Butt-stitching (cylinders) tips?

[DJole]

Okay, expert hand stitchers...how can I do this right?

The top part is NOT butt stitched (leather too thin for it) but the bottom part is.

It looks simple...poke awl through at angle, top to edge, and stitch.

But there are places where the hole seems to stretch and thus move out of position, and even seems to make the stitches uneven in length.

How is this done right? Would a curved awl help?

[BillB]

DJole,

Here is how I made a cylindrical bag. I used the two needle method and went over each seam twice, once in each direction, to get the stitching affect you see. I also formed the bottom out of the sides. The final bag was formed by pulling it over the appropriately sized spray can.

Edited March 2, 2008 by Johanna
reduced pic sizes

[Kevin]

First I mark my holes with a pricking iron, then use a curved awl. Before I had irons, I used a pricking wheel and made holes straight through and then used the curved awl. This gives the thread a definite line to butt up to. I don't know how else to describe it, hope that helps or someone else can elaborate. Kevin

[DJole]

First I mark my holes with a pricking iron, then use a curved awl. Before I had irons, I used a pricking wheel and made holes straight through and then used the curved awl. This gives the thread a definite line to butt up to. I don't know how else to describe it, hope that helps or someone else can elaborate.

I have a pricking wheel, which I used. I also have a saddler's stitching chisel (4 prong, diamond shaped tines) that I have used on other projects. Is it the curved awl that makes the difference? That might remove some of the guesswork of trying to make the straight awl go the exact same angle from the top to the edge of the leather for every single hole.

DJole,Here is how I made a cylindrical bag. I used the two needle method and went over each seam twice, once in each direction, to get the stitching affect you see. I also formed the bottom out of the sides. The final bag was formed by pulling it over the appropriately sized spray can.

You're using a softer leather, it looks like, and also using a cross-over stitch, which I didn't want to use here.I did, however, use a metal canister as a form for this piece.