Edges Of Hair On Hide Sewn To Leather

[stef73433]

I'm working on a set now that is hair on hide, sewn to leather. That leaves an unsightly greyish blue edge from the hair hide.

How can I finish edges to look neat?

[Wishful]

I guess it depends on what you are making. You can run a double loop stitch over it to hide the edge or use an edge coat product.

[stef73433]

I'm making a breast collar. Can you please explain the double loop stitch and how to do? Thanks!

[bruce johnson]

I edge bevel and dye the cut edge first. after it is dry I use an acrylic finish (Fiebings LeatherSheen). When it is mostly dry, I rub it to slick some. Once dry, I slick it with a wheel. I apply another coat of sheen, and maybe takes 2-3 applications to stiffen than edge and take a slicking. My final application is paraffin wax and slick it hard. It will not be the same effect as burnishing, but will be slick and the two layers should appear as one.

[Wishful]

Double loop stitching is a lacing technique as shown here http://www.kingsmerecrafts.com/page96.html or

and here on this site if you search for it. It may or may not be right for breast collars.

[joe59]

When I make a breast collar using hair on, I "inset" the hair piece. There are two reasons I do this: 1. the hair on leather is soft and depending the thickness and firmness of the lining the collar may distort. 2. the edges are much easier to finish and look more professional when the hair on piece is sandwiched between two pieces of latigo, skirting or harness leather. I cut the border 3/8 of an inch for a single stitch line or a heavy 1/2 inch for a double stitch line. Once the leather is sewn, I use a bic lighter to get rid of any hair sticking out from the seam the finish the edges.

JOE

Sorry, I use a bic lighter to get rid of any hair sticking out from the seam THEN finish the edges.

JOE

[stef73433]

Joe, normally I would use the sandwich technique, but I am making it to match a head stall the gal already has.