PeterNg Report post Posted January 10, 2017 Hi Guys/Gals, Greetings from Malaysia! I'm 1.5 months into leather works, very new and inexperience. I've made 3 items only and one failure. I'm hoping that I could get some clarification with regards to bag handle. I'm using aniline dyed chrome tanned leather, stuffed with 144 strands of cotton twines. When i bend the bag handle it leaves a lot of wrinkles (please see attached photo). I know this is normal but is there anyway to reduce the wrinkle? Perhaps replacing the twine with other materials? Also, for my next project, I will be working with vege tanned leather. Am I correct to assume that I should stitched the round handle, soak it in water until really wet, then mold it and wait for it to dry up? Finally should I wait for it to fully dry up before attaching to the leather bag? Any help is much appreciated, and feel free to critique on my work. Thanks, Pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted January 10, 2017 Looks very nice. For Veg tan leather, doesn't need to be soaked, just moist enough to allow you to form it. Maybe 5 seconds in the water. Really soaked will take a long time to dry out. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeterNg Report post Posted January 11, 2017 Thanks for the advice Tom! May I know if I'm able to wet form the handle after applying resolene on the outer layer? Will moistened inner later be able to produce the same effect? This is because I was planning to apply resolene before stitching so they dont come in contact with my thread. If its a bad idea to dip resolene coated leather for whatever reason, please let me know. Thanks again! Pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) pete what I do is use chrome oil tan or real soft chrome tan as some of your chrome tan is stiff. I use 1/2" core rope, ( I think it is the perfect size for a handle ) the trick is to make sure you sew as tight to the core as possible. I have a CB4500 an use my right toe harness foot, when you sew don't sew straight, sew at an angle into the core as this will help pull the stitch closer to the core. I hope this makes sense to you. The same with veg-tan but use 2/3 oz. Dye after you sew, dip in oil for 10 sec, wipe and let dry for a few days. By the way you did a great job on this bag,. Keep up the good work. Edited February 13, 2017 by wlg190861 Needed to add more Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
