Heading to the store what do i need

[ToddMaine]

BASIC!! I am heading to this shop Friday https://www.mainelineleather.com/

I will be making my first holster and maybe a knife sheath out of 7-8 oz shoulder. I will use the 2 needle (saddle stitch?) Which needles and which thread and do i need beeswax? I know i may be able to save a few bucks buying from here or there on line but would like to stick to this store for this trip so I can have someone in front of me and I can see what i am getting. When I know more of what im doing ill shop around online. Thanks for any help.

[billybopp]

There are a few things that you need, a few things that are good to have, and a few to avoid.  What you need is a way to mark out your stitch line and spacing, an awl, needles and thread - and those can vary a bit depending on what you're doing.

 Amongst what your supplier is offering, I'd choose their waxed braided cord as the easiest to work with, and harness needles (probably large, but ask 'em to try with your chosen thread) or if the large won't fit maybe the stitching needles (the eyes are awfully big on these can be tough to get through holes and are easily broken).  

To mark your stitch line you can go a few different ways - mark/crease the line or groove it at a set distance from the edge.  A compass/divider will work well to mark the line,  I didn't see it, but if they have the Craftool pro groover that's a fair tool that includes a groover and creaser tip - and I find it easiest of Craftool's three groove tools.  Next choice for a groover would be their EZ adjust groover.  I'm not at all fond of the cheap one - It doesn't have a way to guide it along the edge easily.  Also workable, is a creasing tool, which is nice for decorative creases as well.

Once you have a line to work with, you need to set the spacing for stitch holes.  In order of expense (and convenience), get a fork from the kitchen and walk it along the line to mark even spaces ... Use your dividers (if you have) set to something between 1/8" and 1/4" and walk 'em along the line making impressions ... An overstitch wheel or pricking wheel will work(and is very traditional).  Easiest to use (and most expensive) are diamond chisels (Note NOT lacing or thonging chisels), available in differing stitch lengths and # of prongs.  For holsters and sheaths, 3mm or 4mm will be about right, and I'd suggest a 2 prong AND a 4 or 6 prong.  Depending on the thickness of leather you are sewing, the diamond chisels may go all the way through and eliminate the need for an awl.  I have not personally used the Craftool chisels, but a number of people like them.

Now that you have a line and spacing set, you need a diamond shaped hole.  That's where an awl comes in... I'd suggest the awl haft and diamond blades ... I'd probably buy both medium and large blades - I don't know how good those blades are, but choices are limited, and with a haft you can buy better blades later.  I don't know what blade thickness is on the 1-1/4 awl, but it's a pain in the neck if it's too narrow.  The 4-in-1 looks like a bargain, but it's just garbage ... ask me how I know.

While there, take a look at a stitching pony which is very handy - and very overpriced.  If you have ANY woodworking skill you can make your own cheaply, or find one elsewhere at a more reasonable price.   The Stohlman sewing book is a good one, but there are other ways to good stitch work as well.  His leathercraft tools book is an excellent guide to tools and how to use and sharpen them.  

Things that look useful bot are not include the above-mentioned 4-in-1 awl, all purpose needle pack, or the sewing awl.  

Not at mainelineleather, but you'll probably need to sharpen awls, and other tools.  Sharpening stones and a strop are a good investment, if you don't already have 'em.  

As you already realize, you can do quite a bit better on price elsewhere, but there really is not substitute for putting hands on the things you're looking to buy too.

Hope that helps, and have fun!

Bill

 

 

 

[ToddMaine]

12 minutes ago, billybopp said:

There are a few things that you need, a few things that are good to have, and a few to avoid.  What you need is a way to mark out your stitch line and spacing, an awl, needles and thread - and those can vary a bit depending on what you're doing.

 Amongst what your supplier is offering, I'd choose their waxed braided cord as the easiest to work with, and harness needles (probably large, but ask 'em to try with your chosen thread) or if the large won't fit maybe the stitching needles (the eyes are awfully big on these can be tough to get through holes and are easily broken).  

To mark your stitch line you can go a few different ways - mark/crease the line or groove it at a set distance from the edge.  A compass/divider will work well to mark the line,  I didn't see it, but if they have the Craftool pro groover that's a fair tool that includes a groover and creaser tip - and I find it easiest of Craftool's three groove tools.  Next choice for a groover would be their EZ adjust groover.  I'm not at all fond of the cheap one - It doesn't have a way to guide it along the edge easily.  Also workable, is a creasing tool, which is nice for decorative creases as well.

Once you have a line to work with, you need to set the spacing for stitch holes.  In order of expense (and convenience), get a fork from the kitchen and walk it along the line to mark even spaces ... Use your dividers (if you have) set to something between 1/8" and 1/4" and walk 'em along the line making impressions ... An overstitch wheel or pricking wheel will work(and is very traditional).  Easiest to use (and most expensive) are diamond chisels (Note NOT lacing or thonging chisels), available in differing stitch lengths and # of prongs.  For holsters and sheaths, 3mm or 4mm will be about right, and I'd suggest a 2 prong AND a 4 or 6 prong.  Depending on the thickness of leather you are sewing, the diamond chisels may go all the way through and eliminate the need for an awl.  I have not personally used the Craftool chisels, but a number of people like them.

Now that you have a line and spacing set, you need a diamond shaped hole.  That's where an awl comes in... I'd suggest the awl haft and diamond blades ... I'd probably buy both medium and large blades - I don't know how good those blades are, but choices are limited, and with a haft you can buy better blades later.  I don't know what blade thickness is on the 1-1/4 awl, but it's a pain in the neck if it's too narrow.  The 4-in-1 looks like a bargain, but it's just garbage ... ask me how I know.

While there, take a look at a stitching pony which is very handy - and very overpriced.  If you have ANY woodworking skill you can make your own cheaply, or find one elsewhere at a more reasonable price.   The Stohlman sewing book is a good one, but there are other ways to good stitch work as well.  His leathercraft tools book is an excellent guide to tools and how to use and sharpen them.  

Things that look useful bot are not include the above-mentioned 4-in-1 awl, all purpose needle pack, or the sewing awl.  

Not at mainelineleather, but you'll probably need to sharpen awls, and other tools.  Sharpening stones and a strop are a good investment, if you don't already have 'em.  

As you already realize, you can do quite a bit better on price elsewhere, but there really is not substitute for putting hands on the things you're looking to buy too.

Hope that helps, and have fun!

Bill

 

 

 

WOW.. Thanks Bill this was a very helpful and detailed reply!!! I appreciate it very much.

[bikermutt07]

Excellent answer Bill. I was going to dive in after church. Not enough time and coffee this morning.

I will add this..... If you know you are going Friday, call them earlier in the week and see if they won't spend a little class time with you. They offer classes and it never hurts to ask.

[ToddMaine]

6 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

Excellent answer Bill. I was going to dive in after church. Not enough time and coffee this morning.

I will add this..... If you know you are going Friday, call them earlier in the week and see if they won't spend a little class time with you. They offer classes and it never hurts to ask.

I wish but I am on my way to VT. For a hockey game and the other half and daughter will be with me. They already dont want to go there cause it's out of the way...lol