beginner simple project - soft shotgun sleeve

[CitoriJo]

Looking to make a soft shotgun case that could be rolled up when empty.  I don't know material weights, but this would be a material like a Cordura fabric, or vinyl boat covers, or a little heavier than the old time chamois we used to dry off cars with after washing.  Basically a long rectangle of material folded in half lengthwise, stitched along where the edges meet, and a flap on the end with a simple tie closure.  Finished length about 52" closed.  Don't need or want any kind of lining.

I would like a suggestion on type and weight (3 to 4 oz?) of material (cowhide, water buffalo, buffalo, etc - I know nothing) and suggestion for the hand stitching -  thread or lace - and how do I make the holes for the stitching?   I am pretty handy with tools and such but know nothing about working with leather.   

General shape looks like this snapshot

Thanks

[PastorBob]

That will be a handy case for sure. whatever you do, don't use chrome-tanned leather.  It can damage your firearm.  You will want to use a 2-3 oz veg-tan material.  When finished, rub it down with neatsfoot oil or a mink oil to keep it soft and supple.  Do NOT use a chrome-tan suede.  Lacing would be quicker, but depending on the look you are going for, you may want to saddle stitch it.  To make evenly spaced holes for stitching, you can mark them with a stitching wheel (https://tandyleather.com/products/craftool-spacer-set?_pos=2&_sid=eac9237a7&_ss=r) then punching holes with an awl or using stitching chisels for hand stitching (https://tandyleather.com/collections/tools/products/88043-535-pro-line-diamond-stitching-chisels)

[CitoriJo]

Thanks for the tips - that is very helpful.   

Would this Apollo Veg-Tan from Tandy work?

 

Is Tannery NYC a legitimate vendor?  They have several nice looking hides also in that 2-3 oz. weight, but they didn't specify the tanning method (tannage?).

 

 

 

[Tequila]

Yes, the Apollo veg tan will work.  As @PastorBob said don’t use chrome tan (it will affect the metal on the shotgun).  Tannery NYC is a legitimate vendor, although I’ve never used them, but I do see that they don’t list the tanning method, so if it was me I’d call them before placing an order.  You can’t go by “Cowhide” because it could be either chrome or veg tanned.  If there’s a leather store near you I’d suggest to go there, then you can look, see, and feel before you buy, if there isn’t one close by I’d go with Tandy over Tannery NYC for your first project.  

Your choice whether you stitch or lace.  The tools required will be different for each technique, stitching needles are different then lacing needles, the same with chisels.  Me personally, I think stitching is easier and stronger, but others could put up an argument for lacing, you’ll have to decide for yourself.  

Are you going to put a handle or sling on the case?  The lesson here is to plan out what you want ahead of time so you get enough supplies and assemble everything in the right order. 

Here are some links to other suppliers that can also help:

https://makersleathersupply.com/

https://www.rmleathersupply.com/

https://www.montanaleather.com/

https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/

[CitoriJo]

Tequila - Thank you.  Yes, I need to plan out the handle and closer details.  The "prototype" that gave me the idea is this "Quick Slip" from Murray Leathers in Texas.  A friend had one and it is literally just to keep the mud and crap off the gun to carry 100 yards from the truck to the field, and then roll it up and stash it away.  I'm thinking I should easily get two of them out of a side.  If I can't get to a place to see/feel for myself, I will call and make sure the side is big enough so I don't have to join two pieces.  The length will be about 54"-56" including the closer flap.

They just sewed the seam but I don't have a machine that will sew that (I don't think my regular Singer will do this)

 

 

 

 

[Tequila]

12 hours ago, CitoriJo said:

Tequila - Thank you.  Yes, I need to plan out the handle and closer details.  The "prototype" that gave me the idea is this "Quick Slip" from Murray Leathers in Texas.  A friend had one and it is literally just to keep the mud and crap off the gun to carry 100 yards from the truck to the field, and then roll it up and stash it away.  I'm thinking I should easily get two of them out of a side.  If I can't get to a place to see/feel for myself, I will call and make sure the side is big enough so I don't have to join two pieces.  The length will be about 54"-56" including the closer flap.

They just sewed the seam but I don't have a machine that will sew that (I don't think my regular Singer will do this)

Many of us don’t have a sewing machine and hand sewing is very popular.  A good saddle stitch is extremely strong and good looking, so don’t think you have to have a sewing machine. 

[CitoriJo]