Disagree that more stitches per inch is always better for leatherwork

I spent 3 hours trying to hit 8 stitches per inch on a wallet edge yesterday and it looked worse than my usual 6. The thread kept bunching and I had to rip out 12 inches of work before giving up. Has anyone else found a lower SPI actually holds up better on thin veg-tan?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_lee10d ago

Huh, I actually see it the other way on thin veg-tan. Lower SPI means each stitch has to carry more load, and on thin stuff that can actually cause the leather to tear or stretch right along the stitch line. I've had better luck sticking with a tighter stitch on thin panels, just have to slow way down and make sure my saddle stitch tension is dead even.

drewgonzalez10d ago

@the_lee you ever try a curved needle on thin veg-tan for better control?