The Upholsterer's or Invisible Stitch ...

This is a video I made, regarding the stitch I describe and use.
Watch in HD for best image!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200281639623719&set=vb.1235367200&type=3&theater

 

I got the thread from Joe Coombs supply ... http://www.joecoombs.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=23_619

I like using this thread. It holds stitches without cutting the skin, does not shrink, and more importantly ... does not stretch! I prefer the brown. I have the 8-ounce thread in tan also, and use it for Deer cape repairs. I also prefer it for sewing closed my lifesize mammals. Also, I always wax my thread ... even if it pre-waxed.

 

Joe, that's the way I handle many of the African capes that come in already fully opened, especially the really short haired specimens ... also on Mule Deer and Pronghorn that come in opened flat.

One of the finishing touches on the seam - which is not in the video as it does not showing the complete sewing - is the use of a rawhide mallet to hammer the seam down even flatter than just sewing alone.

On short haired specimens such as Impala, Springbok, Steenbok, etc, I will use a length of large dowel, lay it along the seam, and hammer against it to flatten the seam. I'll then roll the dowel down the seam, sometimes going up and down the seam.

Lastly - after the mount is complete - I mist water over the hair and run my hands and a soft dog brush over the mount , then use plastic canvas held in place with T-Pins over the seam, and any repaired area.

After all is dried, I remove the T-Pins and plastic canvas, brush the mount down, go over with a damp towel, then a steam treatment, and finish facial details as usual.

Bing-bang-boom!

 

No more than the bunching skin taken up in an ordinary baseball stitch! Plus, the hide stretches some, and once it's locked in, it is not going anywhere.