Minimal Holster W/ Filigree

[JC Javelle]

Hahahaha I finished it! And I finally got pictures up.

This is a minimal holster kit #44454-00 from Tandy's. I cut out my pattern (a hibiscus flower) and laid a pale cream suede under the leather, which I was told is called filigree if I remember correctly. This is my first leather project. I used a dark cocoa brown dye (it came out darker than I planned, sadly), black thread, and black lace. I wet molded the leather after I cut out my pattern, and once it was dry, I cut my piece of suede to fit, and cemented it down. The suede is not sewn into place, except for at the side edges where the holster pieces are sewn together with wax thread. The lacing on the outside edges is a goofed up double loop stitch, which I am calling a single loop stitch (because I somehow missed going under the "x" in the lace, and only went under one piece).

Well, this is my first attempt. I recognize my mistakes, and hopefully I do much better with my second holster (which I am planning out the pattern soon).

Thanks for looking! I'm really proud of this piece despite my mistakes.

Edited July 21, 2011 by JC Javelle

[JC Javelle]

More pictures.

Apparently my pictures are to large to post multiples in one post.. sorry!

Last one.

[Wishful]

It looks nice. I wonder if is strong enough to withstand heavy use?

[JC Javelle]

It looks nice. I wonder if is strong enough to withstand heavy use?

I am not sure. I think my Ruger is slightly to big for it, because when molding, it pulled the stitches. It may stretch out with frequent use. Because it came in a kit, I would assume (though I probably shouldn't) the main body of leather is durable for it, but after cutting and lining with the suede.... If I did it again, I might find a piece of leather to line the inside of the suede so it doesn't rip. And find a bigger kit or pattern to work with.

With frequent use, I think the suede that stretches over the trigger guard may tear first. But I won't find out; this is meant to be just a decorative piece, an experiment. I never intended to use this to carry because I feel it is to small, and maybe to weak, for the gun.

[Wishful]

But I won't find out; this is meant to be just a decorative piece, an experiment. I never intended to use this to carry because I feel it is to small, and maybe to weak, for the gun

I was curious since I wanted to try something similar... nice design.

[JC Javelle]

I was curious since I wanted to try something similar... nice design.

Thank you. I'd find a way to reinforce it if I were to make one for heavy duty use, just to make the suede more secure.

[Nooj]

I think that's a nice looking piece, JC. I have a friend who wanted something similar, and I had considered some kind of filigree work to doll it up. I'm a habiscus fan- so I like what you've done there :-) Though I've bought a lacing book and lace, I haven't been confident enough to try that yet.

I believe you're right about using a piece of leather behind the suede, then the cut out piece on top. It would protect whatever background you use in the filigree, and also add a little more stiffness to the whole thing.

Great job- keep up the good work.

Nooj

[GlenH]

Probably a more durable way to do this would be to use thinner leather. For the back side, you'd cut two mirror image pieces and use contact cement to glue flesh side to flesh side. Then for the front, you'd start out with the two mirror image pieces and use the outermost one for the filigree. You'd sandwich in the suede between the two outside pieces, so you end up with a complete piece of leather next to the gun's outside.

I have a friend who does something similar to this; he makes holsters that don't show any stitching. He actually stitches the two inside pieces together (flesh side out) and then uses contact cement to glue two more pieces (flesh side in) to the holster.

Does that make any sense?