r/Leatherworking • u/dem0lishr • 2d ago

Shotshell holder help

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I would like to make a shotshell holder with an enclosed bottom for a belt and suspenders, but I have not done anything like this before. These are some examples of what I am trying g to accomplish. If anyone has any tricks for timing the stitches or cutting the leather please let me know.

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u/FoxHead666 2d ago

Easiest way is probably to wet mold veg tan leather around some dummy shells and give them enough space for stitching. At least that's what I've been told. I'm trying to make something to hold 5-10 shells on my belt for this hunting season, so I'll check back here for better ideas!

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u/waterdaemon 2d ago

Dummy shells, or for 12 gauge a .75in dowel might work.

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u/dem0lishr 2d ago

I have 12ga. Shells and worked out the spacing between them for standard loops. I have the spacing at 2⅛ in. For the loops using 4-5oz. Leather. I have done wet molding to a shell and that has yielded good results. I will be trying test straps soon and will update

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u/whatdidiuseforaname 2d ago

I'd try cutting a piece 2.5" (3/4" x 3 to run the walls of the tube, + 1/4" for 1/8" seam allowance both sides) and sew that onto a 1" (3/4" back + 1/8" seam allowance both sides) piece. This could be done with just a 1" wide strip to test the dimension of the tube, and more or less length can be tweaked to get the right fit. If you know one, just keep repeating the same interval between stitchesfor N number of total shells to fit.

From the first picture, the tubes don't have stitches running the full length ot the sides, which suggests that the bottoms are just a flap off the front (Like a "T" with a really fat top and short leg for a single tube, or like the crenalations in a castle wall for a sequence of continuous tubes). I'd try a 1" tab (~3/4" to cover the bottom, 1/8" seam allowance and 1/8" wiggle room), and similarly adjust if needed.