Hand Sewn Motorcycle Seat with Pleats?

[doorty]

I'll start by saying I'm new to leatherworking, and I'd like to try to do this by hand if possible. (I don't have a machine.)

My main concern is sewing the foam channels/pleats to the leather to give it padded ridges. I've never seen anyone do this by hand. Is it possible?

I want to make the tan seat below. I've been eyeing a soft, 5-6oz latigo, but it might be too thick? I want a leather that will last and age nicely.

I'm up for ideas. Thanks.

 

Edited May 27, 2018 by doorty
added link for video

[Rockoboy]

22 hours ago, doorty said:

sewing the foam channels/pleats to the leather to give it padded ridges

I do believe this is done by using a medium weight padding, which is squashed down along the stitch lines, on the tan seat anyway. On the grey piece in the last pic, it appears the foam padding, which is thicker than on the tan seat, is cut into strips and gives more depth to the stitch lines.

As for the best leather to use for your project, I will have to leave that question for somebody who actually knows what they are talking about, 'cos I don't.  

[doorty]

19 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

I do believe this is done by using a medium weight padding, which is squashed down along the stitch lines, on the tan seat anyway. On the grey piece in the last pic, it appears the foam padding, which is thicker than on the tan seat, is cut into strips and gives more depth to the stitch lines.

Right, but can you do it without a machine?

You gave me an idea, which is to do the leather stitching first and then glue strips of foam between the stitching. it's a bit of a hack, but it might work if the glue is strong enough.

Edited May 28, 2018 by doorty

[Rockoboy]

1 hour ago, doorty said:

do the leather stitching first and then glue strips of foam between the stitching

I would think you could stitch with a machine or by hand to achieve this effect by stitching right through the foam padding..

I don't understand how you would stitch first then glue the foam between the stitching. That seems to me, like making a sandwich then inserting the ham after its all together.

[doorty]

3 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

I would think you could stitch with a machine or by hand to achieve this effect by stitching right through the foam padding..

I don't understand how you would stitch first then glue the foam between the stitching. That seems to me, like making a sandwich then inserting the ham after its all together.

How would you manually sew on the foam side? You wouldn't be able to see the holes though the foam.

Edited May 29, 2018 by doorty

[Bolt Vanderhuge]

Just spit balling here.

What about using two pieces of leather and strips of foam or are these already using two pieces of leather? Either way, it looks like you could stitch the leather to the leather at the outer edge then glue your first foam strip then glue and stitch the two leather layers then repeat. Alternatively, you culd glue the strips of foam to one of the two leather layers then glue the other leather layer to them. Then move on to stitching.

[Rockoboy]

3 hours ago, doorty said:

How would you manually sew on the foam side?

I am leaning towards what @Bolt Vanderhuge said above, (if I understand what he wrote), where you use 2 pieces of leather with foam sandwiched between and stitched right through the whole lot. Alternatively, use 2 pieces of leather with small pieces of foam, cut to fit each individual segment, and stitched around the outside of each piece of foam and through both pieces of leather.

[Bolt Vanderhuge]

2 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

I am leaning towards what @Bolt Vanderhuge said above, (if I understand what he wrote), where you use 2 pieces of leather with foam sandwiched between and stitched right through the whole lot. Alternatively, use 2 pieces of leather with small pieces of foam, cut to fit each individual segment, and stitched around the outside of each piece of foam and through both pieces of leather.

I was saying use strips of foam . Stitching only thru leather that is glued together. That way the needle has only one hole to go thru instead of having to feel for the hole in the second piece of leather that is on the other side of foam. So basically your alternate suggestion was what I was trying to say.

Edited May 29, 2018 by Bolt Vanderhuge

[doorty]

10 hours ago, Bolt Vanderhuge said:

I was saying use strips of foam . Stitching only thru leather that is glued together. That way the needle has only one hole to go thru instead of having to feel for the hole in the second piece of leather that is on the other side of foam. So basically your alternate suggestion was what I was trying to say.

Thanks guys. It sounds like it'll work. The internal leather will never be seen, but I could shop for some cheap leather to use for that.

Any thoughts on 4-5oz Latigo for the outside cover? 

[Bolt Vanderhuge]

Sorry I have no clue what woould be a good choice for the top layer.