question on doing a mexican round braid

[Windrider30]

which is better to use when doing a Mexican round braid a brading pricking iron or punching an 1/8 inch hole (using 1/8 lace for my waistcoat/vest)

[NVLeatherWorx]

I always use a standard thonging chisel that corresponds to the size of lace I use and do it that way.  You get uniform sized slits and the spacing is perfect for the technique.  I am sure that there are several opinions out there as to what works for others but that is what this community is for - sharing information and ideas.  I would suggest that you do a test run of just a few inches (centimeters in your case) with each possible method you can use and see what the overall outcome and appearance is; pick the best of the two for your project and then use that same process every time you use that lacing technique going forward.

Good luck, and drop us some photos once you have it done.

 

[Roq]

For 1/8" lace use a size 0 punch if you want round holes. I do it both ways, slits give a slightly cleaner appearance with round holes being slightly easier to work with.

[Halitech]

if the stress on the item is low, use a thonging chisel (ie wallet edging). If the stress is high (ie motorcycle seat) then use round holes. The slits will be more likely to tear in a high stress location compared to round holes

[Chief31794]

On Mexican Basket Weave (also called Round Braid), I use holes (no. 0 as stated, with no 1 on the 3 holes around the corners).  For Double loop I use the slits, just personal preference but I don't like the way two pieces of lace coming out of a slit looks, just me. I think either is satisfactory and is easier and quicker to punch the slits with a thonging chisel than it is to punch round holes, I use a template for the holes to get them evenly spaced and straight, however, there is still some slight variation due to having to punch each hole individually.

Chief

[Halitech]

5 minutes ago, Chief31794 said:

On Mexican Basket Weave (also called Round Braid), I use holes (no. 0 as stated, with no 1 on the 3 holes around the corners).  For Double loop I use the slits, just personal preference but I don't like the way two pieces of lace coming out of a slit looks, just me. I think either is satisfactory and is easier and quicker to punch the slits with a thonging chisel than it is to punch round holes, I use a template for the holes to get them evenly spaced and straight, however, there is still some slight variation due to having to punch each hole individually.

Chief

/bows down to the Master

and the master has spoken

[Windrider30]

Thanks all and this Mexican basket weave round bread what ever you want to call it lol is going on the front edges and along the bottom. Think the slit might be the best way to go but as someone suggested I will do a test run one some scrap that I have left over from cutting the leather!!

[Chief31794]

On 12/6/2016 at 9:41 PM, Halitech said:

/bows down to the Master

and the master has spoken

Thanks Halitech, not sure Master is the right word, maybe "crusty old guy". I appreciate the comment though.

Chief

[Halitech]

17 minutes ago, Chief31794 said:

Thanks Halitech, not sure Master is the right word, maybe "crusty old guy". I appreciate the comment though.

Chief

I still go to your videos for doing the corners. I can do the rest fine but even with all the times I still need help on the corners so I'm glad you did those videos

[Windrider30]

2 hours ago, Halitech said:

I still go to your videos for doing the corners. I can do the rest fine but even with all the times I still need help on the corners so I'm glad you did those videos

ooh videos where? always enjoy watching videos and actualy have decided to go with a round holes punch as the 1/8 lace I am using will slide better though this garment leather then it does though a slit especialy as you end up going though the same hole a few times!