English bridle

[Lorrso]

Great job Lorrso. Can I suggest a couple of small things you can do to really set off your work.

1. On the head splits, extend your creasing all the way to the end of the split. Yes it can be tricky to get all the way up there with a normal creaser but you can finish off with a single creaser and the do something like cross the finished crease lines over each other to form a simple design.

2. Avoid using the compass down the length of the strap to centralise your hole punching. Just mark out the spacing with your compass. When you punch, make one very light tap, check it is all central and because it is a light mark you can make minor adjustments.

3. Traditionally for strapping over 5/8th " wide, start using an oval punch like a size 20. Continue to use your round punches for 1/2 and 3/8" strapping.

Again great job.

Just saw it is only the second one you have made so change great job to outstanding job.

Barra

Thank you very much for your suggestions and appreciations!

I've noticed that on 95% of bridles the creasing is made that way but... it's tricky! now it is time to try.

This bridle has 1/2", 5/8" and a 3/4" (the noseband) parts... used a round punch for all the holes in order to keep the project more uniform and because I have only one, rather large, oval punch. I use oval holes for strappings over 3/4" (i. e., the crownpiece of the headcollar I've posted here has 1" strapping and oval holes).

In september I'll do a new bridle for a friend (this time, grackle noseband) and I'll follow your recommendations.

Again, a big thank you!

L.

[gesa]

Hello Lorrso,

A little trick to make the creasing to the split is to use a divider with a dull tip. I have divider that I customised with sandpaper and a polishing wheel.

Use the edge of the strap as guide for one tip and follow the creasing line with the other tip.

Be careful, that the divider don't scratch the leather.

Other possibillity is more difficult, to do it free hand with a bone folder ( that is how I learned it!).

Oh and be sure to practice on scrap leather.

Your bridle looks made to size for the horse, all buckles are buckled in the middle hole. Perfect!

Gesa