LilRay Report post Posted May 28, 2011 Hey guys and gals! My ultimate goal in leathercraft is to make Guitar Straps, but I don't have a clue on the basics so I thought I'd post a few questions that y'all might be willing to help a newbie learn the ropes with. This may turn into a good "sticky" to help others too. What Type and thickness of leather (both lined and unlined)? If lining with Suede what adhesive is best (before stitching)? What Type and size of thread for hand stitching? What stitch count(per inch)? If cutting design out and overlaying, onto "base layer", What adhesive and stitching for that? Painting/Dyeing What's the most rugged way of adding more than one color to a design? And finally what types and sizes of "specialty tools" are needed (punches, etc)? Help a newbie get started chasing his dream, and I'll be eternally grateful. God Bless, Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raleighchopper Report post Posted June 4, 2011 Hi Ray, Brookwood leather has some great videos on how he does it. Keep in mind the type of guitar you are making the strap for as well. The wider the strap, the more comfort you will have, especially for the Les Paul type guitars. Check out El Dorado straps for inspiration on tooled straps or classic style and then adapt for your own style. I am working on one for a acoustic guitar now. Enjoy, RC Hey guys and gals! My ultimate goal in leathercraft is to make Guitar Straps, but I don't have a clue on the basics so I thought I'd post a few questions that y'all might be willing to help a newbie learn the ropes with. This may turn into a good "sticky" to help others too. What Type and thickness of leather (both lined and unlined)? If lining with Suede what adhesive is best (before stitching)? What Type and size of thread for hand stitching? What stitch count(per inch)? If cutting design out and overlaying, onto "base layer", What adhesive and stitching for that? Painting/Dyeing What's the most rugged way of adding more than one color to a design? And finally what types and sizes of "specialty tools" are needed (punches, etc)? Help a newbie get started chasing his dream, and I'll be eternally grateful. God Bless, Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LilRay Report post Posted June 4, 2011 Hi Ray, Brookwood leather has some great videos on how he does it. Keep in mind the type of guitar you are making the strap for as well. The wider the strap, the more comfort you will have, especially for the Les Paul type guitars. Check out El Dorado straps for inspiration on tooled straps or classic style and then adapt for your own style. I am working on one for a acoustic guitar now. Enjoy, RC Thanks for the links RC! Those help immensely. I'm a bassist, so most of my friends wil want 3.5 to 4 inch wide straps. I'm sure I'll make a few for the "Skinny Sixers" too. God Bless, Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raleighchopper Report post Posted June 4, 2011 Post some pics when you are done! RC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LilRay Report post Posted June 5, 2011 Post some pics when you are done! RC Definately! But I'll practice tooling for a while longer before I ruin a straps worth of leather. As soon as I can do well enough to try a strap, I'll post,. I promise. God Bless, Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
