Stitching Matters

The days of grandmothers passing on sewing skills to their progeny may be mostly in the past, but the quality of thread and the type of sewing stitches used still matters. Quality thread and properly performed stitches make the difference between a strong product that holds together in the long run and can take heavy use and one that falls apart when the going gets rough. First we’ll examine the type of stitching that is best for durability.

An examination of the marketplace will show you that there are many types of stitches used in one of our most popular products, our dog collars. Some producers use the triple stitch, which is what it sounds like – three lines of stitches, the extra for extra strength.

We use the powerfully durable Box Stitch, which is two triple stitches and a cross. The collars we produce are much more durable and long-lasting, which is essential for big dogs that pull with great strength and energy. Most modern sewing machines have a setting to help make even, strong triple stitches, which are the basis of a good Box Stitch.

The box stitch is easier to understand and apply with a visual guide. There’s a great illustration available in step 10 of our guide to making dog collars.

The second important aspect of a strong dog collar is high-quality thread. We use Bonded Nylon Thread of type B69. It is a much thicker thread than what you find in a typical handmade collar. In fact, it is the very largest size thread that works with most home sewing machines. It’s as close to industrial-strength as you can get for your projects that still need the handmade touch of real arts-and-crafts. B69 thread is very durable and resistant to all kinds of conditions.

No matter what you or your dog get up to, a collar made with B69 thread laid down in box stitches will hold up. Even the strongest, most energetic dog can’t find enough trouble to get into to damage one of these collars. They’re as good as it gets. You and your canine best friend deserve the best!