Members ChuckBurrows Posted October 17, 2009 Members Report Posted October 17, 2009 Hand-stitching a belt is a major undertaking, sir. After you do one I doubt that you will want to do another. I hope that you are doing it for yourself, because no one will pay you enough to do one for sale. With respect but I sew everything I do by hand since most is historical reproductions and I have done so professionally for over 40 years - this includes belts of which I regularly sew 3-6 a month depending on type of orders. My customers have no problem paying my price and our leather business is my full-time job and our only source of income (our = my wife and I). Nope we're not getting rich, but if you make what folks want they will pay for it. And yes stitchers were used to make old west gear, but they were not widely used until the 1870's and later - much of my work predates that era. As others have said use shorter lengths and just do it. Due to health reasons I pre-punch all my holes and then sew away - for a full lined belt i.e. all 4 sides it takes at most 2 hours to punch and sew. In fact I find hand sewing a good way to relax and as Madmax noted once you get used to it you can do it almost without thinking. The average cartridge belt I sew is 48" long overall length by 3" wide - at 6 SPI that's 612 stitches. Most belts though are old time "money" belts and only one edge and both ends are sewn - that average's 324 stitches per belt. As an example - this entire rig, which includes a full lined belt and holster as well as the two mag pouches, belt pouch, and knife sheath were all hand sewn - and the customer was very happy to get it: When it comes to the business of selling - there are those that drive a Yugo and there are those that drive a Mercedes - and those that buy the Mercedes have no qualms at paying the price. Both will get you where you want to go, but....... Then there's beadwork....... Quote Wild Rose Trading Company Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Members 1Man Posted October 17, 2009 Members Report Posted October 17, 2009 Hey there. I've done a few of them by hand. I can't say they're a lot of fun. You just have to get into a rythme and keep going. I found that punching about 10-12 holes and stitching those gives me little goals to work towards. As you "accomplish" each goal by sewing those you'll feel a small sense of accomplishment that'll keep you going long enough until you finish the next set, and so on. Before you know it, you're done. Typically, I'll cut a long enough piece of thread to just do one side of the belt. It's still a lot of thread but, it's better than 30 feet. Just make sure you start at the tip close to where you'll punch your sizing holes and end at the buckle end which is typicall wrapped to the back of the belt anyway. I've also found that wearing latex gloves helps me get a better grip on the needle and reduces the fatigue in my hands. Anyway, just my thoughts. It's definetely worth it when your done. And possibly, just possibly, you'll enjoy it enough that you'll be thinking about your next belt as your stitching this one. Think about different designs and color schemes. Happy Stitching! Quote www.wardleather.com
Members Bronson Posted October 18, 2009 Members Report Posted October 18, 2009 It's the big "T" shaped thing on the left. Dang it Nick. Now there's another piece of equipment I need to build Bronson Quote
Members Bronson Posted October 18, 2009 Members Report Posted October 18, 2009 this entire rig, which includes a full lined belt and holster as well as the two mag pouches, belt pouch, and knife sheath were all hand sewn - and the customer was very happy to get it: I bet they were. How could someone not be thrilled with that rig, it is absolutely beautiful. Bronson Quote
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