Stitch Holes

[gregintenn]

I use an adjustable groover around the edges, and a freehand groover for the outline around the gun. I then mark the stitch locations by rolling over the grooves with an overstitch wheel. I then put the holster on a piece of 2x8 lumber, and punch each hole with a diamond shaped awl and a rubber hammer. The diamond shape seems to draw back up around the stitches as you pull them tight. I use two needles, one on each end of my thread, and sew in a crisscross pattern. I believe this is called a saddle stitch.

[celticleather]

For the past 30-odd years I've used the traditional pricking iron, diamond awl and two needles - and they still work fine for me!

[Deanimator]

okay guys what do YOU do to make your stitch holes. i unfortunately dont have the luxury of machine so everything is done by hand. right now im using a mini drill press which is okay but im just trying to gauge what other people use, thonging chisels? just a regular awl? what? any input is appreciated guys

I started out using a Tandy scratch awl. That worked, but it produced large holes than I wanted. I recently switched to a Tandy stitching awl with interchangeable blades. That produces a much more attractive stitch, although it's significantly harder to use.

I groove using a Tandy adjustable groover. I use a Tandy stitch wheel to mark the holes, then the awl to make the holes. I groove the opposite side with a Tandy freehand groover.

Edited December 12, 2010 by Deanimator

[Dwight]

Now I'm probably not going to say what you want to hear, . . . but here it comes anyway:

Do you have cable or satellite TV? Do you smoke? Do you drink occasionally? Do you do a couple of Starbucks Latte's each week? Do you buy a handful of lottery tickets every week?

If you answered yes to any two of the above, . . . you can afford a brand spanking new, . . . warranty and all, . . . Tippmann Boss stitcher. $1195 was the price the other day if I am not badly mistaken.

Then you can honestly begin to turn out one extra belt every week (an absolute PAIN if you have to hand stitch a 52 inch belt), . . . or an extra holster per week, . . . and once you start doing that, . . . you can go back to your bad habits that you gave up to get the Boss in the first place. OR, . . . maybe you will be quit of the bad habit, . . . and can save the cash for a better machine farther down the road.

Seriously, . . . I hand stitched for a while, . . . and I really am not sure I would go back to it if I could not use a machine. I love working leather, . . . but maybe I would find stuff that didn't need to be sewn, .................

Anyway, . . . may God bless,

Dwight

[Rayban]

Now I'm probably not going to say what you want to hear, . . . but here it comes anyway:

Do you have cable or satellite TV? Do you smoke? Do you drink occasionally? Do you do a couple of Starbucks Latte's each week? Do you buy a handful of lottery tickets every week?

If you answered yes to any two of the above, . . . you can afford a brand spanking new, . . . warranty and all, . . . Tippmann Boss stitcher. $1195 was the price the other day if I am not badly mistaken.

Then you can honestly begin to turn out one extra belt every week (an absolute PAIN if you have to hand stitch a 52 inch belt), . . . or an extra holster per week, . . . and once you start doing that, . . . you can go back to your bad habits that you gave up to get the Boss in the first place. OR, . . . maybe you will be quit of the bad habit, . . . and can save the cash for a better machine farther down the road.

Seriously, . . . I hand stitched for a while, . . . and I really am not sure I would go back to it if I could not use a machine. I love working leather, . . . but maybe I would find stuff that didn't need to be sewn, .................

Anyway, . . . may God bless,

Dwight

Dwight, sign me up!!!!

[RWP]

dwight great answer and i appreciate it and while i do smoke and have a few drinks during the week MOST of my money goes back into helping my mom and dad ( im only 22 and still live at home) neither of which can work due to either heart problems or disabilities but hey....the boss is a great goal to work towards! i dont mind handstitching at all at the moment im just trying to get some ideas for the future it might sound KINDA funny but theres nothing as therapeutic as handstiching a fresh holster! thanks for all the input guys!

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

While I use a Boss stitcher and/ or an adler on some of the different areas of a saddle for convenience such as the sheepskin to skirts, I still use the hand stitch method with awl, overstitch wheel, and needles in certain areas like cantle binding, horn cap and such. It is a matter of getting the best result in the area you are looking to stitch. You can't beat a good hand stitch for strength and durability, you just have to be particular about your results, you want them to be professional.

Bob

[TwinOaks]

When I hand stitch, it's with an awl, two needles, and a lot of time. I also overstitch the lines to mark the stitch locations. I was able to get a Boss, and I STILL hand stitch the ends to lock the thread in place (I think it was Dwight that mentioned that once- great idea). If you can't afford a stitching machine, keep hand sewing. As Art once said, "Hand stitching will help you save up your money faster".

[Bronson]

If you want to keep hand stitching get this book: The Art of Hand Sewing Leather

Bronson