Velcro: Technique To Hand Stitch Onto Leather

[swivelsphinx]

Hey All!

I'm working on a molded holster for a 9mm Beretta in 4-6 oz veg tan. I've already molded, trimmed (before stitching) and dyed. I normally would not use Velcro on this kind of project. I just don't like how it looks or feels on harder leathers, and structurally I think it is not the best option either. However, I am going with the customer's preference.

What I would like to know is how I should tackle the sewing. I don't have a stitching machine for heavier leathers. and I am not great shakes at non-saddle stitch sewing. However, I am ok with following directions in a sewing book for a single project if there is a new stitch I ought to learn. The base of the "hooked" end of the velcro has a *miniscule* edge. Does anytone have any suggestions on sewing? I have already anchored the pieces with original Barge cement.

Thanks!

[Dwight]

I have used Velcro on a couple projects, . . . always use Weldwood contact cement to get it in place and keep it there while I sew it.

I use my Tippmann Boss, sew it about 1/8 inch in from the edge, all the way around. If it is a big piece (more than 2 inches wide, . . . I also do a corner to corner type "X" to secure the center also.

You might try a sewing awl, for just one piece of Velcro, I would probably do that myself.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Kevin]

I would do a backstitch, if I were stitching Velcro by hand. That will give you more thread on the surface of the Velcro and hopefully not cause the edges to turn up like it might if you do a saddle stitch and pull too tight. Unfortunately, I am not articulate enough to describe it and it's not in Stohlman's Art of Handstitching, maybe someone else can elaborate. I originally learned it as a method of lacing so I know there is a description somewhere in a Tandy book.

Good luck,

Kevin

[celticleather]

Backstitch - and lots of other stuff! - here:

http://www.bowstock.co.uk/backstit0.html

[bex DK]

I would also back stitch, but I would consider making what is usually the back side of the stitch the velcro side. The extra threads there will help hold the velcro onto the leather and keep it from ripping off. Might want to consider sewing an X right on top of it as well. That would hold the middle down and help decrease the strain on the edges for a heavily used closure. You'll want to consider the impact the stitching might have on the outside of the item. That might influence how you want to stitch it. Maybe stitch to a lining piece that is glued in then stitched around the edges of the piece? Needs to be a strong lining though.

Backstitch is easy for me. Saddle stitch I am still working on. You could do saddle stitch, but I think back stitch would hold the velcro in place better.