ozon1969 Posted October 9, 2014 Report Share Posted October 9, 2014 I was looking around to find some sort of stitching guide for straps, just didn't find the right one yet. nice job though! Kind regards, Ozon1969 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alterego Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 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) 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.....) 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 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). 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. Until finally....... And a last picture on the watch itself 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 !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcotter Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcotter Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Alterego, My message above was intended for "foxindabox" Best, mcotter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cats Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Good job you gave me inspiration to do a strap that i like a lot but I hate the stitching. Let you know/show when it's done. Cats Verzonden vanaf mijn iPad met behulp van Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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