Leave ample margin between the edge and the punched hole. A saddle that has once dried out is still somewhat fragile even after treatment with Lexol. Grommets can help keep the hole from stretching and breaking.
Calvert Guthrie Kansas City
In a message dated 8/14/2003 9:52:29 PM Central Standard Time,
chuckschmidt@earthlink.net writes:
> Do like everyone did "back in the day": Punch a row of holes in the
> edge of the flaps and lace them together. You can do as few as two in
> each side or a whole bunch of them. Lace from side to side not around
> the lower edge. If you go around the lower edge it will bend and
> eventually crack the leather along the holes.
>
> I've laced a few myself and it is a great look!
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, CA