Issues With Stitch Holes

[brettra]

As I indicated, here is a photo with a test piece.

I used three layers of the the same 3-4 oz veggie. Applied a neatsfoot oil with two nice coverings and allowed it to sit 24 hrs. I used the same antique dye and awl to test this. The only thing I did not do is apply a finish coat for this testing.

I think the tear out has been brought under control.

It looks like my dye may be too thick as the two applications are not penetrating very deep into the leather. Any recommendations on how to thin? (I really don't want to throw away dyes if I don't have too"

The awl blade is sharp and is 3 mm across. I'm using Tandy's large roll of "Sewing awl thread #1216"

Edited March 21, 2016 by brettra

[Tugadude]

I would moisten your leather prior to dyeing. Also, do you clean it first? Oxalic acid does a great job of cleaning and also removes some surface contaminants that might interfere with your dye. Use a liberal amount of the antique. As far as thinning it down, I don't think it is necessary. Have you tried the alcohol or oil-based dyes? They might work better for you. Good looking stitching, BTW!

[brettra]

Thanks Tugadude, I didn't put too much effort into this test piece as I was mostly look to fix tear out. I have some leather cleaners so, I'll look to prep the leather a bit better on my next actual piece.

I know I get better penetration of the dyes with the other dyes but still am looking to get the best I can from the antique. Thanks for the advise on applying wet. I'll try that for certain.

Thanks for the compliment on stitching. This was still pretty rushed so I know I wasn't fully straight when pushing through. Again, I know I need to slow down on things so I can get the best out of the lining up of the stitch..