First attempt - cigar tube

[Mark Peters]

I wanted to make a cigar case from my brother-in-law.  I was originally going to just make a simple two stick case, but decided instead to try my hand at making a tube.   I think I learned a bit, and hopefully my next attempt will come out a bit more refined.   Some cheap 4oz and neatsfoot oil. Formed around a glass cigar tube.  

[CaptQuirk]

That is really cool! I wish I didn't have to give up cigars, that would be nice to have. I can't imagine how frustrating the end plugs and side stitches were to do.

[supercub]

If this is your first attempt at stitching a tube you did really, really well.  I've made a number of fishing rod and spotting scope cases over the years and was never really satisfied with my attempts at this type of stitch.  Sewing the end caps in place was easy for me compared to the main seam. Looks like you have it figured out.

Whether it was the curved needle or awl, I found it really difficult to get the stitches even.  As a result, I shifted over to a 'baseball' stitch (which works, but gives a different look).  I'm impressed with your work and look forward to seeing more of it.

[Mark Peters]

Thank you.   I'm not sure I really did the butt-stitch properly.   I prepunched all of the holes with a stitching chisel - but they were all vertical through the leather.   I then saddle stitched them over the glass tube, pulling each stitch tight.  I was using straight needles. With the tube in there, the lower part lies pretty flat.  Looking at the upper part though the seam is "hinged" up where it doesn't lie against the lower case.    I think it would have pulled together tighter if I had angled the chisel.  The leather was pretty thin so I don't think I could come through into the seam.

I wish I could do baseball stitching that nice.   I made baseballs for my three grandson's using the Tandy kit, and my stitching was not even close to that nice.