I like my leather handles with out stitching. I also make bows with bulbous handles and getting a good clean seam on the handle was a problem in the past. I found a way to make the leather fit perfectly no matter how many bumps and humps your handle has in it that I thought I would share.
To begin with you need some thin leather, 1 or 2 oz that will stretch and conform to the curves in the handle. Thanks to David Mims (DCM) I have some fine leather to demonstrate the procedure.
I start by measuring a 4" section below the rest where I want my leather to be.
Next I tape off the area so I have less clean-up after I get the leather on.
I mark a center line on the tape to use later when I cut the seam.
I lke Barge cement for attaching handles but any contact cement will work. Apply cement liberly to the handle and let it dry.
I cut a piece of leather 4 1/2" wide and for this handle 5 1/2" long.
Apply glue to all the flesh side of the leather and let it dry.
After the glue is dry on the leather, roll about 1/8" on the long side(5 1/2" side)in to make a neat top and bottom to the handle after it is applied.You wil end up with a 4" handle after rolling the edges.
Start applying you leather to the bow by putting the edge past the center line you drew previously. The extra past the center line will be cut off later.
Topic: Putting on a leather handle, tutorial (Read 3964 times)
