MAY take the plunge and get a stitching machine

[pete]

I MAY take the plunge and get a stitching machine. If I do- what is the standard border width? Should I plan on purses, belts wallets, etc for a 1/4" border??????

After the standard 1/8th border and edging- is there enough room to stitch(the bead) or should I stitch in the border groove itself?

ANY response would be most appreciated

pea-aire'

[skip]

Pete: If I understand your question you are aasking what size of boarder you should have to put a stich line next to it with out the edging done? I try to round my edges before I stitch and if I run a channel to stich in I usually just make sure I have enough room as to not run off the edge of the leather.

Before you work on a piticular project I would practice with scrap leather, I have ruined more than one project by not practicing.

[bruce johnson]

Pete,

A few "old guy rule of thumbs" from different mentors.

1. The margin from the stitchline to the edge should be the thickness. i.e., If the piece is 3/16 thick, the margin is 3/16.

2. The stitch length should be equal to the margin. i.e., if the margin is 3/16, the stitches should be 3/16 apart - about 5 per inch.

3. There are no rules, do what looks good.

I usually true up my edges, stitch, and then edge the piece. I don't know why, other than that is how I was taught.

Regarding the rules above. Sometimes I will stitch closer than the thickness. I have also come dangerously close on thick piecs I have sewn closer to the edge with a right toe foot, like on a belt inlayed and with spots. Have had a few slip off, and bad words heard in my general vicinity. Some things that are really thick, I may sew and then trim the margin to be closer than the thickness. Generally that rule about the margin and thickness being the same gives me good stability sewing in machines I have/had though. Sometimes those old guys really did make the mistakes and want to teach us not to. When you sew it the way I was taught, and then use the right size edger, it usually works. Old men are generally wise.

[pete]

Thank you Brucce- By the way-- regarding edgers, what is the rule there??? I have a TLF and Osborn(round base) #'s 2,3 &4.

I don't seem to see any difference with my belts and albums! I use 4/5 to 9/10 leather and they all seem to burnish the same.

Will the #2 work on anything up to 10 ozz. before I will see a difference?