My 2Nd Solo Completed Sheath

[jeffc]

My friend requested I try my hand at making him a behind the back pouch sheath for horizontal carry, and he wanted most of the overall length of the blade covered, so it wouldn't be too obvious what it was...well, I dunno about that, LOL.

Please forgive my bad photography and my bad stitch lines, i'm still learning and this is only my second solo completed piece of anything <grin>.

I had a heckuva time figuring out how to shape the loops and affix the loops onto the sheath easily.

Please any suggestions I really would appreciate some advice and critique.

Also, how do you all figure out how much thread you'll need when starting your sewing? I find I often run short, and darn, if I didn't break 6 needles when pulling the needle through the leather.

I do know how to improve my stitch line, I just got carried away trying to make my last smaller/less wide, as he wanted the sheath as narrow as possible, and I ended up trying to set my holes along the profile of the knife, which obviously was wrong.

Thanks in advance!!

Jeff

Edited March 21, 2010 by jeffc

[R H Clark]

I'm no expert,still learning too. You could improve greatly by getting an adjustable grover.Glue the whole sheath together first.I use Fiebings Leathercraft cement but Barges or most any contact cement will work.Then sand your edges even and straight.Go ahead and bevel and finish the edges.Then use the grover to get a nice straight even line for your stitching.You can use a roller spacer or whatever you like to space the holes.I started with a forke.

Overall,not too bad.I didn't want anyone to see my first couple.

[mattsh]

jeff - not bad for only your second piece.

When you say you broke 6 needles, what kind of stitch were you doing, was is lockstitch or saddle stitch?

As RH pointed out there is an adjustable groover that can help with stitch lines, but I see what you were going for and understand how the stitch line looks the way it does. In theory not a bad idea but won't always work depending on the style of knife you are making the sheath for.

[jeffc]

Thank you very much for your comments!

I was using a saddle stitch for my sewing.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Jeff

[doubleh]

My friend requested I try my hand at making him a behind the back pouch sheath for horizontal carry, and he wanted most of the overall length of the blade covered, so it wouldn't be too obvious what it was...well, I dunno about that, LOL.

Please forgive my bad photography and my bad stitch lines, i'm still learning and this is only my second solo completed piece of anything <grin>.

I had a heckuva time figuring out how to shape the loops and affix the loops onto the sheath easily.

Please any suggestions I really would appreciate some advice and critique.

Also, how do you all figure out how much thread you'll need when starting your sewing? I find I often run short, and darn, if I didn't break 6 needles when pulling the needle through the leather.

I do know how to improve my stitch line, I just got carried away trying to make my last smaller/less wide, as he wanted the sheath as narrow as possible, and I ended up trying to set my holes along the profile of the knife, which obviously was wrong.

Thanks in advance!!

Jeff

R H Clark gave you good advise. I glue mine together with Barge's cement because that's what I started with a long time ago and it works. I sand the edges true on a belt sander, run the groover, and then the overstitch wheel. I usually use a 1/4" wheel on sheaths and holsters. Stick your awl in a piece of beeswax before you push it thru the leather every stitch. This helps the awl go and also makes the needle go. On thick leather I use a pair of pliers to pull the needle so I can pull it STRAIGHT thru. Bending the needle a little when pulling it thru the leather will eventually break the eye. After you are finished run the overstitch wheel over the thread to get a smooth, finished look.

On really thick projects I drill the holes with a 1/16" bit using a drill press, then use the stabbing awl. It makes it much easier to push the awl thru and I think using the awl gives a smoother stitch than just using the drilled holes.

Edited March 24, 2010 by doubleh