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First attempt at restitching a strap - Black Bay Leather (pic heavy)


foxindebox

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Hi Everyone,

I've just finished my latest project, which was to learn how to restitch a leather strap (i.e. change the thread colour).

I have a Brown Bomber strap from "Strapped for time" fitted to my Black Bay, but just couldn't get past the white stitching (here is a picture from their site)

50a07de481bd086efbb53a2f6208da14_zpse9bd

As we all probably know, this is one of the best options for a strap that is close to Gen. Unfortunately the white thread is not.... So it had to go!

So first I did my reading online and found out how to saddle stitch with two needles. Then I gathered my stuff (needles, thread, pliers, wax and my mate Stanley.....)

DA691224-A11D-4240-BBCB-44AC2259ECD8_zps

Note that I have already unpicked the original stitching and removed the hardware from my strap.

Then, I set up my table vice to hold the strap whilst I merrily stitched away :)

7E2179A2-DE72-4CED-AF7D-408DA7E4DB20_zps

So, I cut a suitable length of thread and threaded a needle on either end (I had already applied some wax to the thread beforehand).

F6655248-CCDB-46B0-8E42-606CED82479F_zps

241D9599-3209-41BD-BA05-BF3FC38A592B_zps

So off I went, starting with the end loops or whatever they are correctly called (I'm sure one of the real strap makers here can enlighten me!), and stitched using the existing holes, one needle in one way and then the other from the other side.

91DF5279-FCB7-46FD-9940-E16408496A45_zps

740246EA-E1E2-4399-A1A8-C069E251BBB6_zps

96867591-A07D-47C3-8DFD-3154FCA0945C_zps

Until finally.......

9C2043F0-2535-4370-83AD-2D29272777DB_zps

C1E194E6-4D38-4EFD-964B-3E69A27EEA6F_zps

ADC8012F-AC20-4121-8375-97D1FB8CA3A6_zps

And a last picture on the watch itself

C0D56CFB-6B36-4E0E-A27C-8F87AA9796E1_zps

I'm really pleased with the outcome and happy to have learned a new skill. Next step is to learn how to make the whole strap myself ;)

Hope you like it!

Congratulations for a great job and thank you for sharing your experience in what it turned out being a real workshop on re stitching straps.

I may try it myself, now that you showed us how to do it.

 

Cheers !!!

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Great work Alter!

I too have done much "re-stitching" over these last years. After reviewing many of the custom makers who hand stitch I have gravitated to much heavier threads.I use cotton embroidery floss which is available at all fabric stores & comes in many colors. I wax thoroughly w/ beeswax & must enlarge the machine made holes w/ an awl. It's only a few extra minutes of time & it looks much better.Take some time to visit custom strap sites & you'll see of what I speak. There are many yet "Dangerous9 straps" is a favorite of mine.

Once you have the stitching mastered you'll start from scratch & be dazzled w/ all the leather options, buckle choices..on & on!

Stay the course, you have a good hand & this "malady" of ours is great fun! Any tips needed please email me. The awl size is important & you'll need to experiment, I've made all of mine in varying sizes to accomodate thread size. When enlarging the hole caution is the key as a torn hole really makes a very messed up strap!

Mest, mcotter.......mcotter@skbk.com

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