Phil Report post Posted November 9, 2007 This is a customers Bianchi Holster he wanted shortened by 1.75" for a short 3" barreled Smith & Wesson 629. Although he just wanted functional, my business won't grow by making mediocre repairs. Stiching is my weakness and I should get better with time (I found it tough to follow original threads through thick leather). I was able to match colors with fiebings buckskin leather dye and dark brown along the edging after burnishing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil Report post Posted November 9, 2007 Here are two other pictures. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted November 9, 2007 (edited) Not bad, hope you charged close to what the customer would pay for a new one, well half maybe LOL. Added... Stitching ain't easy, especially trying to match machine stitches. Edited November 9, 2007 by Jordan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil Report post Posted November 9, 2007 Not bad, hope you charged close to what the customer would pay for a new one, well half maybe LOL. Added... Stitching ain't easy, especially trying to match machine stitches. Jordan Thought I would charge around $15 to $20 (I think Bianchi's cost around $50.00). A local gunsmith said I shouldn't accept this guys personal checks though, LOL. Thanks for the response. The stitching around the lower edge after I split open the original stitching and sewed with my Claes made me nervous as I didn't have an edge guide so I used my thumbnail next to the presser foot. I switched to my Tippmann for the heavy seam as I haven't learned to hand stitch as yet. Most of my work has been shoe repair and orthopedic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billsotx Report post Posted November 9, 2007 What I do when I have to pull a holster, etc. down like this, in order to realign the existing stitch holes, is use white glue in reassembly, as it gives one some time to work. I fold it over but don't press the sides into contact and I have 5 or 6 harness needles as guides to realign the holes in one side of the holster. I have the corresponding holes on the other side marked inside the holster so they won't show; just a little dot of red marker will do. I actually count the holes on both sides to make sure the needles (guides) are going into corresponding holes and then just slowly press it together. Then with an awl I randomly check to make sure I've got the old stitch holes alignment correct. Then clamp until the glue sets. A saddle stitch is a good repair and looks nice, but you could do it easily with a Boss just going back through the existing holes. I've seen an old saddle maker go back through existing holes on his harness stitcher, but I've never used one so I don't know exactly what that involves. He did run it extremely slow, but not a slow as me on a Boss ... lol Don't know if this will help if there's a next time, but it's worked for me in the repair or dog leashes, slap jacks, gun leather and some of those people restraints Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil Report post Posted November 9, 2007 Thank you Billsotx for you great instructions. I hate to turn any work down as each is a unique experience. I wish to learn holster making and I figure this is a great way to get started. Sorry, I don't have the hand stitching tools yet. After a full day of working with feet, it's relaxing and creative. I just resigned my lease and we're adding 240 square feet to house all my repair equipment (no one left to farm this kind of work out to). This web site is the best! Thank you all, very much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billsotx Report post Posted November 9, 2007 Phil, If you don't have The Art of Hand Sewing by Al Stohlman it's highly recommended. If there's a bible on saddle stitching, i.e. sewing with two needles, it Big Al's book. All his books are worth lookin' at btw. c u down the trail, ~Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
