I have a question on coon rug mounting this is the first rug i will be doing and i want to do it o.m. here is the 1st question should i order a form that is 2 1/4 or a 1/4 in. smaller eton or the size it is. And my 2nd question is what is the right way to tan the hide. And 3rd what is the easiest way to stich the felt.
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Michael,
As far as tanning , a commercial tan is best for rugmaking. Home tans leave the skin stiff and "crinkly" to the touch, and you certainly want a rug to feel softer and flexible. As far as attaching the felt border , it's always best to machine sew(or hand sew, if you have the time and no machine) the felt to the leather.Hot glue-ing is a disater waiting to happen, as it will eventually come apart somewhere on the rug,leaving a customer to question your work ethics. Next add your padding and then hand or machine sew your backing on. Any questions...drop me an e-mail.
Best Regards,
Mary Hilliard-Krueger
order a form that is the RIGHT size - tan at home - there skin is very thin but very greasy - you will have to degrease - tan with lutan and break over board - if you are worried about tanning let me know and i will tell you how - stitching IS much better than hot glue for padding/border