Has anyone tried Un-doing saddle stitching?

[KingsCountyLeather]

Hi,

I was sewing some leather last night, the light wasn’t great and I pulled some stitches a bit too tight.

looking at it this morning... I would like to redo it.

has anyone ever tried to rip back the stitched and re do it again?

Ger.

[cowboycolonel]

Yep.  Do it all the time.  If you want a good-looking job you have to be willing to do it from time.  Just work from the off-side so tool marks don't show.  Back up to where it is presentable and go back three more stitches,  Then use whatever splicing method you are comfortable with and make it right. No need to separate the leathers as long as they were aligned while you were doing the original stitching.

The Colonel 

[alpha2]

Not a big deal, but you do have to cut every stitch. Each one is a knot. That's the beauty of the saddle stitch.

Unless, of course, you have to undo them! 

[Dwight]

Hand saddle stitching is one reason I have a very sharp knife that will get down between the layers of leather.

May God bless,

Dwight

[cowboycolonel]

I try not to have to separate the layers, but sometimes you just have to.  I use a standard stitch-ripper on occasion, but they don't last very long if your stitching is tight. X-acto knife with number 11 blade seems to be the solution -- for me anyway.

[mikesc]

"hook blade" for a scalpel..( looks like a tiny flattened, elongated  "sickle" ).the one that the doctors ( or vets use ) to cut stitches prior to pulling them out ..probably a #10 ( or maybe #11 ) "something"..I have some here somewhere, but it is 23.30hrs..a wee bit late to go looking for the pack to get the number off it.

practice with it on something else 'til you get proficient, else you'll miss/slip and bleed on your leather..adds "authenticity", but most customers probably won't see it that way.

Edited December 4, 2017 by mikesc

[cowboycolonel]

Speaking of which ... If you haven't discovered liquid bandage, this is the time.  Although I do not recommend practicing this art, you can apply this stuff ( which is essentially super glue for skin) and get right back to work with a lot less pain, as the cut is not exposed to air, and no more bleeding on your project.  I've had it used (by a surgeon) on my face and hands, and I've used it on my fingers so many times I can't recall.  I keep a bottle in my shop, in my truck, shaving kit, saddle bags, and medicine cabinet.  Available at about any drug store.   you can thank me later.

[KingsCountyLeather]

Thanks everyone for the great tips.  It’s nice to see that I’m not the only one here making mistakes! 

[mikesc]

In France we can't get "liquid bandage"..but I carry super glue ( against cuts )..always..like I carry cash..and a credit card, driving licence and ID..I also keep super glue in the kitchen, and next to my workbenches and computers.. and have explained to family that super glue is for first aid sticking sides of wounds together while the medics are on their way..or while we are driving/ being driven , to the hospital emergency room..also keep it in the first aid kits in vehicles.

Edited December 4, 2017 by mikesc

[Mjolnir]

34 minutes ago, mikesc said:

In France we can't get "liquid bandage"..but I carry super glue ( against cuts )..always..like I carry cash..and a credit card, driving licence and ID..I also keep super glue in the kitchen, and next to my workbenches and computers.. and have explained to family that super glue is for first aid sticking sides of wounds together while the medics are on their way..or while we are driving/ being driven , to the hospital emergency room..also keep it in the first aid kits in vehicles.

My prayers go out to you and your family. Remember to cut away from your fingers. Maybe wear gloves when typing on your computer? Sounds dangerous.