1911 Pattern Western Style

[JD Alan]

I'll tell you what Cattleman, a little bit of information, at least in my hands, can be a dangerous thing

[Slowhand Bob]

How the individual stitch spacing was laid out with the compass and measure almost six to the inch.  I highlighted the marks with a brown marker for better visibility here.  Sewing will require a special purchase or two for needles and thread, which can be found at the supplier of your piece of leather.  A lot of leather crafters frown on the awl style stitchers that perform a lock stitch but I consider them a great tool for the occasional project.  I do think that one should still pre-punch stitch holes in the double thick holster main seam or expect to break those diamond awl/needles occasionally without lots of care.

The best hand sewing method involves the use of an awl, two needles and a length of thread, actually pretty low priced gear which will render many jobs beyond this first holster.  Over the years I have seen several articles in THE SASS CHRONICLE that illustrated the how-to of hand stitching and do know that there are at least a couple of instruction sights that can be found on the internet with a bit of searching.      

[Slowhand Bob]

At this point the holster has had the main seam sewn, that edge finished in the same way as the previous edges and the whole project has been dyed.  In this photo I am dry forming the holster loop into its final shape.  Unlike working it wet, it will tend to spring back open a bit but this should not be a problem with what we are doing.  Notice that it look somewhat flat and funnel shaped to accept the shape of the holster.

[Slowhand Bob]

A couple of pictures showing the relationship of the strap to the holster body.  The first picture has me holding the loop tightly, trying to keep its seam closed as the holster is pushed tightly in place, being sure the swell falls where you want it.  When you roll your hand over to look at the back of the holster, you should see what is depicted in picture two.  At this point I would use a pencil to make a light line on the holster back, across the top of the loop strap.  Be fore you transfer this horizontal line to the skirt for final attachment of the loop, we need to consider one last issue.

This pattern was laid out for everything to fall into place for a snug, high ride fit on a 1 3/4" belt.  This would allow the bottom tip on the skirt to also ride even with the toe and be riveted in place there.  If you look close you can see that this holsters skirt has already been folded at the extreme top edge of the holster mouth, it can ride no higher on the belt than this.  To make this pattern fit a wider belt and still rivet skirt to toe, we would have to lengthen that skirt.  An easier adjustment would be to simply reposition the loop lower on the skirt which would add a corresponding amount of drop to the design when the holster is seated tightly into the formed loop.     

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That's coming along good, pard. Thanks for the progressive pics.

[JD Alan]

Very interesting Bob. Now I'm waiting to see how you attach that keeper strap. I haven't developed a consistent method for doing that yet. I know it's not necessary to use one, but I like the look.

[Kid Terico]

Slowhand , thats becomming a VERY nice holster. Should be proud of your work. This the only one I  have with a strap, rest are friction fit. Same holster as the other 2. KT

[Slowhand Bob]

Thanks guys, JD it will simply be riveted together BUT someone without the simple punch and anvil could spend a few more cents and buy a few Chicago Screws at the hardware store to wind this down.  I will add a simple pattern for a single clip pouch in a separate post soon.

Cowboy316, were you able to get the pattern out of your computer in the right size? 

Kid you are an artist in leather with the ability to take a simple design and turn it into a work of beauty.  All of you pieces have been truly show quality and that is what I lack, the artists imagination BUT I can copy pretty good!!!

[cowboy316]

howdy SB
ya i got it figured out just but my old trusty construction calulator to work and figured out how much more to enlarge it
Cowboy316

[Kid Terico]

S B Your work is great,Keep it up.  KT

[Ace Lungger]

Howdy Bob,
That realy turned out nice, and I think it was great that you showed and explained how to do it with just the basics! The first rig I made was using one of the hand help sewing machines! I didn't know any other way untill I read and watch and talked to the Pards on here!
You did a great job!!
Thanks Teach!
ACE

[cowboy316]

Howdy SB
just woanted to know what the backs of this design looks like after its all said and done and just how the high  belt loop rides
Cowboy316

[Slowhand Bob]

Sorry I did not respond earlier but knee deep in seeking various gun info and let it slip by.  I did finish the little holster so can get that back shot for you.  I also reshaped the back a slight bit but am not sure that I like it any better, I also made the much heavier version that I didnt like that well and will get a shot or two of it also.

[Slowhand Bob]

These two pictures should give you an idea of where the little holster will ride in relation to the belt.  aathis belt opening is at the minimum for this pattern which would accomodate a 1 3/4" belt.  Though I put a rivet at the toe you could leave this off and reposition the holsters loop to accomodate wider belts.

[cowboy316]

Howdy there SB
thanks for the pics that helps a ton ill do it that way on the next on i sewed it like ive done on other holsters and lest out the keeper loop so its a tad different LOL but i thinks its conna look good after a few days in walnut dye LOL
so you just have to wait another 24 hours or so for pics lol
arent i just a pill LOL
thanks again bud
Cowboy316