How do I avoid sore fingers?

[mikeymoto]

Please post some photos...I'm dying to see a sheath with 6 layers of leather....that has GOT to be cool

Hi Dave, I don't have any photos showing the thicker sheaths I've made (for heavy use/camp knives), but here's a smallish knife sheath with 5 layers. 6 only if you count a small skived section where the belt loop tucks back in. I apologize for my poor edge slicking.

[steve mason]

When hand sewing cantles I use "high friction guard tape" from lee valley tools. I just put a few wraps of the tape around my fingers, this way I still have my fingertips to work with. here is a link http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=...207&p=31213

[skipj]

Here's a picture of the quilters thimble Rawhide spoke of.

SkipJ

[Rawhide]

THAT'S IT!!!!!!!

Works great.

Good pull skipj.

Marlon

[mikeymoto]

I'll have to make myself one of those leather thimbles. In the meantime I ordered some of the tape Steve mentioned, from Lee Valley. I needed some more sanding belts anyways.

[Bob]

Today while sewing a cantle binding, I tried a pair of latex gloves. They worked great, the best part was the extra grip for pulling needles through. Got them at Costco, 12 bucks for 50 pairs. They're great in the shop for using neatsfoot oil.

[Don101]

LOL its like every think it only hurts the firs time the more you stitch the harder the skin will get and after a bit you wont hurt its like playing a guitar it is murder on the fingers if you dont keep at it, Don

[badLoveLeather]

I use those rubber office thimbles you can get at Office Depot or any office supply. They're cheap and made out of a non marking rubber and they have those little gripper thingys on them. An added plus is when they get all grungy grom workin you can throw them away. I usually wear on on my thumb, index finger and one on my middle finger. Whats even cooler is when my gal gets pissy with me for grabbin her with them!!!

[paris3200]

LOL its like every think it only hurts the firs time the more you stitch the harder the skin will get and after a bit you wont hurt its like playing a guitar it is murder on the fingers if you dont keep at it, Don

I keep telling myself that. I'm hoping that it won't be long before those calluses come in.

Jason

[jimsaddler]

I keep telling myself that. I'm hoping that it won't be long before those calluses come in.

Jason

Hey try Piddling on your fingers at night. (This is aproffesional tip) I was told this whe I started up many years ago and have passed it onto every learner I have taught since (over 1.000) It forms the callouses faster. Just a little word also, use your whole hand to take the strain on the Thread when sewing very heavy items and you'll get better tension, no stitches will show. Thimbles etc only prolong the agony, 8 or 10 days of stitching will harden up your hands. Are you Beeswaxing your threads? Beeswax also helps to condition your Calouses.

Please have a Happy day. Regards Jim.

Edited March 17, 2008 by jimsaddler