Craft question

[tigertoy]

Suppose I wanted to sew something made of heavy duty fabric that needed to stand up to a lot of stress, such as if I wanted to replace a broken clip on a backpack strap.  What kind of thread is strong enough to hold well?  Does it require a special needle?  Is there a better way to get the needle through such heavy fabric than "use a thimble and push really hard"?

Comments

[singlemaltsilk.livejournal.com]

I'd use carpet thread, a curved upholstery needle, and a leather thimble.

[persis.livejournal.com]

Ditto.

Be careful pushing thru, as, if you forget the thimble, the needle end will go into your thumb, which hurts.

[tigertoy.livejournal.com]

Wow, I did not know there were curved needles or leather thimbles. Now, to figure out where to get such things.

[singlemaltsilk.livejournal.com]

There's also Kevlar thread -- I can send you some if you like -- which has tremendous tensile strength, but will abrade against sharp edges. I'm trying to envision your repair...

[tigertoy.livejournal.com]

It's not so much a specific repair as something to have in my kit. I have a canvas belt pouch that is falling apart in a couple of places that I might be able to hold together a little longer, but ordinary sewing thread wouldn't last. I've had the clip on the end of the carry strap on a duffel bag break.

[msminlr.livejournal.com]

If there are already holes in the material and it's just the old thread that has given-way, the stitching will be a lot easier. Otherwise you might want to pre-punch the holes (hammer and a finishing nail).

I don't know a way to buy JUST a curved needle; they tend to come in a pack with several other large sturdy needles. Try a Hancock's or JoAnn's fabric store. Hobby Lobby is another possibility. The leather thimble should be findable there also.

[tigertoy.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't trust staples not to stick out and poke things. I'm thinking rivets.

[braider.livejournal.com]

Upholstery thread. You did say fabric, so I'm guessing a normal needle will be fine. (There are special needles for leather, and you don't want to use silk or beading needles).