I've had 3 mounts have the stitches pull out.I used waxed thread,1/2 inch to 1 inch apart,baseball stitch.This is after 6 to 9 months later.Can someone tell me what I did wrong?
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Granted you didn't give enough info to get the exact answer you are looking for.
Didn't shave the cape thin enough. Didn't use enough glue. Stitches are too far apart. Tanned or DP'd? Did you tighten each side of the stitches? Did you card down the seam till it was FULLY dry? It is usaly one of the above things.
Joe
You tried to put the cape on too large a form. If the seam doesn't fit together before you start to sew the form is too large!
The capes were shaved thin,hide paste was used,stitches were 1/2 to 1 inch apart,tanned capes,I didnot tighten every stitch,I used nails on each side of stitch to hold in place,capes were dry,the seams were touching before I started stitching.I talked to one 'dermist in the area,he had the same problem with 2 of his capes.Thanks for the respones Joe and Old Fart.Oh yeah,1 elk and 2 deer(whitetail and mulie)If that matters,also I've done about 30 capes and this is the last 3 I did.Thanks again.....
First off and foremost is your stitches. A one inch stitch on a whitetail is already three quarters of an inch too long to begin with. A quarter inch stitch is the maximum size you should ever need. Were you in a hurry? Slow down and stitch closer.
Secondly, SNUG your stitches, don't winch them down. This produces puckers. When complete, tap the seam down with a tack hammer to fold them under.
Thirdly, STAY AWAY FROM PINS. They serve no purpose and if you need them to hold your stitch line down, they should be placed through cards instead.
There is a fourth, but it's a stretch, literally. What kind of cape thread are you using. Some of the old nylon does give a little and if you aren't using QUALITY glue, may separate somewhat. I've switched to Fireline completely. Nothing works any better and it will never stretch.
Thanks George,Will try fireline ,I believe the cape thread is the source,and I'll stitch closer.Good info from all.Thanks...
It's cheaper than fireline, you get twice as much, and it's limp. It won't chew your fingers up when trying to close your seams.
Also, you don't need to sew with a spear. IMO the smaller diameter thread along with a smaller diameter needle and smaller stitches will do wonders for hiding your incision. As long as you close the skin by hand, not wrenching it shut with the thread. Having to hammer your whole seam down when your done should tell you that you didn't do that great of a job sewing. Trim edge of the incision nicely and do not bite far into the skin with your stitches. Space your stitches like George said at a maximum of 1/4 inch.
It's amazing how some people sew with a spear and bow string and cant understand why the seam is visible. Sewing is only part of the job. Having a properly tanned and shaved hide, the correct form size, and they best glue you can get your hands on are just as important.