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I've been mulling over my failed leather sewing attempt and decision to outsource. That really bummed me out so I thought I'd give hand stitching a go. After researching various ways to butt stitch I settled on a traditional baseball pattern and went to get supplies. Not a lot to it really. Thread\cord, a couple big needles, and something to pierce holes in the leather. I also got some beeswax to seal the seal the cut edges and thread. The thread is a nylon braid with wax impregnated. It's supposed to be suitable for outdoors. Another $50 spent, but worth it if I can make this happen myself...which seems to be the case.
Stitching Tools (beeswax not pictured):
First sample piece simulating the sharpest corner on the seat. Looks pretty decent. I think I'll try one more with a slight bevel on the underside edges of the joints. Maybe a silver thread, too. I'll have to take it outside to how it looks first.
Takes quite a bit of time and patience but it's not too hard.
You've probably done the research but, in case it helps, a couple of tips:
Avoid nylon thread as it has a very poor life in high UV (basically outdoor) conditions. Sailmakers (I've made a few for dinghys and small boats), generally use polyester (Coats Dabond mostly).
Also, don't heave the threads too tight as they can cut (or leave ugly elongated holes) in leather if it gets wet (learned that one the hard way!)... Cinched up so there's no slack is enough, the accumulated hold from all the stitches provides plenty of stability and strength.
I use one of these stitching awls (not ideal for baseball stitch though, just a bit easier and faster than a hand-held needle for lock-stitching). Or if using standard needle(s), I use a "sailors palm" (essentially a thimble-on-steroids, attached to a kind of glove).
This is my very first hand stitching on heavy material, let alone leather.
The palm is overkill for this since I'm piercing holes ahead to ensure even spacing.
I'll try to confirm the material of the cord. I got it at Tandy Leather and the salesman said its what he uses on his armor (LARPing) and has never had a problem. He couldn't confirm the material and the website doesn't state.
I heard back from Tandy about the braided cord. It is 100% polyester. They are checking with the manufacturer on UV stability.
In the meantime I picked up some waxed linen of the same weight in both black and cream to see if: A) I prefer the linen look and feel, and B) if I like the contrasting color of the cream. Right now, I think I'll end up with an off-white braided poly. The linen looks too coarse and rustic. Would be great on a more traditional seat\bike, but mine is more modern & performance-oriented in style so the slick poly seems to fit better.
I do recognize the odd balance I'm trying to keep here. Traditional top grain leather, hand stitched, on a suspended solo seat pan all screams traditional... The shape of the pan is unique tho. Lots of straight lines and sharp curves. I did strongly consider a decidedly modern Alcantara for the cover but it's just too "grippy"...and vinyl is ****. Besides, I just like leather.
Anyway...
I'll try some other stitches tonight and get some pics up then.
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