Nutty Saddler

Hi thanks for the comments, I don't know if things are the same in the US as they are here - I use John James No 4 needles and Somac 18/3 reverse twist linnen thread which I wax ( pure beeswax ) myself prior to stitching . Almost everything is double-hand saddle stitch at 12 stitches per inch , I have been known to stitch single needle backstitch at 17 per inch but that is insane - even by my standards. It's a bit difficult to explain in words how the beads/pearls are sewn in but here goes , firstly the browband has to be completed with a channel cut into the top layer of leather for the beads to sit in , the beads themselves are strung on 50KGS break strain fishing wire ( I've found this best ) . The wire is knotted at one end and this is passed between the layers at one end untill it appears inside the end loop . I then string one needle with 18/3 thread and knott one end. This thread is then passed between the layers of leather , I have to make sure that I pass the awl and needles between the stitches that hold the layers together , this thread passes over the fishing wire and then between the layers on the opposite side , the thread then has to be inserted between the layers again - using the next bead as a guide as to where to put it - this process is repeated for each bead so in effect every bead is held in place . The browband has to be in the completed shape when inserting the beads so a gap dosen't appear when it is bent - this also ensures that there is no excess stress on the wire as it is bent when it's on a horse. ( hope this explains it ) Again thanks for looking - I will try to get some bigger pictures into my gallery , but until then enjoy the photobucket. Nutty

Hi all, I am a newbie on this forum , I am not however a newbie to leatherwork . I thought I would show you all some pics of the sort of work I have done - This is a selection of stuff I have made from a cavesson bridle ( I must make about 1 a week ) to a full harness ( make about 1 a year ) , everything is hand made using traditional methods Here is a link to my photobucket - http://s657.photobuc...Vihar/Saddlery/ - this has lots and lots of photos should you want to look at them all, but for now a small selection

Almost any English saddler either has or can hand stitch a pattern onto either a nose or browband of a bridle , many years in the past ladies sidesaddles would have had hand sewn patterns on the skirts , panels and sometimes seats . Being crazy I take this to the limit - I either use tools that are antique or have them specially made - these are not avialiable off the shelf. I use two styles of stitching, either double hand saddle stitch or single needle back stitch. Here is a noseband I made about a month ago , as you can see it was made useing red thread ( I had to dye my own thread as red is not normal ) , the thread is 18/3 reverse twisted linnen thread made by Somac for the saddlery trade which is waxed before use. The pattern was drawn onto the leather before the stitches were marked - for this one I used a 17 ( YES 17 ) stitches to the inch pricking iron, te pattern was then stitched in single needle back stitch - with the overlay showing ( normally this is on the underside and not seen ) , also you can see that the overlay is in different directions to give the impression of ' pointing ' . This was very difficult and time consuming as it leaves no room for error, one stitch pulled to tight and the whole lot would have been ruined. In all JUST to draw, prick and stitch this pattern took most of a day to complete.

Hi everyone , Just to introduce myself , I am an English saddler and specialise in bridle-making - I have also been known to make the odd harness and training equipment as well . I have been making tack for 18 years ( trained in 1992 ) , the Master Saddler who taught me has since told me that I am crazy to make some of the things that I do - hence Nutty Saddler . Everything that I make is completly hand made , including all the stitching, I have no machines at all ( except a splitting machine, but that dosen't really count ) . I will post some pics of completed items when I have some , but just for now I thought I'd say HI Nutty