Hand Stitching Billets

[Random Tox]

Hey everyone... this is my first post on a forum. I know that if I don't do it correctly I will hear about it.

I want to know the proper method of hand stitching billets to an English style saddle. I have been told that backstitching the billets to the saddle is completed a certain way.

This is stitching the billet to nylon webbing under the saddle flap. I need a visual diagram to understand this better.

Maybe I am making more out of this than I should, because I have been ending my hand stitching by back stitching all along. Is it as simple as that?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

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[Kevin]

The backstitch is a type of stitch. I do it everyday, but I am not smart enough to explain it. There is a good explanation on here somewhere though, justv keep searching.

Good luck,

Kevin

[GrampaJoel]

Maybe this video might help. It's not leather, but it might help you understand the stitch.

[BOB BRENNER]

Random,

The backstitch is not all the hard if you follow the pattern. (See the attachments)

Start form the back or webbing side at the first hole in the billet

-- then go back to the end of the billet and go thru the webbing only

-- then go thru the second hole from the webbing side

-- then go back thru the first hole

-- then go thru the third hole from the webbing side

-- then go back thru the second hole

repeat the pattern of one back and two forward until finished.

When you finish the first line of stitching go across to the second stitch line and start form the second hole from the bottom and repeat the pattern. When you finish the first billet cross over the the other billet and start again.

I generally use a pricking iron with 5 stitches per inch and 1.0 mm braided and waxed nylon thread.

Edited May 8, 2012 by BOB BRENNER

[Random Tox]

Thank you Kevin, GrampsJoel & Bob Brennan for the very helpful reply.

Now I am on my way to better under standing stitching.

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