Stitching Groover Alternative?

[AHinson]

I don't have a stitching groover. I haven't seen one in any local stores. I've tried using a dremel with the engraving tool to cut a groove, but its not the best. Now, I'm using the back side of a butter knife. It works okay on the smooth side of the leather but not so good on the rough side. Anyone have any suggestions on something else to use or how to make a stitching groover?

[Chief31794]

Stitching groover does a great job, you can order them over the web from several suppliers, many of which advertise here on the forum. Springfield Leather, Tandy, etc. all ship within the US and even overseas, I can't tell where you're located. Many of us don't have local stores, and the Web is one of the best things that has happened to making suppliers available. Stitching groovers in general aren't very expensive especially compared to many of the other tools we use in leather craft.

Welcome to the forum.

Chief

[Tree Reaper]

not so good on the rough side

You'll want a gouge for that.

The pro stitching groover will do both or you can buy separate tools, one for grooving and one for gouging.

[NVLeatherWorx]

You can also use your swivel knife, just don't cut as deep as you would for your carvings. For the straight lines use a straight edge and for the rounded areas just make sure that you hold the same offset from the edge of the leather. This is how it was done before the advent of the groover.

[St8LineGunsmith]

you can also use a bone creaser or a stylus to make a groove but a groover is going to do the best job.

as someone else mentioned a v gouge works good on the rough side

i wouldn't recommend a gouge for the smooth side

[xinawesome]

I've seen people use a diamond chisel, put one prong against the edge and one draw the line... Or if you have a plastic bone folder from tandy, you can use the creaser part to draw a straight line. Or you can use a wing divider/Scratch compass. Or buy a adjustable edge creaser. Anyway, a groover would be a great choice for your tool box.