Holes can be pinned shut as some here have mentioned...

If I don't have dental floss I use 6-8lb monofilament instead.

I believe taking the time to learn things correctly or at the very least properly saves you dollars in the long run.

The whole idea of sewing up a pelt and trying to dodge honesty in letting the buyer know about it is aborherrent to me any way. He always lose's not the seller.

I'll garuantee you that the end manufacture will re-sew or cut around the hole if that pelt makes it that far.

All these methods of sewing will work, some are better than others, I as an end user like to be able to make sure my time is used better in the long run, thats why I explain it the way I do it and not some lazy way to just get by!

As to why take the extra time. Well if one wants to dodge a buyer with a large hole the best way to do it is carefully and not cause a lot more cautious looks with the rest of your lot!

I've been sewing holes for more than 50 years and I've gone to "Fireline". 6lb test is strong enough and fine enough to do a great job. If you take enough pride in your pelts,and don't have 500 to do, you eventually will sew up the holes.

Wow!! I didn't realize that I now have 400 posts. I was on the original forum and the subsequent ones and I have yet to hit the 800 mark. Some people read, others type.

TexA try the three cornered needle, there is no need for pliers then. Yes any thread is ok for sure. And the hole will be opened up in the tanning process. After tanning the holes are trimmed and then sewn on a fur sewing machine.

Sewing will help the hole from not getting any larger in the drumming process auction houses.

foothillstrapper,I use various weights of Fireline in almost all my taxidermy work.6# is about perfect for most hides trappers deal with.The smaller the thread and the less stretch it has,the better the seam.Fireline.Amazing stuff.