Questions from a newbie

I am just getting into this hobby and am very excited about it. I have a few questions though:

1) How do get even spacing of the stiches if you sew by hand?

2) I notice some of you route out a little trough to stitch in. How is this done?

3) I tried dipping a sheath in hot wax and it darkened it considerably. Is this normal?

Thanks for your help.

1)- the even spacing is accomplished with an overstitch wheel, which lays out the spacing.

2)- the groove is cut with a grooving tool. It allows the thread to be recessed in the leather, and thus, less subject to abrasion.

3)- it is perfectly normal for vegetable tanned leather to darken with the application of oil/wax.

You can read more about these tools and techniques by picking up a book on leather craft.

If you go to the top of the page here and click on tutorials look for "pouch sheath" making by Bruce Evans. Lots of info and his main site has links to other tutorials he has done.

ghostdog

Even spacing can also be done with a pricking Iron.

anywhere from 3 to 8 evenly spaced prongs.

Make the thread groove .. start at one end.. and smack that sucker to punch your holes.

Charles