I'm totally new to leather working and I would like to ask a few questions.
Leather Inlaying: I've heard that a lot of people like to glue the inlaid piece of leather to the back of their 'border', but I would like to know if I can sew it to the 'border'. Would that even work? My idea that I would apply this to would be a bronc halter nose piece. I would also like to know if I may successfully sandwich the inlaid leather piece between two other pieces of leather, making all pieces (all sewed together) one back piece, the inlaid piece and the front border. Would all of these pieces sewed together have the same or similar strength of their combined ounces?
Sewing Leather: Often I'll see a bridle that is sewn across the browband , down the cheek pieces and across the crown. Is this really necessary? Is it simply fashionable or does it actually help the leather keep its integrity? If it is truly needed or if it is optimal how should I go about accomplishing this? Do I need a sewing groove or a special needle/thread? May I use a Sewing Machine (I know you need a special sewing machine needle)?
Sewing Groove: Um.. What is it, how is it used, why is it used. Is it a guideline? Is it to keep the stitching from fraying or getting damaged? How is it applied and with what?
Thickness: I'd like to start my leather working hobby (if I may label it as such), with a simple project (and a willing model ). I would like to make a headstall either to sell or for my own personal use. Although, I'm sad to say I have no idea how thick the leather should be, and I don't know how wide it should be. I don't even know the measurements of a basic horse sized headstall, though, I'd like for the headstall to be adjustable.
Well, thanks for reading. I hope that the friendly and knowledgeable people on this forum can help me with my many questions, ideas, and future projects.