Another leather crafting question


fotomaker57

fotomaker57

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I am just getting started in this addictive past time called leather work. Been doing lots of reading and watching tutorials. What I am wondering is how critical is it to glue your sheath together before you stitch? I have been gluing everything up before stitching but am unsure that the glue will add much strength to the finished project.
Is it just a matter of convenience to keep things in alignment or does it add to the strength? Share your knowledge and wisdom.
Mike
 
I don't think it really helps strenghtwise that is, gluing does stabilize the leather for punching and making the holes to sew it up nicely though.

A saddle stitch with good waxed thread double stitched 3 spaces at the start and end is VERY strong.
 
I glue mine.. allows me to hold the edges together and clean up the resulting exposed edge before I mark and stitch...

other than using the glue to help with alignment pre stitching... don't think it matters much... doesn't really help with strength
 
It must add strength, if you add another layer, or level of security it has to be better/stronger right?

However, I dont use any
 
Pretty much same as others have said. I've done both. I glue mine now, but really as just a matter of convenience to help me line up my stitching. I also think it helps to keep the edges together if you use edgecoat or burnish the edges.
 
I hate gluing because glue on the leather will make stains and prevent oil or wax to go into the leather.

a good sew will hold as long as the leather, glue will not ad any strength, and cheap tin-rivets also dont ad any strength

I nail my work together with light nails and pull the nails when I sew along
 
I agree with the others. I have stitched both ways and the glued edge always come out much better. It aggravates me when the leather moves around a little and you end up with a straight stitch on the front side and a crooked one on the back side...ugh
 
I have yet to glue mine. But my edges always seem to walk as I'm sewing. So when I get some I am going to begin gluing for the simple reason of holding all together in prep to be sewn. From seeing how other's edges look compared tomine, I think it may be beneficial to glue them to hold it nice and tight to get that sharp looking edge?

I don't think it add's any strength per se'. Just helps to hold together while laying everything out. Right now I use binder clips to hold things down.

Good question looking forward to more answers.

Jeff "LFB"
 
I think glueing adds a lot of strength. I had times where I needed to pulled glued parts apart and have actually ripped the leather instead. I used to sew without glue but won't anymore it just makes a better project.
 
woodsmonkey85 said:
Pretty much same as others have said. I've done both. I glue mine now, but really as just a matter of convenience to help me line up my stitching. I also think it helps to keep the edges together if you use edgecoat or burnish the edges.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same way about it helping while burnishing edges
 
I'm certainly no expert, but I've glued all mine. It most definitely helps keep the sides aligned. I started off using plain ole rubber cement, but switched to a Tandy glue, which appears to be a lot stronger.

~JohnP
 
I beleive the glue adds alot of strength. Early on I was sewing my holsters and sheaths without glue. If a thread got damaged or cut there is nothing left to hold the leather together.

Now with them glued it's not an issue.

I think there is less chance of lacing getting damaged if they are glued as well.

I don't think there is nearly as much strain on the thread as when it is not glued.

Take 2 pieces of scrap leather and glue them together. Let them dry and try to pull them apart. It's strong stuff!

It also makes a much nicer looking finished product.

I am by no means an expert just expressing what I have found in the leatherwork I have done.

Thanks
 
i use leather cement from tandy and with that stuff alone it would hold up just fine, its has a really strong hold, but i have never not stitched after the glue so i dont know how long it would hold up but in my opinion it makes a good diffrence! Wes--
 
JohnP said:
I'm certainly no expert, but I've glued all mine. It most definitely helps keep the sides aligned. I started off using plain ole rubber cement, but switched to a Tandy glue, which appears to be a lot stronger.

~JohnP
Click to expand...

I have been using Dap contact cement. Seems to be working good.
 
Use the glue always especially if you are using a gusset in a knife sheath simply because the glue will ad-hear the gusset all the way to its edge and not allow any space for your blade to slide in and cut the stitching. In soft leather projects or in projects where I know there is no significant danger in cutting the stitching I sometimes skip the glueing it certainly is a lengthy process. You just have to be careful and take your time not to get any on the outside, no way around that. But especially on gussets always use glue IMHO.
 
Ya gotta glue boys. Its needed. without it, its not anywhere near as strong, and a bond also helps insure the blade doesnt get between the layers of the welt and cut your stitching. Edges come out much cleaner when they are bonded together. I was taught that the glue is where the strength comes from, and the stitching is what reinforces it.

You can do whatever ya want, but I say....Ya gotta glue. Important thing with glue is to use the right stuff. DAP Weldwood, or Barge. A flexible glue. A little goes a long way with these. Its important if you dont want it getting on the leather. Be sure you let both sides set up very well and that will help from squeezing glue out and getting it on the leather.
 
I've been using the tried and true Barge Cement for years. I would not even consider stitching a welt in place without it. My hunting buddy hates stitching so much that he relies on the glue alone and I've never seen one of his projects come apart......looks wierd, though!
 
I have glued some sheath welts in the past but really what is the point-I say it is not necessary.

one function of the welt is to prevent the edge from snipping stitches- the best way is to use good design. If the blade can get between the welt and scabbard why and how will soft pliable adhesive stop it?

Another way to keep your project aligned so you dont need glue (more stuff to buy that was never used back in the day) is to use tack stitches to align the separate pieces.

What if it's not a sheath, but a bag or jacket, shirt
 
Yes, the glue does add strength to the sheath. When using contact cement properly, it will flow into the leather fibers and hold tight. You will actually tear the leather before the glue will fail(when used correctly).

Main thing to remember is to give it plenty of time to dry and clamp it. I clamp every single glued item VERY tightly and give it at least 5 minutes to set. About as tight as I can get it without leaving marks on the leather. I use either quick clamps, bench wood working vises, or specifically designed clamps. Best thing to use with any kind of clamp is to set it up with some leather jaws so it does not leave marks.

If the contact cement gets onto the leather where you dont want it, let it completely dry. Dont try to wipe it off right away or you will thin it out and it will seep further into the grain and block any dye from penetrating that spot. Once its dry simply rub your thumb across it until it peels up and comes off(like that temporary glue they use on advertisments and such). If you have a spot that didnt take the dye because of excess glue, then you can use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly scuff that glue off, which should be enough to let the dye penetrate the affected area.
 
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fotomaker57 said:
I am just getting started in this addictive past time called leather work. Been doing lots of reading and watching tutorials. What I am wondering is how critical is it to glue your sheath together before you stitch? I have been gluing everything up before stitching but am unsure that the glue will add much strength to the finished project.
Is it just a matter of convenience to keep things in alignment or does it add to the strength? Share your knowledge and wisdom.
Mike
Click to expand...

The use of glue is mainly to hold the pieces together till the stitching is in place. When you use rubber cement it says to use on one side only for a temporary hold and on both sides for a permanent hold. I use it for keeping things together while making them and figure it's done it's job. However, you can use contact cement as directed for a good hold. Remember that leather is basically flesh and porous at that. So the glues are not meant for construction per say. And if total flexibility is needed, too much glue can stiffen what needs to be supple.
 
MiddleWolf said:
The use of glue is mainly to hold the pieces together till the stitching is in place. When you use rubber cement it says to use on one side only for a temporary hold and on both sides for a permanent hold. I use it for keeping things together while making them and figure it's done it's job. However, you can use contact cement as directed for a good hold. Remember that leather is basically flesh and porous at that. So the glues are not meant for construction per say. And if total flexibility is needed, too much glue can stiffen what needs to be supple.
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For that very reason, I use the Barge Cement. Anything that makes a welt stiffer is a good thing. I make sheathes for knives and use at least 8-9 oz. vegetable tanned leather with an even thicker welt if I've got it on hand, which I glue in place before sewing. After staining, I get as much beeswax into the leather as it will soak up to increase the rigidity even further. If I wanted flexible, I probably wouldn't glue it, but cases, sheathes, masks and such do benefit from it. Just my taste and experience, YMMV.
 
I outline with a Sharpie where I want it to go and take care to keep it all within the borders. Spread it very thinly on the two mating surfaces with a spreader made from scrap plastic from a margarine tub, let it set up for 10 minutes or so, clean up my fingers if I got any on them, carefully mate the two pieces because you won't get a second chance and then clamp overnight.
 
I never glue sheaths. or any other leather work.
 
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mndless said:
I glue mine.. allows me to hold the edges together and clean up the resulting exposed edge before I mark and stitch...

other than using the glue to help with alignment pre stitching... don't think it matters much... doesn't really help with strength
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I agree, when it is glued it allows you to get it just the way you want it before you stitch.

I am sure it adds something to the strength, if only for a short time until the bond breaks. I have never taken the stitching out of an old project to see.
 
often I ask questions, maybe they sound rhetorical, or argumentative: they are not.
another one. how does wax, a lubricant, make leather harder?
 
rabbithutch said:
I'm a beginner, too. I've used Barge but don't know how to keep from making a mess. If anyone has helpful suggestions for using contact cement without the mess, I'd be much obliged.
Click to expand...

Try using some applicator other than the brush that's attached to the top of the can. A Q-Tip, wooden match stick, artists brush, etc. Take your time. "Twist" the applicator over the glue can to avoid "dribbling." Be as precise as possible. Let the glue set up for a few seconds before mating the pieces.

Hope this helps,

JH
 
wolfy said:
I outline with a Sharpie where I want it to go and take care to keep it all within the borders. Spread it very thinly on the two mating surfaces with a spreader made from scrap plastic from a margarine tub, let it set up for 10 minutes or so, clean up my fingers if I got any on them, carefully mate the two pieces because you won't get a second chance and then clamp overnight.
Click to expand...

That's pretty much what I do, except I use a Q-tip as an applicator.

I just looked at my glue. I bought it at Tandy, it has Tandy on the can, but it is actually made by Barge. Good stuff.

~JohnP
 
I do, but if you're messy like me it can ruin the grain side of the leather and prevent you from finishing it well like Cbo said earlier.

I do think a good glue makes a stronger welt but I don't think a cheap or non-waterproof glue does anything at all other than hold it in place. If you're not going to use decent glue then don't bother...

PMZ
 
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