? for leather grip pros

[Possum Head]

Gotta curve I'de like to dress up with skins and a leather grip. Is there an effective manner in which to get the leather to conform to the abrupt contours of a recurve? Also, I have a few leather needles and was wondering if predrilling the leather is the best approach? Thanks

[PEARL DRUMS]

Leather stretches allot more one way than the other. Find that stretchy grain and use that to go around. That will get you some of the curves figured out.

[Brian CS]

Mark out your holes evenly on each side and then punch your bare needle through each hole first. This will make it easier when you go to push the needle through with your thread material attatched.

[Possum Head]

Thanks fellas!

[Osagetree]

Cut your leather 1/8" to almost 1/4" shorter than needed and soak it in hot water for about 10 minutes. Stretch it and sew it on wet and as it dries it conforms to the shape as it will shrink as it dries.

Yes, I punch holes too before sewing.

[Bowjunkie]

Use deer leather. It has considerably more stretch than cow leather does.

[Pac'em out]

I've used Barge cement with good results for holding the leather in place.

[Pac'em out]

Oh and I found it at Hobby Lobby.

[Roy from Pa]

Second the deer leather....