garypl

Thanks for the tip Bob! Question: do you glue the pieces before you stitch the edges? Or do you just use the small pieces of thread to hold everything in alignment?

Thanks for your comments! I wonder if drilling small holes first, followed by punching the leather with a punching awl would work? I will try this when I get some spare time. I used a stitching pony to hold the holster while stitching, but some of the thicker areas required me to take it out and hold it down on the table while I used the awl to punch the holes. You are right about keeping the awl sharp. I will learn from this attempt and try another holster soon.

Well, I finished my first holster. I made a few mistakes along the way (punched a few crooked holes along the seam, made the belt loop a little tight, and generally just didn't finish it as well as I should have.) It does fit my Ruger 3" SP101 and it also worked with my S&W J frame. One of the hardest tasks was punching the holes for the edge seam through both sides of the holster and the welt. I started the holes with a 2 prong punch on each side and then finished the holes with an awl. Must be an easier way to do it? I will appreciate any comments and criticism. Next project I want to try is a holster for a Ruger Blackhawk. Thanks again to everyone for sharing all the helpful information on this forum! Gary

I think on the previous page (22) there is a similar pattern for 4 or 6" k frames. I was going to see how this pattern (pg 23) fits my 3" Ruger SP101. If it is not a good fit it may work with my S&W J frame. If nothing else, this is a good learning experience for my first attempt at a holster.

Good news - I changed the fold per your suggestion and now it looks like a holster! Now that I see how it works I don't understand why I couldn't see it before. I will post a picture when I finish it - this will be my practice piece - I plan to make another using thinner leather with a lining. This is forum is a great resource and I am very grateful to all the members for sharing information. Gary

Thanks for the suggestion! I will try it tomorrow and let you know how it works out.

Well, I tried folding the pattern every way possible and it just doesn't look like it will work. I start by making a fold on the fold line - Picture #2. Then I fold the pattern again so the loop is in the rear - picture #3. The rear view of the pattern is shown in picture #4 - the loop is now more vertical instead of roughly horizontal as it should be so the holster will hang properly from a belt. Unless anyone has any ideas, I am thinking it might be easier to start from scratch and make a new pattern....

I never thought to fold it forward and then back like you show in your drawing! I think it will work now - I'll check it in the morning and let you know if everything aligns. Thanks very much for your help - I knew someone would have the answer!

It's for a S&W k frame revolver with 2" barrel. I cut out a pattern, but no matter how I fold it the edges do not line up. Thanks for taking a look at the pattern!

This is my first post and I hope someone can help me. I attempted to make my first holster using the pattern on pg 23 of the Al Stohlman book. I cut out the pattern and did some carving on the front - my first attempt at carving and it was very enjoyable! See attached pictures (I hope they are viewable.) I then tried to fold the pattern over to see how it would fit together and for the life of me I don't see how this will form a holster! There is a fold line to form the belt loop. Has as anyone made this particular style holster and can help me to understand what I need to do to make it work? I think the right and left sides should almost be mirror images so they line up for sewing. I have been reading this forum for some time and have learned an incredible amount from the members - thanks to everyone for the wonderful information! Gary