Thread for straps

**Buffalo Skipper** · 09-26-2010, 07:29

What thread should I be using for stitching loops in straps?

**Hooch** · 09-26-2010, 07:34

100% polyester.

**gargoyle** · 09-26-2010, 07:36

Regular polyester thread. The same as I use for sewing my projects. Has not failed me yet.

**Ramblinrev** · 09-26-2010, 07:39

+1 any good quality 100% polyester thread will do the trick. The bar tack/stitch pattern does the work. Any multiple bar tack/box /double box pattern will serve fine.

**Shewie** · 09-26-2010, 08:01

I use Gutermann poly thread for all my little DIY jobs. I did by a 30m reel so it's taking some getting through.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 09-26-2010, 08:03

Thanks. Is there any particular size/style which is better?

I do not have a (working) sewing machine right now. Will hand stitching work? I have done a considerable amount of hand stitching in my day and am confident in that simple skill.

And what do you mean by a bar or box pattern. I went to Harbor Freight yesterday and picked up some straps. Of course they had the cheesy buckles I will have to cut off, but they are currently stitched on with a box filled with an X. The box is roughly 7/8" x 1 1/4". Is that sufficient, or should I double stitch this pattern?

**Ramblinrev** · 09-26-2010, 08:26

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

I have done a considerable amount of hand stitching in my day and am confident in that simple skill.

And what do you mean by a bar or box pattern. I went to Harbor Freight yesterday and picked up some straps. Of course they had the cheesy buckles I will have to cut off, but they are currently stitched on with a box filled with an X. The box is roughly 7/8" x 1 1/4". Is that sufficient, or should I double stitch this pattern?

I'm glad you think hand stitching is a "simple skill". For me it is anything but. However for years before the invention of the machine hand sewing was "da bonb". Stitch away.

What you saw on the harbor Freight straps was the "box" pattern. It is probably the most widely used _commercial_ pattern around. Very tried, true and tested. A double box pattern is more likely to be used in rescue and critical climbing applications but for tree huggers my own opinion is they are overkill. Multiple bartacks are the equivalent of the box pattern without the lengthwise stitches. In my opinion they are strong enough. I've not had them fail. But you need to be comfortable with your own peace of mind.

**Youngblood** · 09-26-2010, 08:58

The strength of the thread as well as how many stitches are used determines how strong the stitching will be. I figure 100 stitches with 1 pound thread is equivalent in strength to 10 stitches with 10 pound thread. Bar tacks allow you to get a lot of stitches in place with thinner (and weaker) thread compared to x-box stitching which is more appropriate for thicker (and stronger) thread.

As far as name brands and the material telling you how strong it is... I have at least 4 different sizes/strengths of Guttermann polyester thread on hand. Three I bought at a JoAnn's Fabric store- economy, regular, and heavy duty. On top of that I bought some that is a different size/strength from one of our on-line supply shops, OWF, I think.

**MarshLaw303** · 09-26-2010, 09:04

so if you don't use a sewing machine why not just tie a figure 8 in one and to form the loop? I have seen this done a lot is there a reason not to do it?

-Tim

**Big Jim Mac** · 09-26-2010, 09:06

There was a thread on here awhile back about a test done on strap thread patterns and which one was best. THe four rows of horizontal stitches won out if memory serves me.