Our little series about how to handle those handles continues with the second technique, the round handle. As described earlier it is really important if the handle is comfortable in the hand. The round handle gives overall a pretty comfortable feeling and is, therefore, an important technique to learn.
The round handle technique
I said I would discuss 3 techniques in total, although this technique contains actually two techniques in one. Because the stitching can be done in various ways for example with the butt stitch and the saddle stitch. But I have also seen some baseball stitches and round woven handles on Pinterest.
The saddle stitch
Drawing from The leatherworking handbook by Valerie Michael
First, let’s talk about the Saddle-stitch. How exactly this stitch is done have I explained in an earlier post (it’s here if you have missed it). This is also the technique I have used on the handles of the black bag (which is almost finished… maybe this weekend if I keep working) but you can see some pictures of the strap in this post.
The core of the round strap is made of a flexible tube or cord. Don’t use too thick leather, ideally, the leather is about 2.5 mm thick (about 6oz). Never make your straps to small because you will need to be able to stitch it. So first wrap a piece of leather around the core and add a stitching allowance of 5-7 mm if you stitch it by hand. I don’t know how much you need for a leather sewing machine because I don’t use one.
Alright, it is time to prepare the ends of the strap for the attachment to the bag. If you need some inspiration check this post or my Pinterest page. And once these are finished, mark the stitching lines and stitch it till the end. Last but not least, don’t forget to trim and finish your edges for a comfortable feeling and pretty look.
Butt stitch
Drawings from The leatherworking handbook by Valerie Michael
A second technique to make a round handle is with the Butt stitch. In this case, the leather should not be more than 1.75 mm thick (about 5 oz). So maybe you will need to skive or split it. Once again establish the width of the strap by wrapping the piece of leather around the core. Although this time you don’t need and stitching allowance because the edges need to butt neatly together.
Prepare and finish the ends of the strap for the attachment. For the stitching, you will need to pierce the leather somewhat like the box stitch with an angle more or less 45 degrees. So you will end in about 2/3 of thickness, as you can see in the figure above. Glue the edges to the core of the handle in place and carefully butt stitch the handle together.
With those last stitches has this post come to an end but don’t worry, there is still one part left. Let me know what you think about this series and hope to see you soon again!
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