Leather stitching...

[Cloudfeather]

I'm reworking a bow I did and I'm looking for something that will make a decent stitching for the handle wrap. I originally did it with red dacron b50, doubled up. It looked great originally, but has faded to a lackluster pink. Any suggestions on something that would equate to about that width and maintain it's color? I'm not married to the red stitching, so I'm open to suggestions.

[twilightandmist]

i might catch some flack for this one, but have you tried dental floss? its durable, doesnt biodegrade, and it has great tensile strength. i use it in all my leatherwork. i'vce even made a bowstring from it! great stuff.

[Will H]

Well as far as thread goes I like string serving better than actuall sting material for grip lacing. Personally I prefer flat leather goatskin lacing for most if my handles. It wears well and looks great but is kinda pricey in comparison

[Cloudfeather]

Actually, I've got a few colors of serving thread. Maybe a black/red stitch with some string wax would hold up nice?

[osage outlaw]

I like to use bracelet string that I get in the craft isle at walmart.  I buy a card that has black, light brown, and dark brown wrapped on it.  It is sturdy and the perfect diameter for stitching.

[Bryce]

Kangaroo lace

[killir duck]

yep i like kangaroo lace to but when was first starting i used art. sinew and never had a problem

[Pat B]

I use artificial sinew to do all my leather stitching lately with good results. BTW, I believe dental floss and artificial sinew are very similar if not the same. I keep unwaxed dental floss in my archery tool box for emergency repairs.

[Tom Leemans]

I believe you are correct on the artificial sinew and dental floss Pat. I've used silk floss, art. sinew, serving thread, and leather lacing. They all work, but the brightly colored stuff doesn't stay that way forever. I like the feel of leather lacing the best and it doesn't seem to want to cut the handle wrap leather as much.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I use Irish Shoemakers cord for all my stitching needs.

[Keenan]

Go to Wallmart or any sewing store. Buy a material cutting board, a straight edge (Long) and one of the circular razor cutters for material. They cut leather excellent. You can then make you own lacing as wide or narrow as you want. It will have about the same stretch as the wrap and wont tear out the leather.

[beetlebailey1977]

I use 70# artificial sinew for my leather......works great for me.

[Keenan]

Here is what I use most of the time.

[Cloudfeather]

Thanks for the tips, people. I bought some different types of threads at Walmart, including crochet thread. I'll post some pics in the near future when I rework the bow. Thanks again, fellas.