any tips on making this better

[Bree]

Don't forget to tell your customers that the belt is HAND STITCHED not machine stitched. Make sure to explain the difference between a 301 lockstitch produced by a machine and the hand stitch. Your stitches are excellent and rival the precision of a machine while giving the added strength and reliability of the hand stitch. You can take a lot of pride in the belts that you will produce based on this example.

My $.02

[Monticore]

Looks nice…. But something doesn't sit right with me…. The leather looks really thick the thread should bend more down at the holes so it's a bit more of an arch. Also I would use more holes I like to use 4 mm space between holes. Also are you using a diamond shaped awl? If you are using one make sure to push the awl al the way so the thickest part of it reaches the backside.

You should take a strap pies of leather and make a couple line on it and try different spaces and threads.

Again a really nice go at hand stitching… just a few small adjustments to make the stitching look perfect.

i agree with the thread it should dip into the holes a bit more. no matter what size hole i use it ends up like this , it might be the way i am tightening the knot, more left hand than irght or and wrong angles, again not sure. i would prefer they dip tino the holes as well. for hole spacing i used a 7per inch overstitch wheel.

i will work on the technique a little it might jsut be that. i am using a spacer on my awl it works great my hole are much more consistent.

thanks guys

cory

[steveh]

Are you putting a trench for your stitches to lay down below the the face of the leather? try using a stitch groover first, then run your stitch wheel, this will give your stitches a recessed look.

[Monticore]

Are you putting a trench for your stitches to lay down below the the face of the leather? try using a stitch groover first, then run your stitch wheel, this will give your stitches a recessed look.

i ran a groover but i am never sure how deep to run it , do you run it deeper for thicker trhead and less for lighter?

since the color is different where i run the groover , if i dye it to match i am afraid it will bleed into the thread, but undyed i am afraid the groove will show.

cory