I like stitching

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
Messages
5,703
Posted this in shoptalk as this is where I spend most of my time but I figured here would be an even better place for this...


As much as I am not a big fan of sheath work, one part of it that I like is stitching. Something relaxing about it. (Of course after one sheath, that's enough relaxing for a while). Probably also because it is not as complicated as the rest of it. Don't get me wrong, it takes work and patience to do it right and I am still working at improving mine.

The small press in the picture is a big help compared to punching holes and I would suggest to anyone interested in improving their stitching to get one. Easy and cheap enough to make.

stitching1.jpg


stitching2.jpg


Thanks for looking.
 
I believe you're on to something there Patrice....that looks much better than drilling round holes through the leather.
I see that most beginners and advanced leather workers don't want to learn the Al Stohlman way of hand stitching any more..........that press looks like it would make life much easier for hand stitching.
 
Thanks Rick, I've been asked in Shoptalk so I'll get a few more pics of the punch tonight.
It is probably the same but I call it the Chuck's (Wild Rose) way of hand stitching myself. ;)

PS: Sorry, I was writing at the same time as you spike.
 
Patrice Lemée;10583763 said:
It is probably the same but I call it the Chuck's (Wild Rose) way of hand stitching myself. ;)

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Click to expand...

I referenced Al Stohlman (his books) only because that is how I learned saddle stitching.
 
I take it all back, I HATE stitching. :o I've always done pouch sheaths but this one is sewn all around so I need what feels like a miles and a half of thread. Then, I break the thread almost halfway through. Undo it all and start over. Break the thread again about a quarter through this time when I pinched it with the pliers pulling the second needle through. So back at it a third time and this time I break not one but two needles again with the pliers. Left it there for now. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. :(
Here are the promised press pics. It's made with a press used for watches if I am not mistaken. You don't need that much force. This one is small and will easily go through 3 layers of 10-12 ounce leather with a blunt needle.

stitching3.jpg


stitching4.jpg


stitching5.jpg


Thanks for good words. Pics of the finished sheath to come later in the week.

PS: Rick, I got Al's book but learned from Chuck's DVD first myself.
 
Patrice - if you are breaking needles - here is what I have found causes broken needles in my experience.

When you grab the needle with your fingers or pliers and wiggle while you pull - it will break the needle off at the eye.

Grasp the needle with needle nose pliers and pull straight out of the material - and you will break far fewer needles.

I also find that if I use the drill press on low when pressing the holes through the drilling process opens the hole up a little bit and allows for easier stitching when the time comes. The trade off is that it makes slightly larger holes - so the first and last hole needs to be done with a smaller needle so as not to look over sized.

Just my two cents.

TF
 
I'd like to second what TF wrote. If it so hard to pull he needle through I'd say that the hole is bit to small. I make holes on thick silicon block so thtat my awl can go further into the leather making bigger holes when needed. That press looks great by the way! As for stitching, if you prepare well, it can go smooth and easy. That's the part I often do while watching tv ;) Do not give up !!
Mat
 
I do all my leather work while listening to music or recorded books - and my stitching and hand edging while watching a movie or TV.

Glad I am not alone in that!

TF
 
I love 2 needle saddle stitching as I learned from the Al Stohlman book. The book also has a really slick way of dealing with broken thread. I've done it and it works great!
Cheers
Balding
 
I'll try a slightly larger hole Mat, thanks.

Balding, I have Al's book and never even thought of looking at it for a solution. :(
 
A few pics of the sheath. Sorry for the crappy pics but the sheath is just not that great and I felt like this was enough just to give you a general idea.

carved_bowie01_sheath1.jpg


carved_bowie01_sheath2.jpg


carved_bowie01_sheath3.jpg
 
Patrice Lemée;10594071

...but the sheath is just not that great....
Click to expand...

Ohhh.... bovine excrement!

Patrice, that's a fine looking sheath and goes quite well with your knife. I wish my stitching was that clean and neat.
My only comment pertains to the short(or nonexistent) tab on the end of the retention strap. I would want just a bit of material to grasp to make the snapping a little more convenient.

That's a fine package you put together sir.

Peter
 
Thanks for the tip and compliment Peter. I did not even think about that for the strap. I'll keep it in mind for the next one.

As I am trying to build my confidence, I'll say this, the sheath is not too bad. What bugs me most is that it is not on par with the knife and since my heart is not in it (leatherwork) I am afraid it may never be. Probably have to outsource eventually.
 
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