In my previous post I mentioned the need to turn the shoe after the stitching was complete. If you have ever wondered what is involved the following pictures will give you an idea.
The stitching is complete but the shoe is inside out. Next step – into a bucket of water to thoroughly soak the leather and make it soft and pliable. It is at this stage you may discover that the leather you have used does not soak very well because it has been chrome tanned rather than veg tanned. Always make sure the leather you use is veg tanned.
One well soaked shoe in the process of being turned. It is putting up a good fight but after much persuasion…
It begins to accept its fate. A short length of wood, rounded at one end is needed to complete the process as the toe seam needs to be flattened otherwise the shoe will be uncomfortable to wear.
Turned at last and ready for the side seam to be closed.
At this stage it is a good idea to wear the shoe for a while and it takes the shape of your foot as it begins to dry out. And there you have it – a turned shoe.
I usually close all the seams before turning the shoe. Many stitches are easier to do as long as the shoe is inside out.
Great site, by the way. I’ll drop by more often.
Best wishes
Arne
Thanks Arne. I normally close all the seams as well (as in the Annaholty post). In this case I was being curious to see if leaving the seam open before turning was helpful. It did make the shoe easier to turn, but was more awkward to close then. So no great gain.
I tried making a basic leather shoe involving turning, not realising it needed to be soaked to do it. needless to say, I only made one shoe!
thanks for hte great info
Thanks Ida, I hope you can put it to use.