which cut for making lace and fringe

[grumpy_grinder]

it seems like the belly is the best cut the make lace and fringe since its the soft spongy leather. Just wanted to confirm if there was other cuts and to see what you guys use that could potentially be ideal for lace or fringe making.

cheers

grumpy

 

[leatherman]

The fringe that I've made in the past was with deer skin and one was requested to be done with suede.

The suede did not fall very well, a little stiff, but the long length helped it a little. He liked it so I guess I did ok.

imho, deer and deer like leathers do best because of their soft feel and they drape so well.

 

[Horsewright]

I cut alot of fringe, not much lace. I try to stay away from soft spongy belly pieces as much as possible. Even on chrome tan or oil tan leather just like veggie tan the good stuff is further up the side. What I have found with the soft spongy pieces is by their very nature they lack consistencey so it might depend on the size of your project. I use a straight edge and a roller knife to cut fringe by the way. Far the best method I have found. I can cut a whole set of leggings in about 10 to 15 minutes I guess.

Nichole helping out the "Viejos", at our last branding. Her leggings have double fringe all along the leg (turqouise and brown)and double fringe at the waist, (turqouise and white).

My son at the Brannaman Pro Am last month.

When I make a pair like this with contrasting colored fringe I will buy a whole side to cut the fringe from instead of using scrap (and we've got a stack 6' high of large totes full of scrap) as it allows me to stay away from the belly parts. Adds significantly to the price of the leggings but worth it for the consistancy

 

[grumpy_grinder]

very nice pictures dave. We used to have 2 american quarter horses. I didn't do much with them besises country riding. My father did barrel racing and shows. It's a dying trade down home ... sin. I'm just looking to make fringe for sheaths and lace for lanyards and small things like mexican ties for sheaths.

cheers

grumpy

 

[Horsewright]

Here's a couple of pics that shows you how I cut fringe. Finished these off just before Tday.

The straight edge allows for consistent length (although here I have a sewn seam to act as a guide too), keeps the fringe perpendicular to them selves, allows consistent width and also protects your fingers. This is the waist apron on a pair of my charmitas.

Make up a couple of pair of these and a guy can get handy at cutting fringe. many old timers would cut fringe with a roundknife or scissors. Having used both of those for fringe cutting I'm here to tell ya one of these roller knives is the way to go.