Thinnest Leather Cord Size?

[mausketeer]

Hi there. I would like to make some pearl necklaces on leather cord and am curious as to what is the thinnest leather that is available. Is 0.5mm the thinnest? I might just have to use hemp if I don't want to drill out the holes more...... even then, it may be too thick......

Any advice/information is appreciated! Thanks!

- Jodie -

[pearlescence]

I use 1.5mm and 2mm leather. would 0.5 have any durability?
Drilling out the pearls isn't too hard.
I am looking into getting strands of them done in advance when I go to HK next week - coincidence!
Is there a demand?

[pattye]

I've never seen .5mm genuine leather, but perhaps it is available somewhere. Like Wendy, I've used 1.5mm and 2.0mm and heavier only. Even then on occasion I've broken a cord when tying knots.

Many options available in fibers, hemp, waxed cotton and linen, and some lovely silks. Hope you'll show us what you are making!

[Caitlin]

I get mad when I type a response and forget to post it...

In the meanwhile, Pattye essentially made my post for me. Hemp is the strongest of the natural fibers and will not rot, even in a damp climate.

I had one other thought. Artificial sinew this brand comes in 14 colors. You can separate sinew into smaller threads, just like the real sinew.

[mausketeer]

Oh cool! Thanks for the replies everyone! Yeah, I think the 0.5 I saw was real leather but I hadn't really considered durability - that's a good point (I tend to break chain necklaces as it is let alone a thin leather cord.......)

I think I'm going to break down one of the vintage baroque akoya necklace's that I just bought and make a few sort of "station" necklaces on some pretty cord. I think I'll use pinks and lilacs etc. Not sure if there's a demand for something like that....... I'm just not the type to wear a strand of white pearls myself and I really like them (the vintage akoyas) and I thought it was a way to make them more of an "everyday" sort of item, you know? I might give them to my friends as gifts or their daughters........

Of course I'll post photos!