in short i just tanned a deer to mount with the lutan-f method i set it aside to dry. came back to it and realized that the seam had come open about 1 inch too about 1and 1half a inch i was just wandering if there is a way too sew it back too where it was? also wanted too know what would cause this too happen? any information would be very helpfull.
thanks,
kevin
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Did you use any hide paste? First hide paste will let you slide the skin around without much effort, next it hides the hide where you place it, then it does not allow the hide to move.
With the water based you have to do some pinning and carding. But I recommend it for beginners. Your stiches should have been no further than 1/4 inch apart. once done with the sewing pull more hide up the mannikin, this will help reduce the shrinking you are having.
Now, staple the back down, using very small brads push a few in each side of the seam, alternate were the stitches are.
Once you have done this using a 1/8 hail screen mesh, staple this down the seam line, it will hold the hair down and also help reduce the shrinking.
One problem you may have is not thinning the hide enough, that hide should be about 1/8 inch thin. Notice I said thin, not thick, but thin.
Several reasons for a thin hide, 1st, it allows the hide to dry quicker, it is easier to move around. Show the details you want to show. A 18 inch deer will fit a 18 inch form.
I always go one inch smaller on the form, than the skin was. this too stops the pulling. and allows detail to show, it also speeds drying.
I hope this has answered your questions. If not post them here, someone will help you.
Good luck
John C
But..........did you oil the cape after tanning it with Lutan F? What you are describing sounds like what would happen if there is no oil in the cape. Without oil, the cape - no matter what you tanned with - will have a tendency to shrink as it dries. The oil in the fibers normally prevent it, and hold the cape to its original measurements. Because it shrank so much (1 inch is a lot) - I can only guess that either you forgot to oil it, you used an oil which didnt penetrate and isnt good for use with Lutan F, or you perhaps washed the oil out somehow prior to mounting it.
hey there! if i am understanding this correctly i am seeing your back seam split well if in deed that is true make sure to nail finnishing nails at the seam after stitching that will take care of that!