Leather stretch panels

[kenny]

Hi all,

loving the forum but i just have a question for those more experienced. I'm trying to find out how leather accordion stretch panels on motorcycle jackets and suits are made.

Im guessing that the elastic that the leather is stitched to is stretched all the way out and held there while the leather is sewn onto it and then released. But how would i hold the elastic stretched out? I'd need some kind of clamp wouldn't I?

Anyway i'd appreciate your feedback and suggestions!

[Ian]

You're right, Kenny, those panels are leather sewn onto Lycra (Spandex). I don't know what the machine that sews them looks like, but I'm sure its a machine that sews multiple paralell rows simultaneously. Don't know how you'd duplicate that on a regular machine - perhaps stretching the lycra in a large embroidery hoop?

[Suze]

Ok here is how you do it on FABRIC -- I would think that you will have to experiment a bit on leather

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/ho...-diaper-237731/

yes it is a diaper but the tecnique is the same for any fabric

http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/qa/aaqa1003c.htm

hopes this helps a little

[Ian]

Ok here is how you do it on FABRIC -- I would think that you will have to experiment a bit on leather

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/ho...-diaper-237731/

yes it is a diaper but the tecnique is the same for any fabric

http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/qa/aaqa1003c.htm

hopes this helps a little

Suze, the panels he is talking about are about 5 inches wide X the length of the side seam, with multiple rows of stitches running parralel - almost looks like quilting when they aren't stretched out. They use them down the sides of some jackets and inside the thigh on some chaps. Rather than just stretching out a single elastic, you'd need something to keep the whole panel stretched while you sew the leather on.

[Suze]

ahhh-

if I were trying to sew something like that I would sew one side and then the other and just keep stretching the whole thing to sew the middle part

But I don't know how tough that would be with leather

[TwinOaks]

Quilter's frame?

[pete]

what about glassing it before you mold?

pete

[kenny]

Wow thanks for the quick replies! Yeah I think you're right Ian, i need some kind of frame to clamp the elastic and stretch it out while i sew the leather to it.

Maybe i'll have to make a frame myself

Does anyone have any experience with sewing leather racing suits by any chance?

[Ian]

Wow thanks for the quick replies! Yeah I think you're right Ian, i need some kind of frame to clamp the elastic and stretch it out while i sew the leather to it.

Maybe i'll have to make a frame myself

Does anyone have any experience with sewing leather racing suits by any chance?

Kenny, of course you'd need to back up the elastic with some lining material too. I've made a variety of leather motorcycle garments (though no racing suits) - what was you specific question?

BTW have you checked out Vanson Leathers website - they make some of the best racing suits in the world

http://www.vansonleathers.com/

[kenny]

Well i've worked out a way to make a frame that i think will work, if anyone's interested in seeing it i can post some pics when it's done.

Ian, yes i'm going to put in a mesh liner. I've never made a full suit before so i'm just trying to figure out what the process is to put it together and any tricks or tips i should know about before i start!

Vanson are great and they have a very good video tour of their factory too.

[MADMAX22]

Thanks for asking Kenny, I wont probably ever do one of these but allways wondered how they were done. This has been a interesting topic.