To Stitch Or Glue

[Kanuist]

I'm about to start a belt holster for a J Frame revolver. I want to reinforce the opening with an extra piece of leather. Should I stitch it on, or just glue it on?

My only concern with stitching is that the stitching line on the inside of the holster will get worn by drawing and re-holstering the gun.

I making it rough side out if that makes any difference. Thanks

[dakotawolf]

Stitching it on is the common practice. Recess the stitches using a stitching groover, that way the stitches will not abrade apart.

[Jumpout]

I agree with dakotawolf. Stitch it on.

[camano ridge]

If you are using a good glue like Barge or my prference Weld wood contact cement Glu alone will probably work. However I glue and stitch everything. If you groove your stitch line on the inside as well and pull the stitch tight and go over the stitches with an over stitch wheel or rubbing stick to flatten theom into the groove their should be little to no wear. I have stitch lines on the inside of my holsters all the time and have never had a failure. I owuld do the same rough side out or not.

[Troy I]

I agree with Camano Ridge...glue and stitch.

[DuaneS]

I agree with Camano Ridge...glue and stitch.

I've heard it said that if it's important enough to stitch, then it's important enough to glue, and vice versa.

[Dwight]

Everything I would have said, . . . has been said.

Glue it, . . . stitch it, . . . go on with life.

May God bless,

Dwight

[chiefjason]

I'll add that I cut the stitch groove twice as wide on the inside. Just to ensure that the thread lays beneath the surface. It's not seen anyway, so it does not hurt. Occasionally, I would get a stitch that stood out on a single width groove. I get none of that with a double width groove. And I'm using 347 and hand stitching so it's big thread.

[Kanuist]

Thanks everyone. I will glue and stitch.

[Colt W Knight]

Glue and stitch. If the glue fails, you have stitches, if the stitches wear, you have glue.