thekid77 Report post Posted March 4, 2015 hey friends, I'm trying to figure out the best way to straddle card slots with the stitches and 1. still keep the stitches looking even at 8 SPI, and 2. keep the leather near edges of the slots (1/16" away from the edge) from tearing... the solutions i've thought of so far, are: 1. finer awl blade, smaller needles 2. reinforce the leather somehow?? i'm at a loss for ideas......anyone have any suggestions? see attached photo for clarity....thanks in advance for sharing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grmnsplx Report post Posted March 4, 2015 What kind of leather are you using? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thekid77 Report post Posted March 4, 2015 (edited) What kind of leather are you using? Hi I'm using 2/3oz vegtan cowhide for the card slots...wondering if there are leathers available that are very strong and wont tear that are in the 2/3 weight?? Edited March 4, 2015 by thekid77 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grmnsplx Report post Posted March 4, 2015 Leather sounds like it should be fine. Definitely use a smaller awl or stitching chisel. I would put my stitching at 3mm or so from the edge (1/8 inch). You could try rolling your edges. That might help. But I have never tried it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thekid77 Report post Posted March 4, 2015 Leather sounds like it should be fine. Definitely use a smaller awl or stitching chisel. I would put my stitching at 3mm or so from the edge (1/8 inch). You could try rolling your edges. That might help. But I have never tried it. Yeah, definitely need a finer awl blade.....maybe finer thread.....currently using .6mm tiger thread....but going to get some lin cable when i get a bit more money..... i haven't done a wallet with rolled edges yet, but yes, the thought has crossed my mind....not sure if im good enough at skiving yet....u have to get it awfully thin to roll eges... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redochre Report post Posted March 4, 2015 Try landing the stitch in between the slots instead of bridging them. Use a scratch awl to make a hole on the outside showing where the slots meet.(do this by pushing the scratch awl in between the slots from the inside) Then carefully open the hole up with a diamond awl making sure not to damage the slots inside. Now use these holes as your point of reference and work away from them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thekid77 Report post Posted March 4, 2015 Try landing the stitch in between the slots instead of bridging them. Use a scratch awl to make a hole on the outside showing where the slots meet.(do this by pushing the scratch awl in between the slots from the inside) Then carefully open the hole up with a diamond awl making sure not to damage the slots inside. Now use these holes as your point of reference and work away from them. hey Red, thank you for sharing I have tried landing the stitches in between the slots instead of bridging them, but when I did that the edges of the slots pulled away from each other (think I pulled the threads too tight)... I'm going to have another go at it.....it will b awesome if I can get this method to work because then there will be a full 1/8" of leather instead of 1/16" left until the edge of each slot, making a tear much less likely....thank you!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted March 4, 2015 That one stitch could be done at 6 SPI. On wallets hand stitched at 11+ SPI that is what I have seen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thekid77 Report post Posted March 4, 2015 That one stitch could be done at 6 SPI. On wallets hand stitched at 11+ SPI that is what I have seen. Thanks for the idea David!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites