Hand Sewing Is Killing My Fingers

[Shooter McGavin]

So ya, I've been hand sewing a bunch of holsters recently and 3 of my fingers have really bad cuts in them from pulling the thread tight after each stitch.

just wondering what the leatherworker.net mindhive does to solve this problem. I was thinking of using some light weight leather to make some "sleeves" or whatever for my most used fingers but wonder if this would just make my clumsy.

Any insight would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Dan

[celticleather]

I used to use a couple of 1mm calfskin sleeves on the little finger of each hand, and found them to be very effective. However, over the years the skin in this area has become so hard that I don't need them any more!

[DuaneBallard]

Athletic tape like a boxer uses on their hands.

I used to use a couple of 1mm calfskin sleeves on the little finger of each hand, and found them to be very effective. However, over the years the skin in this area has become so hard that I don't need them any more!

[JLSleather]

My buddy uses those slide things used for playing the guitar ... little plastic tube thing. I could never get the hang of them, and that athletic tape idea is sounding like it's worth a try ...

[Casey Jordan]

I have used medical tape and duct tape, either works. The medical tape is easier since it is narrower.

[katsass]

So ya, I've been hand sewing a bunch of holsters recently and 3 of my fingers have really bad cuts in them from pulling the thread tight after each stitch.

just wondering what the leatherworker.net mindhive does to solve this problem. I was thinking of using some light weight leather to make some "sleeves" or whatever for my most used fingers but wonder if this would just make my clumsy.

Any insight would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Dan

FWIW from a grumpy old man. I have hand-stitched for around 40 years now and find that I now have definite callouses at the crook in my little fingers, however, early on I used band-aids where I pulled my stitches tight. Easy on...easy off. Mike

[Cobra Steve]

Hey Dan, Iv'e got a great idea! What about a brand new COBRA Class 4 "Dream Machine". Wouldn't that be great!! A machine that does it for you! (HaHa) Steve

[Rawhide]

JoAnn Fabric sells a little quilter's thimble that you can fit on your fingers and they work great.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=xprd1002396

[bootsmt]

I use all leather weight lifting gloves, works fine and if I am pulling needles I put a pair of latex gloves on first under the gloves and can grip the needles. The length of the fingers of the gloves cover where the string wraps around my hand. Frank

Edited December 17, 2010 by bootsmt

[leatheroo]

i made some little finger sleeves from neoprene...i cut up an old thin wetsuit.