called me out at the start as well lmao but I am downloading this immediately. Thank you so much

2

u/Stuntcock29 2d ago

Seconded.

1

u/beepsboopbops 1d ago

Also in support.

1

u/MyOtherTush 1d ago

Bless u

6

u/That_Put5350 1d ago edited 1d ago

The app that was linked is specific to saddle stitching. If you want to do a cross stitch like your drawing, it won’t be enough. I remember learning somewhere that a saddle stitch is 2-4 times the length of the seam, and a cross stitch is 7-9 times the length of the seam. The variation is based on stitch spacing and leather thickness- the thicker the leather and tighter the spacing, the more thread you need.

I will try to find the resource I got this from, they had a bunch of different stitches covered. If I find it I’ll come back and link it.

Oh, also, if you’re sewing a long way, it can be better to just do a comfortable amount (like your arm span) and tie it off and add more when you need to. It’s tough to manage like 20 feet of thread, and the needle end can get a bit ratty from going through so many holes.

3

u/AtlasAoE 1d ago

When I saddle stitch I take 4x the length of the stitch + 2 needles lengths in thread and I was always fine

3

u/Woodbridge_Leather 1d ago

That’s probably a decent rule of thumb but doesn’t account for stitch spacing and/or thickness of item to be stitched. I was in for an unfortunate surprise the first time I switched to 3mm irons and ran out of thread. The app another commenter linked is quick, easy, and prevents this from ever happening.

0

u/AtlasAoE 1d ago

When I saddle stitch I take 4x the length of the stitch + 2 needles lengths in thread and I was always fine