how to tell if a leather jacket is safe stiched?

FreshAL · Sir Crashalot Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

I've just bought a jacket off ebay for a fiver. It's a silver/black "Lewis" jacket. I've only known Lewis to do retro jackets, but this looks like a normal 2 peice jacket

OK, so I'm not expecting it to be great, but it is in great condition and
-It's got CE armour at elbows & shoulder
-Full length connecting zip for trousers
- feels quite thick leather, about the same as my teknics trousers.

Only thing I'm not sure about is the stiching - anything to look out for?

I'm only intending for it to be a spare for when mines being washed or if I'm taking a pillion (I'll give them my good jacket)

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Hmmm, not too sure, haven't worn leather for a while. When I did, I made sure they were atleast double-stitched (same as gloves).

Zimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Karma :

A good start is to look at the size of the stitches. Small stiches (1mm or less) is good, big stitches not so good.
All seams should be double stitched on a reasonable quality jacket, and preferably triple stitched in areas likely to come under stress in a fall.