mmn

Assuming you are hand stitching, most use an edge groover to mark a stitch line 3-4 mm or so from the edge. Then use a stitching wheel or pricking iron to mark the holes, and an awl or stitching chisel to punch the holes. If you try to do it through the pattern, unless there are no straight lines, you're not going to get things perfectly lined up. The stitching lines on a pattern are there to give an idea what it will look like and to serve as a reference for what areas get stitches and what areas do not. Regards Michael

In general, blue is for threads you want to be able to get apart and red is for those you don't. In either case, the tiniest drop is usually enough. If you do use red, don't use the hi-temp stuff. It's made for, well, hi-temp applications like engines, etc. and is almost impossible to unscrew. The regular red stuff will generally release with heat. Regards Michael

No, it's not leather. But this works well for me. Not meaning to push the brand, just showing the concept. Could certainly make something similar, and custom fitted, out of leather. Regards Michael

A Forstner bit in a drill press cuts a very clean hole in leather. Regards Michael

Really?... Ok, then. 1) Sitting comfortably hold the piece between your knees 2) Pull the needle through holding it wrong with the pliers 3) Let the piece slip 4) Reflex action with the knees to catch the piece while the needle is not entirely clear Made myself a stitching pony after this experience. Regards Michael

Or ram it into your thigh! Ask me how I know.... Regards Michael

How did you fix it? Add another stitch line? Regards Michael

Forstner Regards Michael

Even better! Regards Michael

Make yourself a cam clamp. Regards Michael

Thanks! It's a cam clamp. Regards Michael

Getting ready to try a belt myself. 1) Really like the buckle! 2) No keeper? Regards Michael

Curious why you made the reinforcement so long - almost the length of the barrel. Also, would like to see the back. (So I can copy it! lol). Regards Michael

Just getting started and after sticking a needle into my thigh holding a piece with my knees, I said to myself there's gotta be a better way! I started looking at stitching horses and ponies. Not being one to buy something I can make and after looking at many pictures, I came up with this. Crafted out of stuff I've had laying around. I can still stick myself but now I've really got to work at it... Regards Michael