How Do I Sew Thin Leather?

[Pele]

A basic request I know, but I have made quiet a few knife sheaths and things out of thicker leather (all hand stitched), but today tried to may myself a watch strap out of some veg tan goat and its all went wrong, i used the saddle stich I normally do and the leather just bunched up :'( . This is pretty much the first time I have tried to do something with thinner leather, I cut out the pieces, glued bits together, put a groove on for stitches, marked them, made the holes for stitching, dyed them with oil based dye, rubbed with carnuba wax, and then started stitching.

Am a using the wrong sort of stitch or wrong size of thread? Maybe I was just a bit heavy handed , just not sure so thought I would ask, as it took me all afternoon to make pattern and get to where i did :'( .

Many thanks in advance .

[drphil]

How thin is your leather? I have hand stitched with veg tanned 3-4 oz just fine many times. I never get bunching. What sort of leather are you using?

[Pele]

Its goat, about 1mm thick, sorry dont know how that translates into ounces am afraid.

[MADMAX22]

You will have to use smaller needles, thinner thread, and a thinner awl. Plus when you are stitching you have to be easy on how tight you pull it.

[Pele]

Ah k, will have a look into what I should be using.

Many thanks :D .

[jimmy eng]

Is the stitching for decoration? I'd use a sewing machine with a leather needle on it if it is.

With hand sewing, I get bunching when the thread is too thick for the leather (either too thin or too soft) and I'm pulling too tight.