Wabbit! To Stitch Or Glue?

[Ulfberht Leather Works]

Posting in here because I am interested to see some good glue options.

This is prototype #1 for a collar I am making to sell in my shop(please ignore the fact that some rivets are uncentered and backwards as it is unfinished and I just placed them in the holes to get an idea of the end look). I attempted to sew the rabbit fur on, after glueing it on with Tandy Eco glue(which smells like watered down Elmers). However the fur pulled through the stitch holes and came out the front. I cut the stitches out and am working on ideas for stitching it.

Is there a glue option that will last and can actually be worn without worry of it coming apart? I do not want to make a product that only looks good but is strong and functional that will last.

I have several folks waiting already so any assistance is greatly appreciated.

[electrathon]

Renia contact cement. Cobblers use it to glue the soles on shoes (without stitching) and it does not let go.

[Ulfberht Leather Works]

Sweet, is that available at a typical big box store or special order kind of thing?

[mrdabeetle]

I think it would look better stitched. You would need to part the fur to keep it from getting caught in the thread and dragged through the holes. It would certainly last longer stitched. I never use glue as a permanent solution. I always use glue to temporarily hold the parts in place before stitching and/or riveting. As the leather ages and the item flexes with use, the fibers loosen and glue will eventually come away from the leather. Glue is fine for shoes because the sole wears and gets replaced. That's my two cents. You can test the glue method on some scrap. If it works for you, go for it. There are some videos on youtube where shoemakers use glue. Watch the way they rough the surface to allow the glue to bind better. This makes a world of difference. Good luck to you and I hope you find/create a method that works best for you.

[electrathon]

Special order. You will likely have to get it from a cobbler supply. Far to strong to sell to the public.

[Ulfberht Leather Works]

I think it would look better stitched. You would need to part the fur to keep it from getting caught in the thread and dragged through the holes. It would certainly last longer stitched. I never use glue as a permanent solution. I always use glue to temporarily hold the parts in place before stitching and/or riveting. As the leather ages and the item flexes with use, the fibers loosen and glue will eventually come away from the leather. Glue is fine for shoes because the sole wears and gets replaced. That's my two cents. You can test the glue method on some scrap. If it works for you, go for it. There are some videos on youtube where shoemakers use glue. Watch the way they rough the surface to allow the glue to bind better. This makes a world of difference. Good luck to you and I hope you find/create a method that works best for you.

I am not sure the time for me to stitch it would be worthwhile as I am hand stitching. I tried to keep the hair parted and it seemed to just not work for me. I have considered shaving the hair on 1/4 inch or so from the edge and to use my template to stitch it from there. THat should work but I need to try it also. Thank you for the input man, all is appreciated and weighted since I am newb! lol.

Special order. You will likely have to get it from a cobbler supply. Far to strong to sell to the public.

I found a few places, thanks! I was wondering if there would be a local solution contact cement wise as well. WIll have to do a little trial and error!