KitKat

Hi Karl, Thanks! I'd like to try my hand at a saddle one day, but figured I'd be better off on the small stuff first. I know what you mean about hand stitching, It does make ones hands sore! The headstall is measured to fit an average sized horse and there is room for lots of adjustment. I took apart one of my old headstalls and used it as a pattern (I cheated) hehehe. Anyway, it was fun, am thinking of making a one ear headstall next.. Thanks again, Cheryl

Hi There, I just completed my first headstall and thought I'd share it. Its nothing fancy, just something to throw on the pony and go ride in. It wasn't really as hard as I thought it would be. My Machine did a pretty amazing job stitching (deco), anyway, if there is anything I can improve on, please feel free to critique it.

Well... I have been testing this thing again, and I dont particularly care for what I am seeing. The thread looks like fishing twine in a scrap rein I've been practicing on. What I am seeing are more holes in the leather from the needle (24) than the thread. It just isn't displaying itself like I want. Anyway, It's just not very pretty. The problem with the thread did fix itself by going to a 138 though. I'm happy about that!! Cobra, I'm seeing pressure feet marks too. I've released some of the pressure but still need to release more. I guess I need to check this xx xx places return policy huh!! Thanks for all your help everyone!

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your help. I went into KC and bought some 138 & 69 thread like everyone said. I'll sew some more on it tonight and post some more pic's and the results. I also stopped by the place we bought it from and were told to check the bobbin area for abrasions on the sharp pointed thing (Cant remember the exact name). If we found any to either file it down or bring the head back in so they can fix it. They said that could also cause this thread shredding problem. The machine is a Zuki LU-1508NH. We were told when we bought it that it will sew multiple layers of leather up to 1/2" thick. We even watched as they showed us. It is supposed to be the Xtra heavy duty kind. Anyway, I doubt I'll have to sew anything that heavy. Most of my stuff is small goods. Anyway, now wondering if we didn't make a HUGE mistake. Hubby wanted it to sew tarps and stuff with while it would also suit my leather needs as well. Oh well, I guess we can always pay this one off, and get another designed for the heavier stuff. Thanks once again for all your help with this. It has certainly been pretty dog gone frustrating!! Cheryl

Here are a bunch of pictures of some scraps I'm trying to sew. The lt brown is 8/10 oz and there is a rein I stitched for a while until it went haywire too. Can someone tell me if I'm reading the size right? It says 277, I could be wrong, as sadly I'm a newbie at all this... I am needing to sew martingales with this machine as well as putting together some reins. What thread size do I need for this? Thanks once again! Cheryl Thread spool Thread unraveled Top stitching Backside Rein thread Top of rein before it did this

Hi everyone, Thanks for trying to help. I did a search on here last night for thread etc. I managed to dig up a chart on needle/thread sizes to determine if the thread it to large/small. The thread I'm using slides VERY fast with the 24 needle while the 22 & 23 needles cause the thread to stick. I did manage to sew some 10/12 oz last night without it the thread coming apart after adjusting the tension even more, but it still frays it on any leather that is larger. I purchased the thread at tandy. Its a big white spool. I'll take some pictures so you can better see what is going on and will also pickup some other thread today. Thanks! Cheryl

My husband just purchased a Juki 1508NH. Its not a new machine, but a demo he bought off the floor. We have been having a heck of a time trying to sew anything with this machine. The machine will sew several inches and then some how or another the thread will begin to unravel and then it bunches up and only a strand or two is leav't in the needle. We have tried adjusting the tension on it (to give it more) that doesn't seem to work, it only makes it worse. I adjusted it down but it still is breaking/unraveling the thread. In checking the tension, it seems that when trying to pull the thread through, just to thread the machine is hard. Meaning its hard pulling it. I am using a size 24 leather needle along with 277 bonded polyester thread. Can someone help us? We just cant figure out what is wrong. BTW - This is happening when sewing through single layer of saddle skirting leather as well as trying to sew through doubled leather approx 3/8" thick. Moreso when trying to sew thicker leather. BTW - We are about out of scrap leather to play with Thanks, Cheryl

I know it isn't April 1st anymore, but a anyway.

I'm wanting to buy a used flat bed or cylinder machine that I can sew spur straps, breastcollars, halters, martingales, reins, bronc nosebands, breast collar style harnesses etc. with. Would like one that can at least sew 1/2" multiple layers of leather comfortably. Hopefully the machine will also be able to sew tarps and tarp straps as well... Husband insists on this! Does anyone have something that aren't using they would be willing to part with? Thanks!

I saw this on eBay and thought someone here might be interested. Its a big leather stitching horse. Ebay item: 270350453844

Hi Hennessy, That doesn't sound to complicated! thanks! Cheryl

I have been in contact with her to, and was sent a manual for an artisian ZJ-100-1. I called neely and was told it would sew leather from 1/8 to 1/4" It seems the seller dont know anything about the machine...

Hi Pete, LOL thats to funny! Thanks Cheryl

My Sisters Birthday is coming up soon and I'd like to make a bronc halter noseband for her as a birthday present. (she has always wanted one). Does anyone know where I could get a pattern for one? I would like to build it out of 10oz econo saddle skirting with a 5oz latigo liner and inlay either hair on cowhide or maybe ostrich into it. How does one go about doing this correctly? Thanks, Cheryl

Thanks Tosch. I'll checkout the DL system Regards, Cheryl

Hi Everyone, I just found these boards yesterday. All I can say is.... Anyhoo, I'm in the process of getting ready to build my first saddle and am really excited about it!! I've had some leather tooling classes years ago (loved it) and have been sitting in a saddle work/play for darn near 40 years. In that time, I've had to make quite a few repairs, and have taken apart and put back together several REALLY old saddles just to to have a look, so hopefully this wont turn out to be to daunting of a process. I guess my first question now begins with saddle fit. My mare is of the old bulldog variety QH, broad shoulders, no wither, short backed and just a tad bit butt high.. I have been through 1/2 dozen or so saddles looking for one that fit. Most trees I have found are to narrow and they bridge or they bounce up and down badly on her back. The only saddle I found that fit through the gullet was at 7 1/2. Rather than go through another 1/2 dozen I've decided to have a tree made for her and build the saddle myself. I've been reading about the "Hadlock & Fox" Plaster blankets that are also used for building a custom tree. Was wondering if anyone had any experience with them, and if getting her fit in this way would be the best thing to do... Was also wondering about her body condition. She is just now being put back to work after an injury last fall. She had gained quite a bit of weight due to inactivity and am also wondering if Now would be a good time to have her fitted, or should this wait until she is down to her regular condition. She doesnt have much of a top line, so thats one of my concerns and if this would effect the tree..... Thanks, Cheryl