A leather stitching pony does a basic and simple job of holding leather projects in place to stitch them. There are some factors to getting the best grip action for your projects that will be discussed in this article.
Table of Contents
The stitching pony’s size
Use of Large ponies
If your project involves bags, saddles, and purse, you’ll need a large pony. Large ponies can stitch small and big projects because they have a deep throat.
Use of Small ponies
If your project is on wallets, bookcases, belts, billfolds, etc., then you need a regular and portable pony to handle it easily.
What is the difference between big and small ponies?
The depth and the width of large ponies is better than small ones. Larger ponies have better grip. While small ponies are easy to use and portable.
Stitching the pony jaw
Leather stitching pony jaw grips the leather to stitch firmly in place. They are usually covered, wrapped, and lined with a material (almost 8 inches long) that will not scratch or abrade the surface of the leather item.
Jaws that are commonly used
- Flat jaw.
- Narrow jaw.
- Wide jaw.
All of them are very practical.
Handle
The best leather pony has a better grip on its handle. The handle should be wide and thick for better grip.
Pony vs clamp vs combo action
There are different ways you will be able to mount the leather stitching pony for use.
- The first method is to sit on it or position it like you would when riding an actual pony. And sliding it in between the thighs.
- The second way of stitching ponies is that you will be able to mount them on your workbench and use them. It can be folded over the edge of the workbench, not in use. When you need it, you can retract it.
- All these ways are great, but they come at different prices. Therefore, if you have enough room on your workbench to have a dedicated spot for the leather stitching pony, you may use the stitching pony you can clamp to a workbench. Remember that if you frequently clamp and unclamp it, the clamp action will become weaker.
- You may also go for the stitching pony that can be used in both ways for added flexibility of use.
Adjustability and sewing action
Adjust the stitching pong vertically, diagonally towards you, far away from you, or in any other direction you want the sewing action to be. That will help to make working very comfortable, easy, and mobile.
Rotating vice
Most leather stitching ponies have a static vice, but others have a 360-degree rotational vice.
Rotational vice is one of the important things you want for your leather stitching pony because it allows you to rotate the entire head of the leather stitching pony freely to make room for further important adjustments and use. It also adds to the flexibility of the entire tool which will help to make stitching easier.
How to Use a Stitching Pony
This post will show you how to use a stitching pony for leather making and what to look out for while using one. Here’s a brief guide about using a sewing pony:
Check the condition of your stitching pony
The first thing you should do is make sure your sewing pony is ready to use and that everything is in functioning condition. While these instruments often endure a long period, they can wear out with time. As a result, it is important to inspect the condition before using it.
Here’s a brief checklist of things to look through before you start:
Clamp functionality
The nut that held the clamp to the base
Wrench for Tightening
You should examine each of these pieces both before and after you build your sewing pony.
Assemble your Stitching Pony and secure it in place.
You may now put together your sewing pony. Although it is advised that you read the directions in the user manual, feel free to utilize the general instructions below for quick reference.
The assembly of a sewing pony is really basic and quick. First, put the clamps and the clamp-tightening screw or wrench together. Unless you’ve purchased a new set, this step is usually already performed and you won’t need to do it.
Then, using the bolt and wing nut, secure the two clamps on top of the base. You must ensure that the screw is tightly fastened, as the clamp may dislodge during stitching if not.
Start stitching your leather by placing it between both clamps.
You may now determine where you want to put your sewing pony now that it’s all set up. The sewing pony is most often and effectively used on top of a desk or between your legs in a sitting posture. Both alternatives are excellent, and you should choose based on your preferences.
If you’re going to utilize a tabletop, you’ll need to secure it using a clamp. First, make sure your surface and workplace are clean, and that you have enough space for the sewing pony.
Then, attach a basic camp to your stitching pony. This will keep it securely in place.
Take Off Your Leather Piece
You should remove your leather piece from the sewing pony once you’ve finished stitching. Remove the metal clamp (which is keeping the wooden clamps together).
This is determined by the sort of sewing pony you have. You don’t want to break anything, so go slowly.
Maintain Your Stitching Pony
Disassemble the stitching pony and store it in a storage box.
Please keep in mind that this step is entirely optional. You may not want to disassemble your stitching pony if you have a vast workplace or a permanent leather-making setup.
Remove the clamp that keeps your stitching pony on the tabletop, as well as the clamp or nut that tightens the wooden clamps.
When you’re finished with your tools, make sure there’s no stress on them because it might stretch the wooden pieces.