rickeyfro Report post Posted June 5, 2009 Im pretty much coming to the realization that you cant buy pre made leather welting, Im hoping I can get some helpful hints on making my own, for instance best material to use, where to get the cord, or whatever its called thats inside of it, and also has anyone attempted this without a sewing machine? Any help would be appreciated. Rick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Report post Posted June 5, 2009 Ricky, I use round leather cord as a core, because I was lucky to find a massive spool of it on Ebay. I know the regular cotton core they sell at fabric stores doesn't work for leather. Perhaps you could look for a tin cord at the hardware store. To make the cord, I cut a strip of leather (for my core, 1 1/4" works, but it will depend in what cord and seam allowance your using). Then give the strip a spray of adhesive (3M 77 is good). Lay your cord down the center of the strip and then fold it in half. I have a tracing wheel without teeth that I roll along the cord edge to make a neat cord. Then using a single edge blade, I cut slits in the flange about every 3/8" along the length of the welt. Very simple job. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted June 5, 2009 Ricky, I use round leather cord as a core, because I was lucky to find a massive spool of it on Ebay. I know the regular cotton core they sell at fabric stores doesn't work for leather. Perhaps you could look for a tin cord at the hardware store.To make the cord, I cut a strip of leather (for my core, 1 1/4" works, but it will depend in what cord and seam allowance your using). Then give the strip a spray of adhesive (3M 77 is good). Lay your cord down the center of the strip and then fold it in half. I have a tracing wheel without teeth that I roll along the cord edge to make a neat cord. Then using a single edge blade, I cut slits in the flange about every 3/8" along the length of the welt. Very simple job. Ian, What happens with the cotton core to make it unusable?....sounds like it's not stiff enough....I'm considering adding a decorative welt to a pair of chaps that are coming up...... Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hilly Report post Posted June 5, 2009 The cotton type cord is generally only used in furniture. It's too soft to really hold up for rugged type of use, such as automotive. For automotive type of welting, you can get spools of plastic welt cord to cover, or wire core paper welt cord from almost any upholstery supply place. It's not real expensive, but it does come on a large roll. If you do not wish to buy an entire roll, maybe a place that does auto upholstery would be willing to sell you some plastic welt cord. I have used both types of cord, and I prefer the plastic, as there is no wire to break or cut. Hope this helps. Hilly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elton Joorisity Report post Posted June 5, 2009 I have bought pre-made welting on eBay and have had a lot of luck with it. It comes in four or five colors and a few sizes. I'll dig around and find who I bought it from. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reiner1 Report post Posted June 5, 2009 Im pretty much coming to the realization that you cant buy pre made leather welting, Im hoping I can get some helpful hints on making my own, for instance best material to use, where to get the cord, or whatever its called thats inside of it, and also has anyone attempted this without a sewing machine? Any help would be appreciated. Rick I had almost given up on finding leather welting also. But I found this company: Texas Leather Trim Inc. Fort Worth, TX 817 535 5883 Hope this helps. Reiner14294 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Report post Posted June 5, 2009 Ian,What happens with the cotton core to make it unusable?....sounds like it's not stiff enough....I'm considering adding a decorative welt to a pair of chaps that are coming up...... Bob Bob, it's just too soft and thick. The softness makes it almost impossible to get an even cord, and the thickness makes it too bulky. I bet a soft electronic wire would work well too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted June 6, 2009 Bob, it's just too soft and thick. The softness makes it almost impossible to get an even cord, and the thickness makes it too bulky. I bet a soft electronic wire would work well too. Ahhh Haaa...I get it! I'll have to do a little experimenting. Thanks! Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
broncobuster Report post Posted June 6, 2009 ive used clothes line cord. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kai1865 Report post Posted September 16, 2014 I just run to Wally World and buy a spool of .065 weedwacker line it's nylon and holds up well with heavy use. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BondoBobCustomSaddles Report post Posted September 16, 2014 Bob, To get a good even welt, and especially for something like chaps / cloathing, I use drapery/window shade cord. Its flexable and also dense enough so it doesn't compress. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted September 16, 2014 I just run to Wally World and buy a spool of .065 weedwacker line it's nylon and holds up well with heavy use. Thanks Kai1865, . . . my thoughts exactly. Several different sizes, . . . some with ridges to keep it from sliding around while putting it together, . . . I had to laugh too, . . . I was just trying to put the words together, how I would say it, . . . there was your post. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
