Foam Or Cotton Inserts?

[mrtreat32]

Im curious what people use and where I could buy firm but cushioned inserts for leather?

I have seen leather valet trays that have a small amount of cushion at the bottom as well as high end watch straps and belts that seem to have some type of insert.

http://shop.mitchell-leather.com/images/1385317553690-1895039689.jpeg

here for example you can see that the sewn in section towards the middle is a insert of some type. I found something similar on the Sheridan leather website but is made for saddles and seats so its a bit thick for what I need. Im going to be using it on smaller applications so thin layers if possible.

thanks

[barehandcustoms]

http://www.foamonline.com/ - if you want a lot of them custom built for a production run

Otherwise

You can just buy large sheets of foam from numerous sources and cut it down to size yourself. You can find sheets at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, and just about every craft store.

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies-and-fabric-crafts/craft-foam/craft-foam-sheets/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/175-7271249-0803759?url=search-alias%3Darts-crafts&field-keywords=foam%20sheets

Edited August 19, 2014 by barehandcustoms

[mrtreat32]

http://www.foamonline.com/ - if you want a lot of them custom built for a production run

Otherwise

You can just buy large sheets of foam from numerous sources and cut it down to size yourself. You can find sheets at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, and just about every craft store.

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies-and-fabric-crafts/craft-foam/craft-foam-sheets/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/175-7271249-0803759?url=search-alias%3Darts-crafts&field-keywords=foam%20sheets

thank you.

this is what they use in watch straps and belt straps? I figured it was some special type of filler.

Before I read this I made a leather tray holder similar to the one posted and since I didnt have foam I cut a piece of cheaper 2-3oz veg tan and sewed that into the middle of the tray and was pretty happy with the results.

[barehandcustoms]

They use a different thickness/quality/density then what is mass produced for craft grade sheets but it is still just foam. With a quick Google search it shouldn't be hard to find any kind of foam you want.

I know some companies mass buy sea food packing foam and use hot wire to cut out very thin sheets for their products. It is going to be sewn into the layers so they don't care about looks....only its ability to fill that space.

Edited August 20, 2014 by barehandcustoms

[JohnD]

When I order leather from W&C that I have them split, I sometimes ask them to send the splits with my order and use that for filler, like for knife sheaths and have also used for filler strips in watch straps . Haven't used it in belts or trays, but imagine it would work. If you request them, there is no extra charge for the splits because you've already paid for the side, although the weight may increase the shipping cost a little.

If your looking for foam I usually order my foam for motorcycle seats from : http://www.foambymail.com/NE.html

Just to add another choice for sources. They may have what youre looking for.