Sewing Headache

[gary]

Sew it inside out, edge to edge, then turn it the right way out.

[OurJud]

I think I must have some form of blindness when it comes to following advice/instructions. Either that or people are not understanding (understandly so) what it is I want to do.

Paulsleather, I can't get my head around what you mean. When you say that by giving up the lap seam I would have access on both sides to do the stitching, how do you mean? The whole point is to avoid stitching the leather pieces to each other, so that they can freely expand on the elastic as you add more cards.

gary, I'm afraid I don't get any of what you say. How do I turn something inside out that needs to be attached on three sides?

[Nessmuk1]

Why not glue the elastic as you want it. Then insert a spacer into the card holder to hold it expanded. Then stitch the leather. When it contracts, the stitches will be compacted, as you fill it, they will be stretched?

[OurJud]

Why not glue the elastic as you want it. Then insert a spacer into the card holder to hold it expanded. Then stitch the leather. When it contracts, the stitches will be compacted, as you fill it, they will be stretched?

That's a thought, just so long as the glue would hold up to being stretched that far.

[humperdingle]

Do you need full length elastic down the sides?

[Stephenpuhakish]

Sorry my first post was clear as mud

Let's start with your diagram. Notice how the elastic goes outside the edges of the leather? Why not put it flush to the edge, stitched in place, then fold the elastic to do the same on the other side? The seams would all be on the outside of the card holder accessible front and back for a saddle stitch. You could even lace the edges to cover them. If I'm still unclear I'll make an attempt to load some pictures that would explain better... If I can figure out how to post them. Lol

[gary]

If it is not possible to sew it the way you have envisaged it, fiddle about until you find a way the pieces will go together to get a result that is possible.

Have a look at the scan below as I have tried to explain my intent.

You will be able to stitch it this way though the pieces of elastic will not be laid in exactly the way you wanted them in the first place.

Be willing to sacrifice a bit of time, leather, elastic and thread to find out what works and what doesn't - that's how most people here have gained their understanding of their craft. All the responses here have given you answers you need if not the answer you want.

FS=Flesh side

GS = Grain side

[Tree Reaper]

The problem I see with that design is the elastic is still fixed until it gets stretched so you will require a certain number of cards to keep the elastic stretched.

You might want to consider something like chicago screws that will give you a better range of adjustment.

[OurJud]

Do you need full length elastic down the sides?

Not necessarily.

Stephen, gary, Tree, thank you also. I think I can see what you're suggesting now, and gary your disagram makes your method much easier to understand.

Edited March 13, 2014 by OurJud

[Paulsleather]

Here is a picture of what I was describing. I'm using a yellow post-it note as the elastic material. This approach will allow you to access both sides (the leather and the elastic material). Let me know if this clarifies my comment.