I was wondering if some of you use a hole punch and pre-punch the cape for sewing. What is your method for fast sewing?
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I have use a leather punch gosh there
is no way your going to run a needle up a cape
a lot of the time without using a leather punch
a revolving punch one that you can set the diameter
of the hole
Never used a leather punch on any of them, be afraid of cutting the hair and i dont really need any extra steps. I use a sewing palm for heavy hides and on occasion will use pliers to push a needle thru, as for fast sewing, PRATICE PRATICE PRATICE.
As Steve said, it has more bad things than good in line. A proper seam has the threat coming out and going in right at the very edge of the incision exactly on the epidermis. That way when you draw it together, the epidemal layers touch each other and don't have a wad of skin holding them apart. The means that the "skin side" needle hole should be back from the edge so the thread comes through diagonally instead of straight. You need to get a good sailmaker's needle and keep it very sharp. If the sewing needle is hurting your hands, you're using a dull needle. Either sharpen it or replace it. I got through dozens of needles each year.
A good sharp 3 point needle and a sewing palm is all I ever use. Why would anyone go through all the extra time punching holes is beyond me.
Coyote
Pat , Steve,Georgr, and coyote said it all...speed comes w/ repetition,practice,& patience! sharp needles , sewing palm,and (mayby pliers on a thick hide). Nuff said.
I use a pliers too, but i need to look into a palm, I never heard of one. My dad used to use a punch and he just made a bunch of small holes along the seam, didnt take very long at all. I idnt know if it was common or not, dads mounts were not "competition" he was good in his day but would fail in these days.
Thin your hide properly and use a glovers needle you wont need a sewing palm.........
I use a wood burner with a small tip and put a hole every 1/4 inch. down both sides. It goes quick and fast stiching
On thick skins I will sometimes use a hypodermic needle they use on cattle...it slides through with ease...You can get them at your local feed supply. I always use it on deer capes around the antler base...after the first stitch draw it tight and do a knot.
Pat, 2 things will make sewing up a gamehead much easier. First thin the cape well (thinner skin= faster and easier sewing)and second try a 5" needle- you can get a grip on a longer needle and sewing is not a struggle. Enjoy, Aaron H.
I use a leather punch and long hair skins and you can't tell.It depends on the size of hole and the person doing it.I use sugical needles all the time,if you use a bar of soap and get some soap on the end of the needle ,it will go through much easier.