Sewing my own Holsters?

[L_Killkenny]

I've been trying to find a new holster for my Single-Six and have yet to find one I really like. I know I can order one and I would more than likely be happy with it.... But after looking at several different leather holsters and the few that I have, I thought I might try to sew my own.
What size of needle and type of thread is best?

I also thought about just using rawhide strips instead of thread. Have any of you tried this? Would it be more authentic?

LK

P.S. Just what I needed, another hobby!

[AzShooter]

Go on line to Tandy Leather and look at the sinew thread they have and the needles for this stuff. It is very strong and will last forever. I made holsters over 30 years ago for competition shooters and they are still using them. All the stuff I made for reenacting the middle ages is still working find.

[arcticap]

An alternative might be shoe makers thread as used in this knife sheath tutorial.
I laced a kit knife sheath with leather lacing used for baseball glove repair and it held tight and looked okay. The welted edge that was laced was only slightly wavy from the lacing being pulled tight. The lacing was simply threaded in and out of the precut holes and not wrapped around the outside edge.


http://www.knivesby.com/dan-sheath-tutor-1.html

Here's a recent thread with advice about making a self made holster (although not a single six), and includes pictures of another set of holsters too.

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=253707

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=43566&d=1155755084

[Molasses]

If you've never done any leatherwork before, you might want to consider one of Tandy's books; Holster book (http://tandyleather.com/products.asp?number=6055-00). It's got a lot of good directions and how-to material packed into a small space, although the patterns in it are kind of lame, IMHO. I know that it was a big help in getting me going on making my own when I starting out and had no idea what I was doing. Also, if you're looking for good ideas of original Old West holster photos to steal pattern ideas from, there isn't a better source than Rattenbury's Packing Iron.