Pre assembly fitting questions for basic pouch patterns

[Riz!]

So my first sheath that I made fit, but extremely tight. When I made it I added 1/8 of an inch to the height of the blade, spine to edge. I created another pattern for a different knife last night and cut it out. When I made the pattern I measured the blade (edge to spine 1.5 inches) and then traced it onto paper. I added 1/4 inch to the measurment to account for the thickness of the leather in the fold. It seems that after cutting it out, and rough assembling, holding it together with clips, that my 1/4 inch has disappeared. The edge is basically touching, but not cutting the welt, and the spine is right against the fold. Here are my questions...

Is there a general rule when creating a pattern to follow for fitting? Like measure the tallest part of the blade and add 1/4 of that measurement? Or measure the fattest handle circumference and use that as the guide?

Also now that I have a pattern that is cut, I do not want to waste the leather. I know it will fit, just tighter than I want. I have thought about wetting the leather and gently hammering it to thin and spread it? Is this a bad idea? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Riz

 

[sheathmaker]

Riz, for a pouch sheath, the blade thickness has little to do with the fit of the sheath. The handle thickness, on the other hand does. Generally you need to allow a minimum of 1/2 inch but generally it's more like 3/4 inch off the center line of the pattern and an equal amount on the edge side of the handle. If you will send me your email address, I will return email you a step by step pattern making tutorial which will help to solve your problem.

Paul