AdamTracksler Report post Posted January 2, 2015 Should I be wetting the leather before I use a stitching spacer? I am having a hard time seeing the marks it makes...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted January 2, 2015 I will normaly dampen my leather just a little before I use my stitch marker, however even on dry leather it usualy leaves enough of a mark to see. Can you post a picture of what you are using? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AdamTracksler Report post Posted January 2, 2015 (edited) This. Edited January 2, 2015 by AdamTracksler Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted January 2, 2015 The points on my marking wheels are a bit sharper looking then the ones on your wheel. The type of leather you are trying to mark can play a roll in how distinct the marks come out. Try dampening the leather a bit and see if it makes a difference for you if you dampen the leather evenly it won't hurt anything.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 3, 2015 I'd say the type of leather is more of an issue here. That looks to be a type of chrome tanned leather, and due to it's soft, resilient temper, the marks just aren't going to be super evidient Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AdamTracksler Report post Posted January 3, 2015 its "supposed" to be veg tanned, but I'm new to leather, and could totally be mistaken.... I'll try wetting it tomorrow.... When I'm making an object (like this coin purse), should I be punching the holes before I glue the pieces? I have to start again on this project, since I didn't take the size of the snaps into account, and they run right into my stitch line.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snubbyfan Report post Posted January 3, 2015 I've gone to using pricking irons myself. Just put 'em on the stitch line and whack it with a mallet. You can use 'em either with or without a stitch groove. Then open the holes with a stitchin' awl. Generally, I glue the pieces then punch the holes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunhunt Report post Posted January 4, 2015 The tool pictured looks like a very blunted overstitch wheel. I have two overstitch wheels with very sharp points and they mark chrome or vegtan leather just fine. I just got the second one from Bruce Johnson (he has lots of them on his website) for marking around the welt of shoes to handsew the uppers to the midsole. The Tandy model that I used previously is too wide and mars the leather uppers. The new (actually very old and cool) tool from Bruce works great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AdamTracksler Report post Posted January 4, 2015 OK, thanks. The overstitch wheel is brand new, I'll call tomorrow and see if I just got a dud.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 5, 2015 The new one probably has blunted teeth because somebody scratched themself and threatened to sue because the tool was too sharp, resulting in a redesign of the tool making it less dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gump Report post Posted January 5, 2015 I would return the tool to the seller and ask for a refund or replacement. I have several overstitch wheels and all are sharp. My stitching spacers are a flat star shaped wheels. Overstitchers are for setting your finished stitches and the one you have would be quite useless as there are no points to push the thread down into the holes. Gump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
