Questions About Lined Belts

[Red Cent]

Yes. When the needle is on the way up, stop when a 1/4" of needle is in the leather, raise the presser foot, turn, lower foot, and sew.

[Red Cent]

Belts for the concealed carry crowd needs to be pretty strong. 8-9 outer and 4-5 liner. I do not double up on the billet end nor the chape and I skive generously on the buckle fold.

[Trevor]

Yes. The needle is still well buried into the leather when you are about a third of the way upwards. Never turn your work until that time. and remember always turn using the needle as a pivot point. So don't pull the needle all the way up then decide to turn the work.Cheers

[Red Cent]

The Cobra 4 videos say you need to come up and leave a 1/4" or more of the needle in the leather so the stitch will be finished.

[deloid]

Just an update. I decided to glue with a curved shape after a smaller trial (minibelt) glued flat had some buckling on the inner leather. It's tooled and stained and ready for sewing now. The only problem is that the slightly thinner liner stains erratically where there was a higher concentration of contact cement. I think I need to thin the cement out more but other ideas are welcome. I'll post a pic after sewing-Dean

[Dwight]

There are two schools on dye and the liner, . . . the A school dyes the whole belt (I'm there, . . . a "dip" dyer guy), . . . and the B school who leaves the liner natural.

I personally like both ways, . . . but my process is easier for me & quicker, . . . otherwise, I too would be a B school guy.

May God bless,

Dwight

[ikewineb]

So, I've been struggling a little with the concept of the liner. I get the liner should be shorter to prevent buckling, but how do you get your stitching hole to line up if you are doing it by hand. I normally sew a saddle stitch and use a diamond chisel awl (I know, I know...I'm working on learning the awl). How do you get the holes to line up?

[Dwight]

The concept that the liner needs to be shorter is a false concept.

I cut my liner by using my outside, finish side, as the exact pattern.

All liners need to be glued or contact cemented to the other piece of the belt. THEN, . . . you start punching holes or stitching.

I personally (as well as others on these forums) prefer weldwood contact cement, . . . the stuff sold in lumber yards for counter tops.

Works like a champ, . . . but there is a little learning curve. Put on an EVEN coat, . . . let it DRY to the touch of your hand. Not sticky, . . . no gummy, . . . dry.

Lay the one piece onto the other, . . . knowing it is a one shot deal. Where you drop it, . . . it stays.

Then roll the whole thing with a rolling pin, . . . seam roller, . . . etc. It's now one piece.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Red Cent]

What Dwight said.