First Legitimate Homemade Holster

[uthornsfan]

I still need to put the belt loops on but here she is.

My stitching is getting much MUCH better. Practice makes perfect for sure. I am a little over $100 into the project but I have enough Cow Hide to make atleast 4 if not 5 more holsters!

It is a 3 inch 1911 IWB holster with an aluminium reinforcement at the mouth.

[Estand]

Nice work overall, and the stiching looks great too.
I do quite well with kydex but I have yet to venture into leather.
Are you doing the stiching by hand?
If you are, how/where do you suggest I can get good instructions?
If not, what are you using to do it?

[uthornsfan]

I am doing the stitching by hand and I have tried two different methods both of which I have yet to perfect.

I have watched a few YouTube videos and then just started going to town.

My few pieces of advice

#1 Planning/Preperation is key. As soon as 1 step is screwed up the whole thing goes down hill :) I would recommend you cut the outline big 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch bigger than you want the holster, then trace the outline of your weapon on the leather for your outline stitching and trace it as close to the weapon as possible. The leather will stretch more than you think possible so dont worry.

#2 Patience. Take your time. Before stitching you need to grove and before grooving you need to figure out if you want single stitches or double, how close to the edge and in what pattern. Take your time grooving and make it very neat and tidy

#3 Pre Punch your holes. I bought a simple 2 prong 3 mm space diamond punch. This puts all the holes in the leather and makes hand stitching a breeze.