My first question would be, "Do you have this problem on all your projects, or just this one? If it's just this one, then an examination of what's different than your others would be in order.If it's all of your projects then it seems that you need to improve your consistency of every detail of the stitching process. I would also agree with Phil that being so close to the edge has created some issues for yourself. What I would suggest is to check out some videos of Phil on stitching or Nigel Armitage, Then try to develop a consistent process of every part of the stitching process, from marking, to punching, to threading the needle, to stitching rhythm and tension (to name a few). Then make yourself a couple of belts to start getting the hang of it. Like they say....practice, practice, practice!
Making the holes that close to the edge has dictated where the thread will lay. The stitching appears to be too close to the edge and some of the prick marks are actually making contact with the edge itself.
It looks like the leather is made up of multiple layers, so I assume the total thickness is quite high. You may want to use a pricking iron as a marking tool, then finish with an awl. Otherwise a fully penetrating pricking iron is going to make overly large holes as seen in the top of the image. Pricking irons have a tendency to migrate towards the edge as you hammer them through, as the weaker side offers less resistance. This effect gets worse the closer to the edge you start.
Not after it‘s done, I‘m afraid. I had similar problems. It helped me a lot to use decent lighting so I can see exactly my mark for the stitching line and see the direction I am going in. Instead of using the last hole as an „anker“ for the next punch I use the last two holes to ensure I‘m going the right way. Your sewing though looks very good. Other than that: keep practicing.
Thanks so much for your response. I increased my lighting and started using the last two holes and double checking alignment before punching. Thanks again
My first question would be, "Do you have this problem on all your projects, or just this one? If it's just this one, then an examination of what's different than your others would be in order. If it's all of your projects then it seems that you need to improve your consistency of every detail of the stitching process. I would also agree with Phil that being so close to the edge has created some issues for yourself. What I would suggest is to check out some videos of Phil on stitching or Nigel Armitage, Then try to develop a consistent process of every part of the stitching process, from marking, to punching, to threading the needle, to stitching rhythm and tension (to name a few). Then make yourself a couple of belts to start getting the hang of it. Like they say....practice, practice, practice!
Making the holes that close to the edge has dictated where the thread will lay. The stitching appears to be too close to the edge and some of the prick marks are actually making contact with the edge itself.
It looks like the leather is made up of multiple layers, so I assume the total thickness is quite high. You may want to use a pricking iron as a marking tool, then finish with an awl. Otherwise a fully penetrating pricking iron is going to make overly large holes as seen in the top of the image. Pricking irons have a tendency to migrate towards the edge as you hammer them through, as the weaker side offers less resistance. This effect gets worse the closer to the edge you start.
Not after it‘s done, I‘m afraid. I had similar problems. It helped me a lot to use decent lighting so I can see exactly my mark for the stitching line and see the direction I am going in. Instead of using the last hole as an „anker“ for the next punch I use the last two holes to ensure I‘m going the right way. Your sewing though looks very good. Other than that: keep practicing.