Thong Report post Posted October 18, 2009 Greetings to all, newbie here. I recently found this sight and have done a bit of reading both here and other websites. This is one of the best resources I've found. I'm getting ready to start a leather project (cowboy type holster) and I have a couple (maybe more) basic questions that I hope to get some help with. I've worked with leather only a tiny bit in the past so I don't know much about it. Most of my experience was assemblying Tandy kits with 1 attempt to make a gun holster. Although the holster kept the gun from hitting the ground, it wasn't much. Since I'm just starting, the questions I have are about materials and maybe tools. I've read 2 articles outlining how each author made their holsters and harvested some details from them. I'm planning on using 8-9oz double shoulder for the leather and sewing it by hand. Is there a preferred source for the leather? There's a Tandy store about 30 minutes from me and I thought I'd use them for a source unless I get a better suggestion. Another questions is, what size thread should I use and do you size the needle to the thread or are all needles the same size? I read an article that discusses cotton vs. synthetic and it convinced me to use some type synthetic, like nylon. Is there a generally preferred type thread I should seek? BTW, I plan on using my Dremel with a tiny bit to make the holes for the stitching. I plan on getting a groover and an overstitcher, probably from Tandy. Are there any other necessary tools that I might need. I have a pretty good assortment of normal tools, i.e. pliars, knives, hammers, etc. Well, I'll conclude this first post. I don't want to wear out my welcome with a barrage of questions. Thanks in advance for any responses. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladybug Report post Posted October 20, 2009 Hi Did you get any answers to your questions about making a cowboy holster? If so and you have one made i'd like to see a pic or 2. JoAnn aka Ladybug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thong Report post Posted October 20, 2009 Hi Did you get any answers to your questions about making a cowboy holster? If so and you have one made i'd like to see a pic or 2. JoAnn aka Ladybug Well, yes and no. I got no direct answers, but after doing a bunch of reading I've learned quite a bit. One of the first things I've learned is to get the holster making book by Al Stohlman. So that's where I am now, before wasting a bunch of money on tools/materials that I may not need. Thanks for asking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted October 20, 2009 THONG, I just saw your thread. If you go to: forum.ramanon.com then go down to their leathercraft forum and open that forum, then go down about 2/3 of the way, you will find a thread titled "Per EBR's request". There you will find a complete tutorial with pics I did back in July for what you want. The holster shown being made was for a 1911 Colt auto, but the procedure is the same for a western holster. If you want a skirt or Mexican loop holster just enlarge the belt loop and don't stitch it down. Hope that will help you. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thong Report post Posted October 21, 2009 THONG, I just saw your thread. If you go to: forum.ramanon.com then go down to their leathercraft forum and open that forum, then go down about 2/3 of the way, you will find a thread titled "Per EBR's request". There you will find a complete tutorial with pics I did back in July for what you want. The holster shown being made was for a 1911 Colt auto, but the procedure is the same for a western holster. If you want a skirt or Mexican loop holster just enlarge the belt loop and don't stitch it down. Hope that will help you. Mike Katsass, I read your referenced thread and your tutorial was most helpful. I'm book-marking it. Thank-you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
