Restitching/Preserving Leather

[Honu-Hugger]

Any tips on restitiching an old case? The case is in excellent condition and the stitching holes are intact, it looks as though the thread has pulled out. The leather repair shop here does not want to touch it -- said it was originally done by machine and his machine will not match. Seems as though some careful handwork is what is required -- I did a "Google" search and did not find anyone specializing in restoring old cases. I bought a set of small needles and thought that I would try to stitch it myself, but I've never attempted anything like it before, don't even know what type of thread to use.

While on the subject, any recommendations for preserving old leather? And archival type storage? I'm curious to know if it is better to be stored dry (like my climate here) or with some moisture? I have another old case (from the mid to early thirties) that came to me looking just like new and I would like to do what is best to preserve the appearance -- I'd hate to ruin it from improper storage.

D2

 

[Honu-Hugger]

Thank you for the advice; carpet thread sounds perfect (seems like it will match). Fortunately, I only have about 1" to stitch -- just one side of a viewfinder case. I'll give it a try, and if necessary I'll try Scotch afterwards through a soda straw!😉

D2

 

[Azinko]

Firstly, proper leather thread is usually obtainable from saddlery suppliers (at least here in the Uk it is) in several shades of black/brown etc to match the work. this thread is ready waxed and easy to use.

Secondly, the best way to work is to duplicate the original chain stitch provided the item was machine stitched in the first place.

Take two needles, one a domestic sewing machine needle and fit with lengths of thread. Next , carefully align the work parts and carefully 'pilot' the existing thread holes with suitable instrument. Stitch from top side by pushing the machine needle thru and retracting lightly to leave loop,....pass other needle thru to make stitch thus forming chain stitch,...tie off with double knot on wrong side.

Its useful to use a small/miniature locking pliers or 'mole' (vise-grip) to pull and push needles. Hope this helps!

 

[Nikon Bob]

Here is a site http://pweb.netcom.com/~bd3d/re-stitch.html. Checking a saddlery/tack shop should also turn up leather cleaners like saddle soap and conditioners.

Bob

 

[VictorM.]

Here's a site with instructions: http://www.stereoscopy.com/cameras/re-stitching.html

 

[peter_n]

Here's another link:

Re-stitching a Camera Case

 

[Honu-Hugger]

Thank you -- these links are great!

D2

 

[titrisol]

What do you guy reccomend to recondition the leather?
- Moiturizing cream
- Foot oil
- Anything else?

 

[kiev4a]

FSU camera cases are made from indestructable leather but most have rotted stitching. I took a case to a shoe repair shop once and the guy siad it was almost impossible to repair them because a lot of the leather comes together at 90 degree angles. I'm sure he was talking about machine stitching--probably could do it manually with a lot of patience.

 

[T_om]

When we lived aboard our boat, I did all the rigging maintenance. I have a couple of stitching tools that look like this. Mine is a bit different, but works exactly the same. Makes stitching leather and heavy canvas a easy task.

It is only 12 bucks at Tandy Leather.

Tom

 

[Nikon Bob]

I just did an old Leica case for a IIIc and used some Neatsfoot Oil (don't know if it is still available) and some waxed sailmakers for stitching.

Bob

 

[richard_l]

What do you guy reccomend to recondition the leather?
- Moiturizing cream
- Foot oil
- Anything else?

Mink oil, particularly that made by Bee Natural Leathercare, available from TopLeatherCare.com. It has a creamy consistency, and unlike most mink oil products, it contains little if any wax or other oils.

Wax can encourage mildew, and neatsfoot oil can cause stiching to deteriorate.

 

[T_om]

Mink oil, particularly that made by Bee Natural Leathercare, available from TopLeatherCare.com. It has a creamy consistency, and unlike most mink oil products, it contains little if any wax or other oils.

Wax can encourage mildew, and neatsfoot oil can cause stiching to deteriorate.

My Dad always told me to never use neatsfoot oil on quality leather. He said it "burned" the leather and eventually caused it to deteriorate.

Tom

 

[richard_l]

My Dad always told me to never use neatsfoot oil on quality leather. He said it "burned" the leather and eventually caused it to deteriorate.

Tom

I believe it. Neatsfoot oil is made from petroleum distillates.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Interesting comments on Neatsfoot Oil. I will have to keep an eye on that case.

Bob