Question about stitching

[harronek]

Can someone tell me the history of ,and why there is a tradition of stitching along the edge of leather , like on a belt or a set of reigns ?
Does the stitching give the strip of leather strength and stiffness , or is it purely cosmetic ?


Ken

 

[leatherman]

Some belts and some reigns are double sided, ie the skin side (smooth) is out on both sides of the strap. To make this a permanent bond most makers will run a couple of lines of stitching. Both strength and some stiffness is a result, mostly for strength of the bond.

And it looks pretty darn nifty as well.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

I think Dwayne is right. I don't think the old timers would stitch anything that wasn't lined or doubled in order to hold together. Today people might run a stitch on a belt to make it look lined from the outside - or just because they like the look.

In short - I think it was always to hold something together.

TF

 

[harronek]

Thanks for the replies .
Your answers make complete sense .

 

[Skystorm]

It also has the benefit of reduced stretching for tack and belts.