Question about punching stitching holes

[Regis]

Hope this is not toooo much of beginner question for this forum??

I've been using standard home sewing machine for few small projects that I've done but, now have project with leather that I can not sew inside-out and then turn (3-4 oz I believe). I'm making a small purse and it is 'somewhat' cynlindrical (5 inch wide oval and 7 inches long) with front overlaping back peice at seam. I can overlap edges and glue before punching and sewing but, I'm quite not sure how to punch as it is cylinder. What is correct way to punch these stitching holes? Am I approaching this wrong (gluing, punching, and stitching)? Is there a better way? I want to sheive(SP) the edges of front so it is flat against back.

I appreciate any help on this as there are no classes or instructors in this area that I'm aware of. Sure am glad to find forum like this.

Regis

[whinewine]

If it cannot be sewn on a home sewing machine, it can be hand-stitched. I've used an overstitch wheel (5, 6 or 7) to mark the holes on the part that will overlap (the top part of the seam). Tandy makes an inexpensive sewing hole punch with #00 replaceable tubes. You can use that to punch the sewing holes on the overlapping part. Use rubber cement to align the overlapping with the underlapping part, and use a pointed object (awl, or needle or some such) to mark hole positions on the underlapping part, using the previously punched holes as a guide. Take apart, punch holes in the underlapping seam, realign the holes and hand sew using appropriate thread & hand sewing needles.

I know this sounds complicated, but it really isn't. Good luck on your project.

[Regis]

I never though of temporarily gluing togather. I was going to put someting inside and try to punch through both at same time. This will work much better and maintain accuracy.

Thank you,

Regis

[ClayB]

Hope this is not toooo much of beginner question for this forum??

Regis

Hi Regis and welcome to this forum. I hope that nobody ever feels that their questions are too "beginner" to ask. We were all beginners once, and most of us probably wish we had someone to ask those questions to. There are so many different things we can do with leather. Each of us has different techniques they like to do, and different levels of experience. I think we can all learn something from each other.

I don't do a lot of sewing, but I am sure there is someone here that can help you figure out what you are trying to do. Probably more than one way to do it too.

Clay

[Cowboy Crafts Online]

Regis,

I am not sure of the project that your working on, but when I hand sew I use a diamond point awl, the one I use is from Bob Douglas from WY. He makes 2 different sizes, they are sharp and make nice holes for that clean stitch look.

Ashley