MikeG Report post Posted August 14, 2015 A friend asked me if I can repair these. They go around the ankle (front legs) of a reining horse to protect them when the horse performs a sliding stop. The stitching has let go and the layers of leather are coming apart. I figure I can use contact cement to seal the layers back, but I am not sure how one goes about repairing the stitching. The stitches are very close together. Should the repair involve removing the old thread and attempting to use the same holes? I do have a stitcher and could overlay the old stitching without attempting to hit the same holes. I have never attempted to do anything like this. She did tell me if it was too much trouble, not to worry about it. Welcome any suggestions on how to proceed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted August 15, 2015 Take the old stitching out where it's broke or loose. When you get ready to glue it back togeather take a few needles, tacks or tooth picks and line the holes up. You don't need one in every hole but enough to get it lined up. If your talking about a speedy stitcher i wouldn't use that. Use two needles and sew it back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fivewayswelshcobs Report post Posted August 16, 2015 Personally I would only glue if totally apart as holes are easier to restitch and match when there is some movement between the layers of leather and is usually quicker to hand stitch as time can be wasted trying to get the stitch lengths to match. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill46 Report post Posted August 18, 2015 Not absolutely positive about this project, But, I would agree with Dirtclod's method ! Firstly- speedy stitcher Has its place, I guess, I find it cumbersome ! Secondly- lining up and pining to align the holes, Is a must ! Thirdly- Saddle stitch for best/strongest repair. Hope your project turns out well, let us know. --- Wild Bill46 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cardinal leather Report post Posted August 19, 2015 My brother in law had a ranger belt he wanted repaired. it had some work on it over the years but was now in bad shape. the leather itself was in decent shape. I started by removing the stitching then regluing the section, being careful not to stretch the leather. chased the holes with the smallest round awl, then saddle stitched the section. This continued around the belt until it was finished. Then refinished the edges, The belt looks good and he wears it every day again. total stitching was about 8 ft with the tongues. From your photo you should be able to do the same thing. The leather looks like it is in good shape just a matter of taking your time. Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
