Holster making problem

[drof99]

I am trying to make a my Springfield and am having trouble. I'm looking for a couple suggertions. I can draw the shape of the holster I like and cut it out but when I try to form the holster it is then too small. I understand that the gun is taking up some of the room and making the holster "shrink". Is there a good way to account for this when cutting out the holster. I'm trying to make a pancake style not the wrap around one. I also want to have the belt loops built in, not sewed on the back. This might be a strange question but do you form the holster before or after you sew the two halves together? I've seen some that sew it first. What is the best way to form the holster to the gun? I think the biggest problem I'm having is getting the pattern right for the holster.

[Luke Hatley]

I am trying to make a my Springfield and am having trouble. I'm looking for a couple suggertions. I can draw the shape of the holster I like and cut it out but when I try to form the holster it is then too small. I understand that the gun is taking up some of the room and making the holster "shrink". Is there a good way to account for this when cutting out the holster. I'm trying to make a pancake style not the wrap around one. I also want to have the belt loops built in, not sewed on the back. This might be a strange question but do you form the holster before or after you sew the two halves together? I've seen some that sew it first. What is the best way to form the holster to the gun? I think the biggest problem I'm having is getting the pattern right for the holster.

THIS WILL GET YOU STARTED.... wet the leather pcs that you need to mold.. put the gun in a plastic bag , lay the gun on the back pc, then mold the other pc to th gun,

you'll get it....

Edited April 8, 2008 by Luke Hatley

[Shorts]

I am trying to make a my Springfield and am having trouble. I'm looking for a couple suggertions. I can draw the shape of the holster I like and cut it out but when I try to form the holster it is then too small. I understand that the gun is taking up some of the room and making the holster "shrink". Is there a good way to account for this when cutting out the holster. I'm trying to make a pancake style not the wrap around one. I also want to have the belt loops built in, not sewed on the back. This might be a strange question but do you form the holster before or after you sew the two halves together? I've seen some that sew it first. What is the best way to form the holster to the gun? I think the biggest problem I'm having is getting the pattern right for the holster.

Trace your stitch lines about a half inch away from the gun. This width will vary slightly due to the width of guns (if you have a wider gun, make it a hint wider...narrower, make slightly narrower). An easy way I trace my stitch lines is with a pencil that I have taped to a pen. The pen acts as a spacer for the pencil. Then I trace the gun lines on my paper pattern.

To transfer stitch lines to the leather pattern I pin prick each end of the line with the scratch awl and then use a straight edge to connect lines (straight ones. For curved ones I prick the dots at intervals and handdraw the scratch line). Then I groove each scratch line.

[Jordan]

The one I am in the process of making for an XD = I made a paper pattern, cut the leather 3/4" larger on the left and right side to allow for the thickness of the pistol, then wet the leather, rough shaped and trimmed some areas around the mouth of the holster (on a small board), put the whole thing in the foodsaver sucked out the air, boned the leather for sharper definition, removed it and let it air dry 24hrs. Then I cut the back piece to the shape I wanted, trimed the front to match the back, punched all the holes, edged it, dyed it, sewed it and lightly wet moulded it to the pistol again. It is air drying without the pistol as I type this. When it is dry I will dye the edges and finish it with a clear fiebings acrylic. I posted some pics in another thread of the parts and will post a pic when it's done unless it turns out like total crap then I will have to start over. I am sure I forgot to write down some steps but it will come to you with practice

Edited April 9, 2008 by Jordan

[Srigs]

When starting out with a pancake style holster. Stitch one side (top side- leave room for the sight to go in and out), then cold wet mold lightly, this will tell you where to stitch the bottom side, and then take the gun out and squish it flat then compare to the gun and you will see what it takes for that gun to leave around the edges.

From there, it is experience on how much to leave. Starting out do 3/4" and handle any differences via hot wet molding.

[Jordan]

Finished, sorry for the blur batts need recharge. Or the autofocus didn't work. As far as a special formula for getting the right size I don't think one exists, also as to where to locate the stich lines it is pretty much trial and error, more the latter in my case.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Jordan

[okiwen]

Finished, sorry for the blur batts need recharge. Or the autofocus didn't work. As far as a special formula for getting the right size I don't think one exists, also as to where to locate the stich lines it is pretty much trial and error, more the latter in my case.

The Top Coat in the background is in perfect focus. Nice holster by the way.