Hide Stich.

[LuisPaulo]

Hi.

What's the best way to do the hide stich ?

I need to do a sheath for a dagger, using this type of stich, but I never get a even finish using this kind of sew.

Thanks

[Luke Hatley]

luis....hide stich ???? that is a new one on me.

photo or picture from a book would help,

[bruce johnson]

Luis,

That is also known as a shoemaker's stitch. Basically a slit is cut into the leather and the stitch line is in that channel. When the sewing is done, the line is glued and closed up, and tapped closed. The slit can be made with several tools. Stohlman showed using a round knife I think. There are actual specialized tools made to cut that slit easier and more repeatably. Most people use a tool called a channeler. There are several patterns, but I don't think anybody is making one now. Some cut a straight line (either vertically into the leather, or horizontally into the edge) and others cut an angled slit. There is one that rides the edge and cuts and angled slit (Eureka pattern channeler). I have a straight and an angled one, and am still not sure which one I like better. In know I cut a heck of a lot better slit with either channeler than I ever did in my failed attempts with a round knife.

There are no doubt guys who have done a lot more of these than me, and they can probably give better detailed instructions than I can. It might be that a local shoe repair shop could give you a hands on lesson. This is one of those things I have watched 4 or 5 guys do, and none have done it the same.

[LuisPaulo]

That's it Bruce. Here in Brazil this is also known as shoemaker stich (in portuguese "Costura de Sapateiro).

I do the way you describe. So, maybe it is a matter of pratice to do a fine job...

Tomorrow, I'll spend the day training in scraps of leather, before the real one.

Thanks !!