84:.' 



THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



This process of passing the hemp round the hook is repeated until sufficient 

 strands are brought together to give a thread of the required strength. This 

 is determined by the class of work to be done. In light work two strands 

 are used, while five or six are usually required for heavy stitching. 



When sufficient strands have been brought together, the end is taken 

 between the thumb and first finger of the left hand, and the thread twisted 

 by rolling with the right hand on the apron. The twist is kept in by 

 catching the thread up by the finger and thumb of the left hand. The 

 amount of twist determines its fineness, strength, and evenness. When well 



Fig. 11. — A convenient bench (or leather-working, showing arrangement of tools. 



twisted, wax freely but quickly by rubbing the wax briskly up and down 

 right to the tips. A little more wax is applied to the tips than to the 

 remainder, so that the needle can be more easily and secui'ely attached. 



It must be remembered that the threads are not doubled before twisting. 

 A fine tapering tip is required at each end for the attachment of a needle, 

 and this can only be obtained by twisting the thread from end to end without 

 doubling. 



Wax. 



Wax is applied to retain the twist, to give strength and smoothness, and to 

 preserve the thread. Two kinds are used, beeswax where black threads are 

 not desirable, and cobbler's-wax. 



The latter is most suitable for heavy stitching, and is composed of — 



1 lb. Pitch, 4 oz. Resin. 



The pitch and resin are heated until thoroughly liquefied and intermingled, 

 when the composition is poured into cold water, in which it can be 

 conveniently preserved. When required for use, a piece about as big as the 

 top of the thumb is cut oft' with a wet knife, and held whilst being used in a 

 piece of soft leather to prevent it sticking to the fingers. 



These proportions of pitch and resin make a suitable wax for use in warm 

 weather, but in winter it becomes hard and brittle. This can be overcome 

 by making a mixture of — 



1 lb. Pitch, 3 oz. Resin, 3 oz. Mutton fat. 



The thread sometimes becomes hard or sticky w r hen cold, and will not run 

 well. This can be remedied by smearing the fingers with raw beef or mutton 

 fat and passing them up and down the thread a few times. 



