First strap attempt

[atomic]

Okay, no laughing... my first attempt and it's far from perfect, but here it is.





I used 4oz thread and I think it's too thick. Just need more practise.

[Adam]

Thats really cool John, definitely adds a personal touch to the watch

So how exactly did you sew that thick leather? Machine or by hand?

[Archer]

Pretty sure he is hand stitching it....

Nice job Johnny!

[atomic]

Yep, hand stitched. You start off on one end of the strap with a needle on both ends of the thread and keep criss crossing front to back.

I chose the more difficult route of putting a sewn-in keeper on it (most guys who make their own go for the 'floating keeper'). This involves a lot of leather shaving to get the parts to dovetail into each other. Also had to shave about 3/4 of the leather off to make the keeper.

This will need to have the sides burnished and then a sealant put on.

However, this leather is way too thick. Even with shaving the inside of the fold, it's too thick to fit between the tube and the lug.

When you do it yourself with no instructions, it's hit and miss. Good learning experience so the next one will be much better.

[amanda]

Good work John.. that leather does look thick and therefore I'm guessing hard to work with! I'm sure you'll just get better and better with practice

[otis]

Sweet first go, mate that looks really good!
Your stitching is looking nice thought, can't wait to see more!

[wasatch]

Your fingers must be sore from handstitching that thick leather! Very nice first attempt, J!

[Warren]

Has a nice rustic look about it. I'd be damn proud of it, great first try.

[atomic]

Thanks guys... fingers weren't sore really, but the other edge of one pinky was from pulling the threat taught after each pass. That's key in getting a good, even stitch, I found.

Stay tuned... more to come.

[launchmini]

Not a leather expert by any stretch, but, can you not punch tiny holes in the leather & then stitch up the holes???
Sort of like a pilot hole before you drill.
I guess you can really appreciate some of the straps out there now.

[atomic]

launchmini said:

Not a leather expert by any stretch, but, can you not punch tiny holes in the leather & then stitch up the holes???
Sort of like a pilot hole before you drill.
I guess you can really appreciate some of the straps out there now.

That's what I did. Pre-punching holes for the stitching is key. Another one already cut and glued up and just finished pre-punching holes. Should be done soon.

[truerolexer/trueradiomier]

:-/Good Job!!!