Their replies seemed to point at trimming the leather strip to a point near the head. I experimented some more and although the results have improved, I am not quite 'there' yet. Hopefully there is a 'there' 'there'.
I came to the conclusion that if I trimmed the strip with a cut that was parallel to the shank, then I would have to cover with thread a cut that was longer than the strip was wide. Since I was trying to create a small head, the amount of exposed leather was definitely a factor.
I think what I need to do is cut the leather on the strip more 90 degrees to the shank, which would create a taper in the winding strip and expose LESS leather. Less exposed leather means less thread needed to cover the leather's edge, and a smaller, neater thread head.
That's the current theory anyway. I have yet to put it into consistently practiced results. I am trying to figure out a way to trap the strip with a thread wind to hold it while the cut is being made.
Cutting the strip first seems to me to be a very awkward way of doing it. The end slips, unwinds, drops out of your fingers, etc. as you try to fasten it with thread.
Comments?
Wes Wada Bend, Oregon
