In my previous articles, I’ve already shared my journey in finding the perfect thread for leatherwork and introduced you to the thread manufacturer, Ming Lang. However, there is an important aspect that helps a craftsman achieve their goals—having a sufficient variety of threads. In this article, I want to take a closer look at why having a wide range of threads at hand plays such a crucial role in the work process and how it aids a craftsman in tackling the most complex tasks.
The Practical Value of a Thread Assortment
When it comes to sewing, repairing, or restoring leather goods, the choice of thread becomes a critical part of the process. It’s not just a functional element but one that directly impacts the appearance of the product. The thread selection available in the studio is not just about speed and convenience; it’s a tool that helps a craftsman solve various challenges, whether it’s restoring the lost original look during repair/restoration or designing/creating unique products from scratch. Understanding how a wide range of threads can help achieve high-quality results across different areas of work is vital.
Let’s explore three key scenarios where having a broad selection of threads plays an especially important role:
Repair and Restoration
When a craftsman is restoring leather goods, choosing the right thread is paramount. To maintain the authenticity of the product, it’s important not only to find a matching color but also to consider the thread’s thickness, composition, and other characteristics. For instance, if the replacement thread in a vintage Hermes Birkin bag is noticeable or less durable, it will spoil the entire look, disrupt the original aesthetics, and diminish its value. Having an extensive range of threads in the studio helps avoid such issues by selecting the exact match for the original thread, thus preserving the item’s value and authenticity.
Custom Order
When a craftsman creates a custom product for a specific client, the choice of thread becomes an essential part of personalization. Every customer has their own vision, and offering a variety of threads is a way to finely tune the product to their tastes and preferences. A broad selection of threads allows the stitching to look exactly as the client envisions it, and the diversity in properties and features of the threads helps strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and the intended purpose. After all, every stitch is like the craftsman’s signature on the custom product.
Creative Work of the Designer
In experimental work, having a diverse range of threads provides creative freedom. Testing and experimenting with different threads and their combinations with leather helps the craftsman find unique solutions and create truly original pieces. A wide selection allows for unlimited ideas, whether it’s using contrasting stitches for effect or subtle, barely visible stitches for a more restrained look. This turns the creative workshop into a true laboratory of art, where each experiment is a step toward creating something new and unique.
Thread diversity also allows a craftsman to experiment not only with traditional materials but also with innovative solutions. For example, in my work, I can use luminous threads that store light and glow in the dark, creating a unique glowing effect that draws attention. Chameleon threads change color depending on the temperature or sunlight, giving the product a dynamic and interactive quality. Multi-color threads with smooth transitions from one shade to another add an unusual visual effect to the stitching, enlivening any design. Using such threads helps create unique products that are not only functional but also eye-catching with their originality.
Flexibility in the Work of a Craftsman
One of the main advantages of having a sufficient thread assortment is the ability to remain flexible and prepared for any task. With a wide range of threads, a craftsman can quickly adapt to urgent repairs or custom orders. For example, in a recent project to replace the handles of a Hermes Birkin bag made of crocodile leather, I was able to find a thread that perfectly matched the original, allowing the item to retain its appearance and authenticity.
In another case, while creating an exclusive custom watch strap for a Davosa timepiece, I used contrasting red stitching (matching the second hand and dial elements). This gave the piece a cohesive and unique look, fully meeting the client’s expectations. These examples show how a diverse selection of threads helps not only to promptly tackle difficult tasks but also to create creative products that stand out for their style and uniqueness.
Efficiency, Time, and Cost Savings
When I first started as a leather craftsman, I had to search for and order threads from all over the world. There were often logistical challenges: some sellers refused to ship to Ukraine, and I had to buy threads through intermediary countries. This increased costs, risks, and significantly extended delivery times.
However, after I made my final decision and purchased the entire available color palette, the workflow became much more convenient. Now, I simply replenish the stock as needed, adding new colors when available. Since 2018, Ukraine has had an official representative and distributor for MeiSi Europe, making it even easier and faster to purchase threads. This not only saves time and money but also allows me to respond quickly to any customer requests.
For craftsmen who are just starting out, the budget is often limited. Being able to purchase a complete assortment of threads in large quantities can be challenging. This is a common situation for beginners, but there are solutions that allow for effective resource management.
One such solution is using full thread catalogs and sample packs (small spools of 8 meters), which are perfect for selection, testing, and experiments. It’s a great way to try different thread types without investing heavily in large spools. Additionally, there are sample sets containing the full color range for each thread type, making selection and testing easier.
Threads are available in spools of varying lengths, starting with small ones (20 meters*), allowing for efficient planning of purchases based on the volume of work. The local distributor is always ready to help with selecting the necessary threads and organizing quick delivery, which enables prompt responses to customer requests and saves time and money.
Conclusion
Having a large thread assortment in the studio is not just a convenience but an essential resource that helps a craftsman solve various tasks, whether it’s urgent repairs, custom orders, or creative projects. A diverse selection of threads not only enables professional service delivery but also brings the boldest design ideas to life, providing clients with unique solutions. Moreover, the wide range of options ensures efficient work, saving time and money, and helps avoid unnecessary risks and costs.
For any craftsman, having as many tools at hand as possible is crucial. And thread diversity is one such tool that ensures flexibility, creative freedom, and a professional approach.
