Straight stitch lines

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

Hey all,

OK quick question…

Let’s take a hypothetical here: Let’s say that we’re stitching something long and straight like a belt or purse strap, and our stitch groove has a wobble or so.

Is it aesthetically better to keep a straight stitch line, or to follow the groove that isn’t necessarily straight?

May you never burn your bacon,

AZR

[bruce johnson]

Keep a straight stitch line and remember to watch the groover next time. I would rub out the errant groove line as best I could and regroove it before I stitch. 

[BlackDragon]

When you say groove line are you meaning an indentation with something like a compass or an actual groover where you're taking off the top layer of the hide?

If it's the first one I would do it as Bruce said. You may be able to undue the indent and it won't be noticeable. 

If it's the second I'd start over. I would keep that belt for myself or someone that doesn't mind a blemish but I wouldn't give that to a customer that's paying top dollar for a belt

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

I lightly case the leather and mark with my wing dividers, and typically run over the groove 2-3x for a nice deeper groove without cutting through, so only my irons (and maybe my awl) actually pierce the grain. 
 

— AZR

[AlZilla]

Depends. If it's a personal item and I can't fix it, I might live with it. If it's a sale item and I can't fix it, I'd start over.