finished edges?

[chuck123wapati]

I have an idea for a project. It is a copy of a canvas military bag done in thin chrome tan 4 oz. I haven't done much like this, so I need some advice on how to finish leather edges. Here is pic of the bag edge. I don't need it to look exact, but just a finished outer edge that looks good on both sides.  I've done edges in cloth, and figure I can skive down and roll the edge like cloth, but an easier, more correct, or diferent way would be great to know.  Pics would be helpful to me as well as future folks.

Any edges and processes are welcome!! 

Thank you for reading and for any info you would share.

[TomE]

I've had good luck burnishing with hide glue/bone glue and beeswax for firmer chrome tanned leather, such as the SB Foot "oil tanned" sides that Beiler's sells.  The hide glue is water soluble so I seal the edge with wax after burnishing.  I apply the beeswax with heat to improve penetration.  Maybe the plain edge isn't the look you're after?

 

[chuck123wapati]

47 minutes ago, TomE said:

I've had good luck burnishing with hide glue/bone glue and beeswax for firmer chrome tanned leather, such as the SB Foot "oil tanned" sides that Beiler's sells.  The hide glue is water soluble so I seal the edge with wax after burnishing.  I apply the beeswax with heat to improve penetration.  Maybe the plain edge isn't the look you're after?

 

Thanks, I'll sure test it out, and it may work just fine, and if not on this, another project.

 I bought a side of utility-grade chrome tan from Tandy to see what it was like. BTW did you know a 17+ year old cow, according to the tag, is only about 30" wide in the middle lol.

 Just a note to those who order online, you get what the folks who go in person don't buy!! In this case about 10" or more was taken right down the back, then probably returned, as there was also some pen lines down the edge and on the rump area someone had something partially laid out with pen marks. I won't bother sending it back. I knew there would be problems you don't get in person, but it was cheap and just something to try out. 

[toxo]

Don't mess about with it Chuck. Some double sided tape and a double fold is all you need.

[chuck123wapati]

35 minutes ago, toxo said:

Don't mess about with it Chuck. Some double sided tape and a double fold is all you need.

cool!!  How would you handle that corner? notch it?

[Samalan]

Chuck, you can get the two-sided leather tape from Wawak sewing supply with some thin leather, 2 to3 oz, on a let's say a 3" rad corner. If you wet the leather just a bit, I think you can compress it enough so you won't see any wrinkles. Make a 3" rad on a small piece and try it make the strip about 1 1/8 wide.

[Samalan]

If you get the 1/2" leather tape that can act as a guide.

[toxo]

19 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

cool!!  How would you handle that corner? notch it?

Yes, you can notch the life out of the first fold because no one will see it. More careful with the second. Skiving might help as well. 

[Digit]

I'd skive and roll the edge (at least on the 'outside' of the panels), but using contact adhesive. Basting tape will be a pain to stitch through (and also to stick down in curves) and can damage your thread. Notching would depend on the radius and thickness of the (skived) leather; do a test on a bit of scrap first.

You can also go for slightly rougher look by skiving the edges of the leather tape really thin and leaving them as-as.

And finally you could go for a 'coupé net' where you don't add any leather tape on the edges of the bag panels and seal them with edge paint.