I have a quick question about saddle sticthing. I have not been able to get the angled stitching on both sides of my practice work. I am using japanese pricking irons that are 3 mm, john james #4 needles and thred that is .45 mm. I am able to get the results of angled on one side but not the other with a cast. I have watched the video at least 4 times and i am missing something. i need some guidance from the group. thank you
chris kujawa
Well, one thing would be to video yourself stitching and show us. You can upload it to youtube as a private video and send us the link.
Also, you are using Japanese Chisels, you will never get as good an angle as with a French Pricking Iron.
Secondly, if you really want to see if you technique is good, use a heavy piece of leather, glue 4 pieces of 2-3 oz vegtan together and stitch. It is always easier to get good angles on thicker pieces. If on this thick piece the results are acceptable, then the technique is good and we just need to help you fine tune it for thinner stuff.
A third thing, the pieces you are practicing on are too "short". They move and wobble when you pull your thread tight. I would suggest using a larger piece (at least 10 cm), stitch the top, then trim then stitch the new top again.
@kujawac If you want a European look to your stitching, you'll need to use a European style pricking iron. It doesn't really matter where it's made, but you want the marks on your leather to look like this: / / / / / / rather than diamond/square shaped holes.
Moving this to the "Help Section". The mastermind group is for questions pertaining specifically to the courses Phil offers and is limited to the members subscribed to the courses only. The Help section is open to all members and you will get more people engaging with your posts there :)
i will try the no cast. i have been playing the guitar for sure. Im missing one thing and i cant figure it out.
try to stitch without a cast and see if you get angled look on both sides. also, watch how Phil pulls the thread like “guitar”
Photos please?
What leather and thickness are you using?