Leather

[furrycelt]

I'm looking at affixing some leather straps (old belts) to a bag I'm making, and I was wondering what the best way would be to do it. I think it would bust my sewing machine, and I've been suggested to hand sew (possibly with fishing line) or attach it with gussets/rivets of some sort. Suggestions?

If you didn't have The Wizard of BC to help ya out...

Yes, leather work would kill most household sewing machines. I would not use fishing line. While it is strong, it tends to stretch; and it will cut into the leather because of the small diameter. Rivets would work fine, just make sure that the holes in the leather are made with a round punch. If you cut or slice a hole into leather it will rip. Perfectly circular holes in leather are much much stronger.

I've only used two types of thread in all my leather work: cotton cord coated liberally with bee's wax or faux-sinue (it is made from nylon) also covered lavishly with bee's wax. I prefer the sinue, it comes with a minor wax layer already, and the finishing knots can be melted with a small flame to make the knot permanent. Hand stitching leather goes remarkable quick once you get in a groove. The number of stitches is far less than any fabric application.

For what you are describing, I would suggest using a saddle stitch. Coil or whip stitching is quicker, but less strong, and that method causes the leather pieces to creep.

hope this helps

-ian

[Jewddha]

Will bear all that in mind. In the end I solved my own problem by deciding it didn't suit the project , but maybe enxt time...