Phillip Carr Report post Posted December 27, 2013 Some samples of my first work. None of these are done with pre-made patterns, and I actually made the knife in the pictures as well! Critiques are welcome. I'm trying to improve my technique. The picture next to the shotgun shell bandoleer is the back of it where the belt enters. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted December 27, 2013 I think if you get your stitching under control your product will improve. I can't tell if you've beveled any edges but doing that and burnishing the edges will also improve the look. Welcome to the forum Phillip! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cogs Report post Posted December 29, 2013 Way to go Phillip. You're on your way! Practice, practice. I'd suggest going with some pre-made stuff so you can focus on some of the basics (edging, sewing, ect...). Once you've got that down, get a little more creative and practice that. Before long, you'll be making those really good holsters you wanted to do! Thanks for sharing. And show us your progress! Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted December 29, 2013 (edited) Holes for your thread are too big. Thread looks "funky". Did you wax it? End stitching by "back stitching" in same holes. Don't make a "knot" of thread on top when you end a stitch line. Bevel edges of work and burnish. Use an edge tool to mark the groove for stitches, making the lines of the stitch nice and even. Cut your fingernails as short as you can stand, they make those "scratchy" marks on your work. Practice, practice, practice. You will hear that a lot. ferg Edited December 29, 2013 by 50 years leather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phillip Carr Report post Posted January 2, 2014 Thanks for the advice! Perhaps I should have placed this under the "critique" category. I do bevel, but perhaps inefficiently. Any tips? Also, please further describe burnishing for me. I wax and slick the edges, but I often do two at the same time. Thanks for the back-stitching tip. I do use a groover and rowel wheel, but I'm afraid I'm impatient and not meticulous enough. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjlenox Report post Posted January 2, 2014 What has helped me a lot for the edges is to use a dremel with a sanding drum. Just have to be careful so it doesn't skip up onto the work, 16.00 at menards was well worth it. Provides a nice clean edge which you can then use finer grit sandpaper then your final finishing "edge slicker" i use that, then add beeswax and finish with a piece of canvas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phillip Carr Report post Posted January 3, 2014 Meaning you slick and then wax? I thought wax was a part of the slicking process? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
