Leather Handles?

[rookie]

I am making a gun case for my rifle. I have everything done but the handles. This is the style of case I am making, only out of leather. I am in need of some tutalige on making the leather handles. Can anyone help me?

[rawhide1]

rookie

I know when when most people make handles they will fold the leather over a rope or leather core. They will then stitch it. That will give you a round handle. When I make handles I go about it a different way. I like to take a 3/4" piece of leather about a 1/4" thick. I'll mark the distance I want my handle to be round and then punch a small hole at each mark in the center of the strap. After finding the center of the strap I cut the leather in two from hole to hole. I then fold and glue the halves together flesh side to flesh side. I then stitch the length I have glued together. This will give you somewhat of a square. I then edge all four corners and pull the piece through a rein rounder. If I was going to make handles for that case. I would cut me two leather straps the length I needed to form my handles plus enough to reach the bottom of the bag with about a inch extra so that they could be skived and joined at the bottom. I would make the straps around 1and1/2" to 2" in width. I would then figure out and mark the distance to the top of the bag. From that point I would take some off of each side until I got my 3/4" width. I would split, glue,sew, edge and pull through the rounder. I would then skive the ends of the straps and glue them and stitch the whole thing to the bag. I hope that's as clear as mud. Anyway that my .02 cents worth. But as you'll find there's more than one way to skin a cat!!

Mike

[rookie]

rookie

I know when when most people make handles they will fold the leather over a rope or leather core. They will then stitch it. That will give you a round handle. When I make handles I go about it a different way. I like to take a 3/4" piece of leather about a 1/4" thick. I'll mark the distance I want my handle to be round and then punch a small hole at each mark in the center of the strap. After finding the center of the strap I cut the leather in two from hole to hole. I then fold and glue the halves together flesh side to flesh side. I then stitch the length I have glued together. This will give you somewhat of a square. I then edge all four corners and pull the piece through a rein rounder. If I was going to make handles for that case. I would cut me two leather straps the length I needed to form my handles plus enough to reach the bottom of the bag with about a inch extra so that they could be skived and joined at the bottom. I would make the straps around 1and1/2" to 2" in width. I would then figure out and mark the distance to the top of the bag. From that point I would take some off of each side until I got my 3/4" width. I would split, glue,sew, edge and pull through the rounder. I would then skive the ends of the straps and glue them and stitch the whole thing to the bag. I hope that's as clear as mud. Anyway that my .02 cents worth. But as you'll find there's more than one way to skin a cat!!

Mike

Thank you Mike. I think I have a good idea of what you are telling me.

[Hilly]

Hi rookie.

You might also find some answers and tons of ideas in a book called "The Art of Making Leather Cases" Vol.II by Al Stohlman. You can get it from many leather suppliers, as well as online book sellers. I highly recommend it!

Please post some photos when your case is finished!

Hilly