Stitching groove

[Twosons]

I have made several holsters now and one area that needs improvement on mine is the stitching around the trigger guard side of the gun. I have been free handing it with a groover. Sometimes I nail it and sometimes it looks sloppy. What technique do you use to make your stitching line along that side of the gun?

[Denster]

This is how I do it. I outline the gun on a piece of pattern stock following the exact outline of the weapon except under the trigger guard where I extend about half the thickness of the guard. Then I cut out the outline and I have my stitchline pattern. Once the holster is glued up I put the gun into it and with my stylus I mark where the stitchline starts behind the trigger guard and ends at the muzzle. I then line up my stitching pattern top and bottom with these two marks and trace it with the stylus. Then I use a freehand groover following the line made by the stylus. Works everytime with a nice tight stitchline, no holsters in the trash, no turning the air blue with invectives. Life is good. Hope this helps.

[Lobo]

Denster is right on the money with his advice. Keep in mind the thickness of the various parts of the handgun when outlining the stitching pattern. Also, keep in mind the thickness of the leather being used (8-9 oz. shoulders will require more clearance than 6-7 oz. leather). The heavier weight leathers will provide a solid fit, even when the clearances are increased to permit their use. The lighter weight leathers must be very closely fitted to provide the same degree of retention.

[Twosons]

Yes, that helps me a lot. Thanks!