Looking for a new hobby....like I really need another one....

[longwinters]

I've seen some really nice leather work by some of you and wondered if you do the stiching by hand or machine?  I was thinking of doing something simple like a cartridge holder pouch to start with.
 
Long

[oldandslow]

I do all mine by hand. There are a few little tricks that make it easier to do and improve the results. Hand stitching is just as durable as machine stitching. It just takes a long longer and more effort to make it uniform. IF I did a LOT of stitching I would get a machine.

Tandy, Hidecrafters, and S&D Trading all sell the Al Stholman books on leathercraft and there is an excellent one on hand stitching. It's worth getting a copy if you are serious about leather work.

[AtlLaw]

I do all mine by hand also.  That's part of the fun!     Well, maybe not fun  but definitely an act you will brag on!   
 
But all of it is great fun.  You design and create something that is uniquely you!   

[briarpatch]

Had a cousin that took up golf as a hobby, told me he could have raced yachts cheaper. 

[rdstrain49]

longwinters, give this link a look.  May answer some of your questions.  If you have any other questions feel free to contact me.


rdstrain49@gmail.net




http://1858remington.com/discuss/index.php?topic=1618.0

[longwinters]

RD, 
 
That is really nice work and a great tutorial.  I'll have to ruminate on this a bit more. 
 
Long

[rdstrain49]

LW, here is a rig I made from scrap material left over from my holster making.  Lots of stitching if you are going to do it by hand.

[longwinters]

Really nice work....I'm not sure I have enough years left to get that good 
 
Long

[rdstrain49]

and one last rig for your consideration.  This rig went to a gentleman in Texas.  There are about 1,500 stitches just in the belt.

[AtlLaw]

There are about 1,500 stitches just in the belt.

Darn man!  You counted the stitches!?   
 
 

[rdstrain49]

don't you?

[AtlLaw]

heck no!  Just the hours it takes to do that much sewing...     Notice I still haven't stitched up that last belt... 
 
 
Cummon Long!  Join the fun!  Just think, all of us can sit around drinking the wine we make, eating the veggies we grow and admiring our leatherwork!   
 

[longwinters]

I'll have to start looking at the various leather establishments on the web to see whats out there and How much it'll cost me......and I just told the wife we gotta be tight cuz the youngest is getting married this summer.  whoooo boy!
 
Long

[rdstrain49]

If you have a Tandy's near you, they sometimes have scraps large enough for a holster, usually cheap.

[longwinters]

I'll have to check next time we get to Green Bay...hundred miles south of us.
 
Long

[Anduril]

Another new leatherworker here.
On the average, what size stitching do you use on holsters?
I'm thinking 5 to the inch is about right.
..
 

[rdstrain49]

Anduril;
The stitch count is going to depend to some degree on what method of stitching you are going to use.  If you are using a diamond shaped awl to make the holes, your spacing needs to be a bit bigger to accommodate the width of the blade.  If you are using a very small drill, 5 stitches per inch will work just fine.  I use a Boss sewing machine and stitch about 6 per inch.  Any closer and the stitches can start to pull through the leather.  Also be careful that you don't get your stitch line too close to the edge of your work piece.  You need to leave room for dressing and finishing the edge.


If you have any questions once you get started, feel free to contact me at
rdstrain49@gmail.com