MarkCdub Report post Posted February 5, 2018 I see all these amazing holsters online, where are some good places I can buy patterns? I have attempted to make my own with little success, and I hate wasting leather. I feel like having one pattern and making one successful holster would help me "figure it out". I watch all these YouTube videos where they go from raw leather to wet formed holster in an hour and I'd like to get to that point one day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted February 5, 2018 (edited) LOTS of patterns available, say the last 60-70 years Certainly recommend you pick up "How to Make Holsters" -- largely revolvers, but there are some basic ideas in there you should look at. MOST of teh videos you see are somebody dragging out the SAME principles clearly laid out in that book - with some "everybody look at me" thrown in. Another source, check out Jim Simmons' GREAT article here on this site - one of the better explanations I've seen, well worth the read. 3/4 of the battle is starting with good leather - save a guy some headaches. The difference between the price of the GOOD stuff and the 'not' is very little. Some folks on this site think info is "worth more" the more you pay (or such is their claim), but there are some FREE holster patterns and info OVER HERE. If at the end, you have some desire to watch a video, I recommend either of these (and that's about all I would recommend personally). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFsXw3gabqk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWNKHi2joJE Edited February 5, 2018 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkCdub Report post Posted February 5, 2018 I appreciate it, I know my leather is not the best (tandy sale shoulder...). I bought it because it was cheap and I wanted to make a tool pouch for work, so not a huge investment and plenty to make mistakes/learn on. I did just order how to make holsters last night and I will watch your suggested videos this evening. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedDun Report post Posted February 5, 2018 The first holsters I made were from JLS patterns- I was pretty happy with how they turned out for being my first couple of tries. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chiefjason Report post Posted February 5, 2018 A few things to keep in mind. Most of us have spent countless hours tweaking what we do. And that is what you are chasing. You can cut down the learning curve, but there is still a curve for most folks. An hour? It takes over an hour for me to case, mold, and dry the holster. Don't rush things too much. I'd like to see those youtube holsters that were made in an hour. If you take pride in the details it will take time. And folks start paying attention to those details. Yes, time is money. But I'm not one for sacrificing quality for time. It's not my style. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkCdub Report post Posted February 6, 2018 Chief, I understand quality over quantity. That is the allure of this hobby for me. I have just been trying to make things that interest me and screen shotting the crap out of Pinterest for cool insperation. I have been making my own patterns, but I have been falling short on compensating for item thickness. All in due time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brooks125 Report post Posted February 6, 2018 MCD, making the patterns is truly part art/part science. I have, literally, hundreds of "sketch" holsters. I keep them all for reference should I need them. I use scrap bundles that I get from a local muzzle loader/rustic shop. A lot of latigo scraps and laminated leather. Early on, I bet I tossed 4-5 sketch holsters to finish one, but it comes along ... and it's STILL coming along. Find a source for chap, nasty, I-plan-on-throwing-it-away leather and start with your trial by error process. The pictures you have posted above took a lot of tie, but man it's worth it when you get there ... eventually. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayner Report post Posted February 6, 2018 Jls leather has great patterns and also great info on how to make holsters Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkCdub Report post Posted February 12, 2018 Thanks everyone. I did just complete my first double magazine pouch. I made it for a leatherman and surefire, I wet formed it and it is currently drying overnight. Ill get some pictures up tommorow. I think the next one I need to make the flashlight pocket slightly wider. I enjoy drawing out the patterns. I used the JLS pattern for a double stack glock magazine and extended the pattern/design to fit my needs. I know from nylon magazing pouches, that a leatherman or a surefire flashlight fit nicely in a double stacked magazing pouch. Love every chance I get to make something different, I learn something new and get to make something I like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
