First nice headstall

[JDFred]

When I first started leatherwork I made a couple headstall that were less than great.  I needed a new one for a new horse I got, so I decided to try again. I used 8-9 oz for the outside and lined it with 2-3 oz.  It’s hand sewn with Maine thread and I used a 3/4” cart dome buckle.  Then gave it a good coat of neatsfoot oil. Let me know what you think and what I can do better on the next one. Thank you for any input.

[Mulesaw]

Looks really good.

The sewing looks very consistent, and also the buckle fits very nicely in regards to colour, size and shape. 
Admittedly I have zero experience with western type headstalls, so there might be a reason, but considering your quality of hand sewing, I think you should have stitched the buckle in place instead of using that type of rivets (can't remember their English name). 

Brgds Jonas

[TomE]

That's a handsome piece of work! Nice design and execution.  I second Jonas' suggestion of sewing the buckle instead of using rivets that can pull out.  Another idea would be to dye the edges a darker brown and burnish them smooth.  Look forward to seeing more of your work.

[JDFred]

4 hours ago, Mulesaw said:

Looks really good.

The sewing looks very consistent, and also the buckle fits very nicely in regards to colour, size and shape. 
Admittedly I have zero experience with western type headstalls, so there might be a reason, but considering your quality of hand sewing, I think you should have stitched the buckle in place instead of using that type of rivets (can't remember their English name). 

Brgds Jonas

Thank you.  I recently found some Nigel Armitage videos that really helped me with my stitching.  You’re right about sewing in the buckle.  It is the one regret I have about the project.  They are called tube rivets, they are not as strong as rivet and burrs. It was the only colored rivet I had to match the buckle.  As to my reason for using them instead of sewing I don’t know.  Probably it is how I’ve done it before and I see a lot of headstall made this way, admittedly the were more production type headstall.  Also I’ve never sewn in a buckle so I’m not really sure how to do it.  I use stitching chisels rather than an awl so not sure how to get all my holes to line up.  I’m sure I can figure it out I just need to sit down and try.  Thank you again for the guidance.

[JDFred]

15 minutes ago, TomE said:

That's a handsome piece of work! Nice design and execution.  I second Jonas' suggestion of sewing the buckle instead of using rivets that can pull out.  Another idea would be to dye the edges a darker brown and burnish them smooth.  Look forward to seeing more of your work.

Thank you. I agree with you and Jonas about the buckle I’ll have to try that the next time.  Do you have any good tips on edge dying as I always make a mess of it and get it on the front a back of the project, so o try to stay away from it.  However you are right it would make it look a lot nicer.  As for my burnishing I use glycerin saddle soap and water.  I’ve been thinking of trying Tokenol or similar product, would that be a good direction to go?  Thank you again.