JamesR

Well thank you! For me the ideas are easier then the execution. I really need to work on my stitching skills. Jim

I don't know, have not tried it. I have seen light with the bottom flap turned out though. Just to clarify I am not contending one way is better then the other. It is just my opinion that the flap closes up the lower corners better. I also prefer the way it looks.

soccerdad, When I attach it this way the inside flap has "wings" that close up the corners better for me. I used to stitch the lower flap first but recently I started doing the sides first, not sure which is better. The strip running across the bottom helps form the bottom and extends to the edges to meet the flaps on the sides. I make all my cases with a wrap around bottom which I believe is stronger then a wrap around gusset.

How close to the edge should the stitch line be? It seems to me it would depend somewhat on the leather's thickness. What are your thoughts?

deloid, I do something like this all the time.

This is my latest quiver. This Horween latigo is the nicest I have ever used. I wanted to try a completely hand stitched quiver instead of lacing.

Yes staking softens the leather. W&C offers it. You can see it on their price list. Not sure what tumbled is though?

When leather is staked does that make is more difficult to finish the edges? I have some staked bridle leather and it seems I can not get as good an edge as I can with some unstaked leather I have. Thank you

I have been using these two clamps to hold things together for gluing and stitching. The luthiers clamp I borrowed from my woodshop is quite strong and has cork protective faces. I took a Bessey 1" spring clamp which is also quite strong and hot glued furniture leg felt to the jaws. I like to keep one of these hanging above my stitching horse to hold things out of the way. Now I have only used them on bridle leather and latigo but they leave no dents or scars. The deep throat on the luthiers clamp is handy for gluing billets that are not too close to an edge. Jim

Thank you for the replies I have a Bisonette but it rounds the edge. I was thinking more of getting the two layers flat. The alignment marks sound like a good idea. While we are talking about gussets do you glue them as a temporary measure to keep them aligned for stitching or do you expect the glue line to be more permanent. I always assumed it was for alignment but was recently informed that it prevents the two layers from opening up on the edge.

Chris, Yes that does answer my question. I recently handled some bison hide at about 7 ozs. It had a very soft temper. I don't know if you could turn something that thick inside out but I see what you mean. Thanks

Wish I could have looked over your shoulder while you were making this bag. It really turned out wonderful. You mention that you turned the bag right side out. When would the leather be too thick for this method? Thanks for the step by step photos.

Don, Very well done. You do very neat work. I like the idea of making jigs and fixtures for our craft Woodworkers do it all the time. These devices not only make it easier to get the job done but also give repeatable good results. Right now I am working on a sitiching horse/vise specifically for making cases. I want to be able to clamp the entire side of the case to the gusset before I start stitching. Jim

I cut inside corners with a hole punch or a round end punch. Although it might not work if the hole radius is different then the pattern. I then make my knife cuts to meet the edge of the hole. I also bought corner cutters from Springfield that work very well.