Is there such a thing as decorative hand stitching?

[Tallbald]

Actually, I was admiring the straight stitching I was able to do on a full-flap holster I made, and began to wonder if there's such a thing as decorative stitching I could try. A place with pictures would be wonderful. Thanks, Don

[rickk]

Not saying it can't be done, just that I wouldn't want to do it.

To decorative stitch usually involves using a closely spaced stitch. Heck, I pretty much do 5 stitches per inch universally so that I don't have to make as many holes and stuff the thread thru the leather so many times.

Close spacing means a smaller awl and a smaller needle and a smaller thread.

Decorative often means multi-colors. I have heavy waxed thread in Black, Brown and White... nothin else. No fine thread assortment (like my wife has) in every color ever created.

Leather is thick... too thick to really want to hand stitch a zillion stitches just for show - use cotton fabric for that (my opinion - to each his own).

Leather is thick... it cries for carving, stamping, creasing (something that cotton fabric can not be used for).

But, if ya wanna, find yourself a pattern, trace it out on the leather, and start stuffin the needle in there. Please do post pictures!

[Shotgun Franklin]

Hmmmmm, isn't that like the stitching on the shaft of most modern cowboy boots? Of course that's done by machine.

[Ned Buckshot]

Heres a holster I did many years ago. I wanted a little bit of decoration but not tooling or stamping so I tried this stitched panel.

I think it turned out quite attractive.

Ned

[bedbugbilly]

I think it is a great idea and I urge you to give it a try.  There is no reason why it can't be done.  As stated, you'll probably want to use more stitches per inch - that would make curves, etc. more even and pronounced.  Basically, it's no diffeent than doing embroidery only on leather.  I've done some in years past but used the same stitching material - in my case, artificial sinew.  I made up several hunting pouches and belt pouches for primitive use and applied the Masonic Square and Compass on the flap (I am a Mason).  I took them to a gun show and they were quickly pickied up by other Masons.  I developed my pattern on paper and then printed it off so I had multiple copies.  Moisten the leather and secure your pattern on top and then either transfer the pattern to the leather by running the correct size stitching wheel over the pattern lines (as in transferring patterns on to cloth material) or else you can use a small awl and gently "prick" the leather through the paper pattern to transfer the design.  Your mentioning this makes me anxious to get back to AZ in the fall and give it a try again.  If you try it, we'd love to see some photos!   

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

Actually, I was admiring the straight stitching I was able to do on a full-flap holster I made Thanks, Don

Don would love to see the flap holster ... Have you posted a picture?  If so, where?   If not, when?

[ChuckBurrows]

Yes decorative stitching on all types of leather gear has been widely used since at least the ancient Egyptians and it neither has to be multi-color (linen and hemp thread both come in mulit-colors if so desired and in several weights as well - unwaxed, just wax it yourself) or close stitches, although much is stitched at 8-10 SPI or tighter in some cases, but even at 6-7 SPI it will work good.
The Mexicans practice a widely used stitching art form on leather that uses cactus thread (actually from the century plant) called piteado - it's beautiful stuff - look it up..........here's just some examples:
http://www.piteadofino.com/piteado_fino_029.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piteado
The method has been used on all types of leather gear including saddles and gun leather. A similar look can be gained using regular silk thread or embroidery thread - just because it's on leather doesn't mean you can't use other threads - if that were some kind of law I would have broken it a looooong time ago. 

[LoneRider]

These could be considered "Decorative Stitching"

[Slowhand Bob]

Not sure but I am thinking the stitching on the 'YUMA' Schofield holsters were hand stitched and those holsters captured the imagination of many movie goers.   I think quite a few leather workers copied that hot red stitch pattern on their own holsters.  Just be sure to understand that when you start a full belt stitch pattern you will be pretty busy fer some spell!

[Dalton Masterson]

I downloaded an ebook from a leathermaker a few weeks back. It was on decorative stitching. Sad to say it was more on different types of stitching, and not on OUR type of decorative stitching.

BUT, I have done a few things like hearts, stars, etc using my normal 5-6 spi spacing. They look pretty good.
DM

[FEATHERS]

Found this at www.frontierplunder.com circa 1900-1915,Pancho Villa era.Feathers.

[will ghormley]

Yeah, Charlie Prince's "Flames of Hell" Schofield holsters were decoratively hand stitched.  It wasn't even all that elaborate, it just set off the character real well.

There is a close-up photo of the holster on my "Yuma" page.  You have to scroll down some, but it's there.

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/310toYuma.html

The linen thread was dyed with Rit dye, waxed, and sewn before the lining was put in to save wear and tear on the stitching.

I have a theory on why decorative stitching was sometimes used on old west holsters and belts, (and Chuck Burrows may have some insight on the theory as well).  I think a lot of decorative stitching was done to hold two layers of thin or inferior leathers together to have the strength to do their intended job.  Craftsmen didn't always have access to good or thick leather.  They had to make due with what was available till the next ox train rumbled through, or the local tanner sobered up long enough to pull another batch of hides out of the vat.

Anyway, that's my two-cents-worth on the subject, (and you might be gettin' cheated at that price).
Will

[Curley Cole]

Paul at RedDog Leather did a bit of "decorator stitching" on this rig for Old Top.....I think he would sleep with it ifn he could..

curley

ps: notice that Top has one of Will G's buckles to top off this rig...

[Tallbald]

Wow everyone. The examples are beautiful. TW no I've not posted photos of my flap holster, because it's a hybrid pancake, of a more modern design, and is nothing special like those shown. I, in my infancy of the craft, am still striving to achieve a  "goodness that's nice" status. I do want to say that I've been to several forums, and I feel most at home here. Although the holsters I make for my family and friends are not necessarily traditional, they reflect my admiration and love for the craft. I can only thank each of you who has offered guidance in my learning.Thank you all for responding. Don

[Slowhand Bob]

I like the ruff out designs, similar to the Eastwood spaghetti rigs, but wonder if anyone can name that decorative stitch design for me.  I have heard a name for that particular pattern but can never remember it.  It is so common on belts that it has led me to wonder if the large leather manufacturers might have programmable machines that sew it automatically?  I have tried to think up some sort of small shop jig that would perhaps automate the belt design on my Toro.

[Old Top]

Bob,

On that rough out rig I beleive the stich pattern is called "gunfighter"

Old Top

[ChuckBurrows]

I like the ruff out designs, similar to the Eastwood spaghetti rigs, but wonder if anyone can name that decorative stitch design for me.  I have heard a name for that particular pattern but can never remember it.  It is so common on belts that it has led me to wonder if the large leather manufacturers might have programmable machines that sew it automatically?  I have tried to think up some sort of small shop jig that would perhaps automate the belt design on my Toro.

BOB - they were originally all guided by hand ( sewed hundreds that way back when) - a template laid out the pattern first, but todays big shops often use computer programmed sewing machines for such patterns....

[GunClick Rick]

Can't think of a thing right now~~~