Big K

I know there are things you can order for converting screw on conchos to snaps but it seems to me that it would be simpler (and cheaper) to just find the right size flathead screw and use a leather washer as needed. Has anyone done this or have any idea of what size screw I should be looking for? I hate to keep making companies richer when it's something I can do myself.

Hope I can explain this so it makes sense. I'm making a guitar strap for a friend. I make them from veg tan belly that I get from Tandy, then glue and stitch 2-3 oz as a liner (flesh side out). This has worked well for me in the past. On this one, however, along with lots of basket weave I'm adding (3) 1.25" slotted conchos tied with bleed knots (I'm using strips of dyed 2-3 oz for the ties). My question is: would it be better to tie the conchos on BEFORE I add the lining (and hiding the ties) or after, letting the ties go through the liner. The strap and ties will be dyed black and sealed and I don't plan on dying the lining to protect against possible dye transfer. I'll be airbrushing a couple coats of gloss water based Varathane as a sealer (could also use Resolene but have found the Varathane works pretty well). I'm thinking it may not really make a difference but don't want to take a chance on the dye from the ties rubbing off on clothing. Thanks!!

I'm looking at doing a project (purse) that is stitched using a crossed 'X' pattern which I've never done before. Is there a way to calculate a rough thread length or should I just start with something comfortable and add more as I run out? I usually use 4x plus a little for saddle stitching but this one has me stumped. I don't have a problem with using long thread but this looks like it might get ridiculous.

I just finished a messenger bag based a plan I got from a guy on You Tube. It's a combination of 5-6 veg tan and 5 oz chrome tan. It has a main pouch and a couple of pockets on the front which makes the final seams about 1/2" thick. I neglected to thin the edges as recommended because I was afraid to screw it up so sewed them full thickness which wasn't a problem until I tried to turn it right side out after finishing the stitching! There was NO possible way to turn it right side with those thick seams and I'm a pretty strong guy. The only way to get it done was to soak it in the sink for a few minutes which softened everything up and it turned out just fine. I then hung it to dry for a couple of days and the leather got pretty stiff......so.........what product/treatment would ya'll recommend to soften the leather? In my opinion, messenger bags should be soft and sort of 'floppy'

I just finished a messenger bag based a plan I got from a guy on You Tube. It's a combination of 5-6 veg tan and 5 oz chrome tan. It has a main pouch and a couple of pockets on the front which makes the final seams about 1/2" thick. I neglected to thin the edges as recommended because I was afraid to screw it up so sewed them full thickness which wasn't a problem until I tried to turn it right side out after finishing the stitching! There was NO possible way to turn it right side with those thick seams and I'm a pretty strong guy. The only way to get it done was to soak it in the sink for a few minutes which softened everything up and it turned out just fine. I then hung it to dry for a couple of days and the leather got pretty stiff......so.........what product/treatment would ya'll recommend to soften the leather? In my opinion, messenger bags should be soft and sort of 'floppy'

Kind of a novice and have never used anything but veg tan for my projects (purses, sheathes, holsters, etc.) and am not familiar with chrome tanned at all. I found a nice pattern for a messenger bag that I want to make and the main body is spec'd as ' 5 oz chrome tanned leather'. I think I'd rather use veg tanned for the whole thing but, I believe, chrome tan is not as stiff as veg. Could I use thinnner veg tan to get the same effect? The 'wrap-around' sides/body and trim/straps is natural veg colored and the chrome tan body is a darker brown. I'd like to use a thinner veg tan and dye it darker - does that sound reasonable? Hope I asked this so it's understandable.

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Does anyone know of a source for saddle shearling in smaller quantities than whole hides? I need enough to pad about 3 guitar straps (4" wide x 12" long +/-). Appreciate the help!!

I'm sure you all are sick of people asking this, but here goes again. Is there any sort of garage sale/craigs list type sewing machine that I can use to sew light leather - 1/4" max. I'm interested in making some small concealed carry pocket holsters out of lighter weight leather. I don't want to mess up the wife's machine and I'd rather not have to hand sew, although I've done it in the past when forced. My budget probably tops out at around $60 - any suggestions? Thanks!!

Is there another way to put a rounded edge on a strap besides an edger? I'm in the midst of a project and won't be able to get to a tool supplier for a week or so

I've been offered an early treadle type Singer patch machine (for basically nothing), but before I accept it and go to the trouble of moving the thing, is this an adequate machine for basic holster and sheath making? I've stitched with a sewing awl in the past but this seems like this would be a positive step up if I wanted to try getting into it a little more seriously. Any comments/advice greatly appreciated.