Braided welt on swell fork

[AlecSmith]

I’m wanting to put a braid in place of a welt on the next saddle I’m building. It’s a Will James style tree with a deep undercut. I’m just wondering about the leather people use for that? I’m considering kangaroo lace. What type of braid is most commonly used for swells? Can you use a double Diamond braid like for tying skirts together? 

[Northmount]

4 hours ago, AlecSmith said:

I’m wanting to put a braid in place of a welt on the next saddle I’m building. It’s a Will James style tree with a deep undercut. I’m just wondering about the leather people use for that? I’m considering kangaroo lace. What type of braid is most commonly used for swells? Can you use a double Diamond braid like for tying skirts together? 

Moved to saddle construction

[rktaylor]

I use kangaroo or latigo. I prefer kangaroo. I have used the lacing pattern from Harry Adam's book. I have not used a double diamond, but I'm sure you could. 

Randy

[AlecSmith]

Randy,

Do you have any advice on thickness of the lace? Thank you

[rktaylor]

Thickness depends on material. I use kangaroo from Y-Knot. It's pretty thin. If I'm using latigo, I cut the lace from the back portion of the side. I'll split it down to about 3 oz. It has to be high quality to be that thin and maintain strength. 

Randy