new found respect for leather workers

[Cyrus Sears]

I am working on my son's shotgun belt and I am working on stitching the length of the belt. It is definitely going slow. I found the sewing awl is of no use and I chose to use my drill with a small bit. I also have to use needle nose pliers for pulling the needles through the holes. Some of the you-tube videos made it look so easy.  I know I do not have enough thread to finish the side.  What is the best way to splice in more thread when I run out? I am using a small vise that can adjust to multiple angles and that is working great for holding the leather.  BTW...this is my first project. Just don't expect pics of my completed project anytime soon. At this rate, I will be lucky to have it finished by Labor Day. Thank goodness I am making it plenty long in case he has a growth spurt. LOL

[Ned Buckshot]

I do a back stich for a couple of holes and then just start over again.

Ned

[rickk]

Cyrus, what kind of sewing awl isn't working out for you?

A good one, properly used, is really are the way to go.

I use one of the Osbourne #54's awls in an Osbourne haft. Sharpen each of the flat sides regularly and it will work well, producing the proper diamond shaped hole that you want for leather working. A drilled hole is more likely to pull through than a stabbed hole.

The needles I use are blunt point... no need to be sharp as the awl has already done all the work, and they save wear and tear on my fingers.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Cyrus, I just tie it  off, then go back two stitching holes on the already sewn stitching side, and start your stitching again over the last two sewn holes, this will lock the the first strand of thread in, when you're done sewing just cut the tied thread off close as you can, and it won't show.

              Welcome to our forum pard, and make yourself at home, you can always get help here, we have a great bunch leathers workers here to answer your questions, you can also look at our FAQ/HOW thread, there you will find the answers to a lot of questions too.

                   Regards

             tEN wOLVES 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I see the pards have answered your question. I also do it the way TW describes. Welcome to the forum, Cyrus. Looking forward to your posts.

[Cyrus Sears]

Rickk--- My awl looks like a Tandy, but I am not sure because it was a hand-me-down. It is probably dull and I will have to figure out how to sharpen it. I may have bent it some where it goes into the handle and I may just have to get a new one. Thanks for letting me know about the issue with drilled holes. I did not know that.

[bowiemaker]

A drilled hole removes leather. A punched hole just pushes the leather aside and it will close back up around the thread. If you are drilling, use a small nail or brad with the head cut off as your drill bit and it will work almost like an awl. Some people do that with a drill press but do not turn on the drill, just use the arm to lower the nail and punch through the leather.

[GunClick Rick]

Hey Bowiemaker,wanna make a big pendant out of my sperm whale tooth Nice website you have.

[bowiemaker]

Thanks. I would probaly fall over if I wore that thing around my neck.

[GunClick Rick]

I'm gonna put a silver cap on it and wear it..

[panhead pete]

Hello Cyrus,

Have you oiled the leather yet?  Applying a leather oil (after dying) such as Bick-4, Neatsfoot or my favorite, Montana Pitch Blend will soften the leather a bit and make it easier to pierce with the awl.  Also it will help preserve the leather.  Hope this helps.

Panhead