22 Plinking Pouch

[Brokenolmarine]

Slow and steady again, the only way to fly.  I worked my way around the panel and got all the holes done.  I took a break to rest the aching hands.  The main panel is ready.  After lunch and a few episodes of Big Bang Theory, we just got the box set, I'll come back out and work my way around the side panels.  THOSE holes suck.  You have to match up the spacing to the main panel, then use the awl to create the holes. They must come thru the edge in the center.    Get the angle wrong and you tear out the upper edge.  

 

Anywho, we are ready on this panel.

 

[Brokenolmarine]

Back out to begin the process of prepping the side panel.  Attention Pastor Bob.  

The first step here is to Align and mark the holes from the Main panel.  I marked the first hole, then created it using the awl.  I then pushed a leather needle thru the matched pair to anchor the main panel to the side panel to insure they stayed aligned and marked the first half dozen.  I removed the main panel and formed the first marked half dozen holes.  I reset the main panel and put a needle thru the first pair and the last matched pair and marked another half dozen.  Repeated the process until all the holes were marked and created.

For Pastor Bob, here is the process.... 

First, insert the awl straight down and push and twist to create a reference hole about 1/4 distance into the leather.  Then push the awl toward the outside edge at an angle that will result in the tip exiting out in the center of the edge.

 

Next, reverse the awl and come back thru the hole from the edge, up into the original hole until you clearly see the tip, and twist.  I put my fingertip on top of the leather to prevent tearout.  DON'T get aggressive at any point during this entire process.

 

 

 

[Brokenolmarine]

Once the hole is fully formed, use the pencil trick, inserting the pencil from the edge side and twist.  You are rounding the hole and leaving the target bullseye for sewing.

 

Working your way around, you will eventually end up with the finished product.

 

I have found that this process takes at least two to three times longer than the main panel which is just a straight hole thru the leather.  I would imagine with a lot of practice you can speed it up.  With my challenges, I know when to stop, so I took a break again after the one side was completed.  Working tired or in pain is a way to ruin a piece of a project and set yourself back.  I learned the hard way.  Most of the mistakes I make are caused by fatigue or forgetting a step.  (Like not applying a sealant before antiquing.)  

I'll prep the other side in the next session, then we can SEW!

 

[dikman]

Here's something you might find interesting, the patterns for an 1841 Army ammo pouch. It's very similar to what your making. I made one but haven't got a photo of it (no carving or stamping, just plain as per the originals).

 

Ammo box.pdf

Edited July 27, 2022 by dikman

[dikman]

I forgot the instructions.

 

Ammo box instr..pdf

[Brokenolmarine]

I went out after dinner and got busy sewing.  All the prep work made the assembly easi(er) .  I was very happy to find that once the first side was completed, it turned out exactly as I had hoped.  I won't say it's easy, the box stitch is very floppy for the first few stitches but then as you tighten those it tightens up.  You are always leaving the last stitch a bit loose to aid in locating the next pair of holes, then tighten both.  Then the last one loosens a bit.  At the end the back stitch holds tight and melting the thread locks it.

Done... my original design turned out just as I had hoped.  I made adjustments along the way, but it worked.  Whoo Hoo.  It's done except for waxing or a Leather Sheen.  I'll let the person who'll receive it decide.  Whatever she wants.

Here is the view after the first side was done showing the box stitch.

Now the view of the completed project.  The last step was adding the top snap.  Location was easy.  I closed it almost all the way, reached in with a marker and coated the top of the bottom snap and then closed the flap, marking the inside of the flap marking the position.  Punched the hole and attached  the snap. Sweet.  I'd use the same technique on woodworking for doors or box lids.

 

 

 

The view from the side:

 

and with the top open:

 

Now, I get to start on number two. 

[chuck123wapati]

wonderful job and info on your project, i think it turned out great and you gave enough info for anyone to make one as well. sewing right angles is not fun IMO.

[OldCanuck]

Ahhhh, that's beautiful! It turned out great. I appreciate the detailed walkthrough as well,  especially all the tips. What a clever technique for marking the location of the snap! Gotta remember that one. 

Thanks also to @dikman for the PDFs of the other design. 

[Brokenolmarine]

You guys are welcome.  I remember other projects, in many other disciplines where hours of work were ruined (in my mind) by a small step at the end where a minor detail is just off.  Later someone says, "Oh, all you do is... everyone knows that."

But everyone doesn't.  A lot of new people don't know the simple little things, and the veterans in hobbies often don't share.  Either because they assume, or they feel everyone needs to earn thru experience.  I share as much as I can, however, with all my surgery... There are memory issues. 

What were we talking about? 

[dikman]

That turned out very nice, and the very detailed explanation will doubtless prove useful to others.

Box-stitching is tedious and can be nerve-wracking, as well as time-consuming. Unfortunately there is no easy way around it, but it's a satisfying feeling to be able to do.