New guy trying new things

[Christopher]

Hi folks!

I just joined a few days ago, and have been reading threads here and there, trying to gleen what I can, and learn how to make quality holsters.

So, I'm working on a modified pancake design...this is the prototype....I'm using 8/9oz veg tan. I can already see one problem I have and that is...gauging where to place my see lines. In the pic, you can see where the stitch is far off the molding, which would make this holster pretty darn loose. I also tend to over groove, I see. 

The pattern is my own design, with influences from all over.

Any advice you can give me to help better plan a good holster? How better to calculate where to plot stitch lines? For this one, I measured the width of the slide, divided by half, and added 1/8th inch (taking the advice from another leather worker as they also added the 1/8th) though it seems my calculations were a bit off...

I added the snap straps for security, of course. But any advice on making this better...taking it from prototype to production...would be greatly appreciated

Thank you!!

And...I love this place!!!

[Thor]

I'm sorry, I may not really understand what you're trying to say. Did you mark the stitch lines before molding the holster? Is that what your saying? If so, that's the wrong order.

[Christopher]

I did mark the lines before moulding.

Nearly everything I have read, and watched, have plotted the stitch lines before moulding, when drawing the pattern.

[Tugadude]

Welcome!  And good luck.  Lots of holster-makers frequent the forums, so I'm sure they will help.  As far as stitch grooves go, they are OK so long as they are straight and not too deep.  Personally I have shied away from them for the most part.  Used to use them on everything, but they aren't necessary.  They do allow the thread to recess and that is said to decrease wear.  What I don't like is the tendency to force the stitches flat, meaning losing their angle.  YMMV.

[Christopher]

Thanks Tugadude

I do like the recessed threads look. As far as wear and tear, for this design and application, I think it's more for retention as this is a chest rig design. But I get what you are saying the flatter the stitch, the more tension in the thread, equals more possibility of thread snap and unraveling.

[Martyn]

1 hour ago, Christopher said:

Thanks Tugadude

I do like the recessed threads look. As far as wear and tear, for this design and application, I think it's more for retention as this is a chest rig design. But I get what you are saying the flatter the stitch, the more tension in the thread, equals more possibility of thread snap and unraveling.

It's just not as good looking. Though it is weaker. An angled stitch puts more space between the holes, that means more leather between the holes, on any given stitch per inch basis. That means an angled stitch has less chance of ripping through the leather. But I think the main issue is aesthetics. A lot of people are in the habit of putting stitching into grooves because that seems to be what everyone else does and because they think it reduces abraision. But as tugadude says, it's a bit of an old wives tale and really isn't necessary - especially if you are using modern synthetic thread. I think the other reason people put stitching into grooves is because it forces the stitch into a straight line and hides sewing errors. But IMO it's better to get the stitching right, then you can display it with pride and no need to tuck it away into a groove.

 

Look at this, some of the prettiest stitching I've seen (done by a member here D.A. Kabatoff)..

A groove would have killed that stitching.

Edited March 29, 2016 by Martyn

[Christopher]

Agreed, Marty.

So my question is: how best to calculate where those stitch lines should be in relation to actual gun placement? 

[Martyn]

I've never made one, but I have done some knife sheaths. I would not try and 'plan' the lines, but rather wet form the holster and get it 90% complete and glued up and *then* decide on exact stitch line placement using a pair of calipers and Mark I Eyeball. It's much easier to stitch to how the wet-forming has left things, rather than wet form according to how your stitching dictates.

[Toney]

You got enough room two add another stitch line around the pouch. 

[Christopher]

Hiya Toney...

I am seriously considering adding that extra stitch.