A good tip for hand sewers!

[Dalton Masterson]

I dont know about you gents, but when I am hand sewing, the second needle thru is very tight. I usually use a pair of smooth faced pliers to grab the needle and pull it on through. Well last night, I was watchin tv, and doing a little bit of edge smoothing, then sewing on a holster. I had forgotten my pliers downstairs, so grabbed my piece of firehose, which is rubber lined, and grabbed the needle with it. Worked great! Just like those silicone jar openers you see all over now.
Well, no more needles that get a little rougher with each pass due to pliers.
I guess if somebody already does this, nevermind the slow guy in Nebraska! DM

[crossdraw]

Hi Dalton
I just started using a 1/16" drill bit in a Dremel tool and really like the result, a snug fit with the second needle but no pliers needed. If you haven't already, try a drill bit.

[Dalton Masterson]

Ah, but I want the hole to close up around the thread when all is done. Does your drill bit allow that, being as it is removing a bit of leather? DM

[Marshal Will Wingam]

The saddlemaker I learned from used two different sized needles. Big one through first, smaller one after. That doesn't always work for me because I usually like to start from the same side with each stitch to keep the sew line as symmetrical as possible. In an area where it doesn't matter much for looks, that would be fine. It's another way to get the job done.

[cowboywc]

Howdy
I'm new to this group but not to leatherwork.
I agree with what you said about wanting the first needle to go in from the same side everytime. Here is
a little thing I learned along time ago. If you put your first needle in from the backside first your second needle
going in from the front will go easier. Your holes are tapered from the front to the back so the second needle is
going with the taper.
Hope this helps.
WC

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Hi Dalton
I just started using a 1/16" drill bit in a Dremel tool and really like the result, a snug fit with the second needle but no pliers needed. If you haven't already, try a drill bit.

Hello Crossdraw

            Ifin you're going to use a 1/6" drill bit in a Dremmel, Which I've noticed a lot of pards do, I know John Taffin also admits to doing this my ownself included, on some applications. You can help to seal your stiches , if after you're done stiching, use a weighted roller, ( from Tandy )   DAMPEN the stiched area, then use the roller , pushing over the stiched area, then use the same stiching marker you used to mark your stiching holes, now roll the marker over all the stiching, If you don't have a roller you can use a smooth head hammer ,( one that doesn't have any dings or dents in it ) and tap the stiching area down , this will help to seal the leather around the stiching. if you use the hammer instead of the roller , make sure you use the stiching marker after.

                                                       Ten Wolves

[crossdraw]

Ah, but I want the hole to close up around the thread when all is done. Does your drill bit allow that, being as it is removing a bit of leather? DM

Dalton
The thread seems to fill the hole pretty well.

Ten Wolves
Thanks for the tip

[Dalton Masterson]

Cowboy, welcome to the fire! Also, your tip makes a lot of sense. I think I read somewhere that you are supposed to start from the back, but never knew why. That makes sense now. May have to try that. DM

[ChuckBurrows]

Dalton -
I'll up you're ante 
Go to a good office supply store and buy a box (or two) of those rubber fingertips that office workers use. I put one on my fore fingers and have found that in 99% of cases that's all I need and they are there the whole time. If that isn't enough put one on your thumb as well - the reason for two boxes as you'll most likely need a bigger size for your thumb.
Been doing this for years and only once in a blue moon do I have to use pliers.

then use the same stiching marker you used to mark your stiching holes, now roll the marker over all the stiching

Yep that's why they're also called over stitch wheels.........

[ChuckBurrows]

Dalton -
I'll up you're ante 
Go to a good office supply store and buy a box (or two) of those rubber fingertips that office workers use. I put one on my fore fingers and have found that in 99% of cases that's all I need and they are there the whole time. If that isn't enough put one on your thumb as well - the reason for two boxes as you'll most likely need a bigger size for your thumb.
Been doing this for several years now and only once in a blue moon do I have to use pliers. Don't feel bad though - it took my wife to suggest this one to me, and I had used those rubber fingers for years while doing office work and research - just takes ome of longer than others     

then use the same stiching marker you used to mark your stiching holes, now roll the marker over all the stiching

Yep that's why they're also called over stitch wheels.........

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Gents

           Cowboy it's Great to have you here on this forum , I don't now how I missed your post that was just a little above mine ,anyway , I know you tought me to start my needle from the back side first , but guess I didn't hear the reason why , thats why the second needle goes thru easier , because of the tapper of the hole in the front, makes sense, I know it works for me, thats what I like about this leather stuff , you're always learning something new.

                And Hello to you too Chuck Burrows, You Pards have a great day


                                           Ten Wolves

[Dalton Masterson]

You know Chuck, I had thought of the finger things while doing that, but didnt want to go get them. lol DM

[Springfield Slim]

That's a great idea(both of them). I had to use some pliers today when I was repairing some leather equipment for the Cirque du Soleil. They had had some work done in San Francisco by someone who usually does stuff like Dominatrix outfits but it wasn't strong enough so they came to me. Sewing through 2 layers of 13 oz leather can be a chore. If it works for them I may get some work making new leather equipment. If nothing else happens at least I made some money and got some tickets to the show.

[Hank Rugerman]

Perosnally I have moved into using a drill press and a finish nail to punch the holes after laying out....this has worked exceptionally well for me...

I use a finish nail about the size of a paneling nail...I cut the head of and chuck it up...you just have to take your time and don't let the chuck get near the leather....has anyone ever heard of this?

I actually found this on a tutorial page on how to make knife sheaths..

I should add that I use a block of wood under the leather for the nail to push into as it passes through...

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Hank

            Like you said this isn't your first Rodeo, This is neat idea, I guess you could take a nail , like you said , and maybe put a little diamond cut on it (OR NOT) , then polish it up on a buffing wheel , of course you would have to have a good tight hold it , before you polish it up on the buffing wheel , sounds good Pard I'll give this a try.

                                              Thanks for Sharing

                                               tEN wOLVES

[Hank Rugerman]

TW..no need for a special cut...

Just be cautious about the positioning of the chuck when punching through...and you'll do fine...

This is especially neat when you have..let's say two sides and a welt that your'e needing to sew...

Like I said the knife sheaths...

Good luck...I think you'll like it..

I will say that I keep a small awl close by to help dress the holes and coax a few when it comes to double sewing and area or closing out the stitch.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

 Hank , got a question , are you pushing the nail through the leather?, like a press, or are you spinning the nail with the power on?, of the drill press, I 'm just curious, I've used the drill press to like you say, to make holes thru eatra thick leather , like holsters with a welt ,or knife sheaths with a welt this can be to much to try to push a hole thru thick leather by hand, I've also used my Dremmel with a 1/6" drill bit for the same reason , it's neat and works well , of course you have to remember to tap the stiching down, with a very smooth and clean hammer , this helps to seal the leather around the stiching. so let me know if you're useing power or if you're just pushing the nail thru. ???Good Tip Pard 

                                              tEN wOLVES 

[Hank Rugerman]

Turning on the drill press and pushing it...just like it was a drill bit...