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ProtoType8: Seven Squares | Handle Parts

A beautiful handmade piece with a diamond pattern made from Store.Alaudae.JP's original Foru-ami. Two pieces of material measuring 15mm wide x 27m long are used to weave the Body Parts and Handle Parts. Here, we will explain how to make the Handle Parts in a detailed step-by-step manner so that even beginners can easily make them.

About Reinforcing Materials for Handle Attachment

- Preparing the backing material core -
What is a reinforcing material?
A reinforcing material is a piece of material sandwiched inside to strengthen the attachment of a handle to a main body. It improves the appearance and makes the attachment of the handle to the main body stronger.
Why use a reinforcing material?
・Appearance: Using a reinforcing material results in a more beautiful finish for the handle attachment area.
・Strength: The reinforcing material enhances the adhesion between the handle and the main body, improving durability.
When using a reinforcing material:
・Preparing materials: Prepare 4 pieces of material in one color and 8 pieces in a different color, each at least 60mm long, from leftover materials.
・Material selection: Choose materials with a nice appearance as they will be stitched.
・Stitching: Apply a two-tone edge stitch to the prepared materials.
With or without a reinforcing material:
・Using a reinforcing material: Sandwich the reinforcing material and then attach the handle to the main body using double-cap rivets or a similar method. This results in a better appearance and increased strength.
・Not using a reinforcing material: It is also possible to attach the handle directly to the main body without a reinforcing material.
Summary:
A reinforcing material is an optional part that makes the attachment of a handle more beautiful and stronger. Choose whether or not to use it based on your desired finish.
Additional notes:
A reinforcing material is merely a decorative material and is not always necessary.
When using a reinforcing material, it is necessary to adjust the optimal size and shape according to the thickness, hardness of the material, and shape of the handle.

Process for Creating the Backing Material Body

- Backing material core -
In this process, we will create the backing material body, referring to the manufacturing process of the handle body.
Be sure to check the handle body processes, "Handle core: Part 1" and "Handle core: Part 2". By referring to these processes, you can work more efficiently. In particular, the marking and drilling for the diamond chisel and double cap can be done more accurately by working simultaneously with the handle body.
Why is it better to work simultaneously?
・Improved alignment accuracy: By working side by side with the handle body and the backing material body, you can accurately grasp the positional relationship between the two and perform more accurate marking and drilling.
・Improved work efficiency: By performing multiple tasks at once, you can shorten the working time.
・Reduced mistakes: By performing multiple processes simultaneously, you can reduce deviations and mistakes between processes.
Specific work procedure
・Check the handle body process: First, carefully check the handle body processes "Handle core: Part 1" and "Handle core: Part 2" and understand the purpose and procedure of each process.
・Prepare the backing material body: Check the material and shape of the backing material body and prepare the necessary tools and materials.
・Comparison with the handle body: Place the handle body and the backing material body side by side and compare their shapes and dimensions.
・Marking: Referring to the markings of the diamond chisel and double cap on the handle body, mark the same positions on the backing material body.
・Drilling: Drill holes accurately at the marked positions.
・Subsequent processes: Proceed with the processes after drilling in the same way as the handle body process.
Precautions
・Material selection: Select the material for the backing material body that is suitable for the combination with the handle body and the intended use of the product.
・Tool usage: Use appropriate tools for work such as drilling, and work safely.
・Dimension check: Check the dimensions accurately while working at each process.
Summary
The process of creating the backing material body can be carried out more efficiently by referring to the process of the handle body. In particular, by working simultaneously with the handle body, the markings and drilling for the diamond chisel and double cap can be applied more accurately. The length and hole position of the backing material body may vary depending on your preference, so please try making it while devising your own ideas.

Corner Stitching Process

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 1
The corner stitching process doesn't differ significantly from regular stitching. However, the number of stitching holes at the corners requires special attention.
Importance of the Number of Stitching Holes
If the number of stitching holes is incorrect, the holes may connect, resulting in a poor finish. It depends on the thickness, hardness, width of the material, etc. Therefore, it's impossible to say definitively that "X number of stitching holes is optimal".
Optimal Number of Stitching Holes
Experiments have shown that for a 15mm wide material, 2-3 stitching holes produce balanced results. However, this is just one example, and adjustments may be necessary depending on the material and design.
Importance of Experimentation
The best way to determine the optimal number of stitching holes is through trial and error. Experiment with different patterns to develop your own sense of what works best.
About the Slideshow
"Slideshow - Part 4 - All 11 Pieces" doesn't include any particularly difficult steps. Each photo clearly illustrates a single finishing step.
Summary
Proper corner stitching requires the correct number of stitching holes to achieve a beautiful finish. Experiment with various materials and designs to find the method that best suits your needs.
Slideshow - Part 4 - All 11 Pieces

1. Before starting the corner stitch process. (back side)

2. State of additional material B after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

3. State of additional material A after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

4. State of additional material B after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

5. State of additional material A after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

6. State of additional material B after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

7. State of additional material A after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

8. State of additional material B after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

9. State of additional material A after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

10. State of additional material A after passing through the previous process and hole.

11. State of additional material A that has been passed through the previous process and the hole. (directly sideways)

Final Joining in Two-Tone Edge Stitching

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 2
The final joining process in two-tone edge stitching is the culmination of all previous steps and plays a crucial role in determining the overall quality of a piece. While we've already explained this process in relation to the main body of the item, we'll provide a more detailed overview in "Slideshow - Part 5 - All 73 Pieces" focusing on the backing material.
Why explain the same process again?
During the actual production process, we discovered some variations even within the same process. For those new to two-tone edge stitching, understanding these differences and selecting the method that best suits their needs is essential for creating beautiful finished products.
Our Approach to Crafting
Even at Store.Alaudae.JP, we have only experienced this final joining process a few times. However, by repeatedly reviewing the images in the slideshow, we've noticed differences in procedures and inconsistencies.
With this experience, we want to share with many people that using the materials we sell, there are other possible stitching methods. Therefore, we've decided to include various procedures, including any mistakes, in images.
Key Points for Final Joining
Final joining requires a high degree of concentration and care. Take your time, ensure each step is done correctly, and let your passion shine through in your beautiful finished piece.
Summary
In this explanation, we've discussed the importance of the final joining process in two-tone edge stitching and the reasons for providing a more detailed explanation. "Slideshow - Part 5 - All 73 Pieces" offers a clear and visual guide to various methods and important points.
We hope this information will be helpful in creating your own masterpieces.
Slideshow - Part 5 - All 73 Pieces

1. There is one blank hole for passing material B. (back side)

2. There is one unthrough hole through which material B is passed.

3. Use an awl to show the hole through which material A will pass. (back side)

4. State where material A has been passed through the hole. (back side)

5. State where material A has been passed through the hole.

6. Showing the previous process of material A with an awl. (back side)

7. State of material A undergoing pre-processing. (back side)

8. Condition of material A after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

9. State of material A after passing through the previous process and holes.

10. Condition of material B after pre-processing.

11. The state of material B after the previous process. (back side)

12. The hole through which material B is passed is shown with an awl. (back side)

13. The state after material B has been passed through the hole. (back side)

14. The state after material B has been passed through the hole.

15. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl. (back side)

16. The previous process and the state of material B after it has been passed through the hole. (back side)

17. The previous process and the state of material B after it has been passed through the hole.

18. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl.

19. The state of material A after the previous process.

20. The hole through which material A is passed is shown with an awl. (back side)

21. The state after material A has been passed through the hole. (back side)

22. The state after material A has been passed through the hole.

23. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl.

24. The state of material A after the previous process.

25. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl. (back side)

26. The state of material A after the previous process and after it has been passed through the hole. (back side)

27. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl.

28. The state of material B after it has been passed through the previous process.

29. The hole through which material B is passed is shown with an awl. (back side)

30. The state after material B has been passed through the hole. (back side)

31. Cut excess material A. (back side)

32. After cutting extra material A. (back side)

33. After cutting extra material A.

34. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl.

35. Condition of pre-processed material B.

36. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl. (back side)

37. State of material B after passing through the previous process and hole. (back side)

38. State of material B after passing through the previous process and hole.

39. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl.

40. Condition of pre-processed material A.

41. The hole through which material A is passed is shown with an awl. (back side)

42. Material A has been passed through the hole. (back side)

43. Excess material B has been cut off. (back side)

44. Excess material B has been cut off. (back side)

45. Excess material B has been cut off.

46. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl.

47. The state of material A after the previous process.

48. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl. (back side)

49. The previous process and the state of material A after it has been passed through the hole. (back side)

50. The previous process and the state of material A after it has been passed through the hole.

51. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl.

52. The state of material B after the previous process.

53. The hole through which material B is passed is shown with an awl. (back side)

54. The state after material B has been passed through the hole. (back side)

55. The state after material B has been passed through the hole.

56. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl.

57. The state of material B after the previous process.

58. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl. (back side)

59. The state of material B after the previous process and the hole has been passed. (back side)

60. The state of material B after the previous process and the hole has been passed.

61. Showing the previous process of material A with an awl.

62. State of material A after previous process.

63. State of material A after previous process. (back side)

64. Showing the previous process of material A with an awl. (back side)

65. Showing the hole through which material A is passed with an awl after the previous process is completed. (back side)

66. State after material A has been passed through the hole. (back side)

67. State after material A has been passed through the hole.

68. Showing the previous process of material A with an awl.

69. State of material A after previous process.

70. State of material A after previous process. (back side)

71. The previous process of material A is shown with an awl. (back side)

72. State of material A after previous process and threading through the hole. (back side)

73. State of the side view after the process is completed.

Prototype Completion Report: Fortuna Ami

Closing
Pushing the Limits of Fortuna Ami and Achieving Beautiful Stitches
In this experiment, we created a prototype using Fortuna Ami. To explore the limits of beading, we used two 27-meter-long, 15mm-wide Fortuna pearls. The results suggest that this size is optimal for creating handles and bodies with Fortuna Ami.
Efficient Use of Leftover Materials and Beautiful Stitches
After completing the prototype, we had some unused materials. For those seeking more beautiful stitch patterns, we recommend prioritizing these unused materials. In particular, cutting longer materials into 2mm widths allows for longer, continuous stitches, resulting in a more beautiful finish.
Summary
Through this prototype, we were able to determine the optimal size when using two 27-meter-long, 15mm-wide Fortuna pearls. We also provided suggestions for effective use of leftover materials. We hope that the experience of creating this prototype will be helpful to everyone in their crafting endeavors.
From Store.Alaudae.JP
This process took nearly three years to complete from the announcement of the prototype in May 2021 due to various circumstances. While we wanted to share the production process with many people, we regret not being able to fully convey our original intentions over time. However, we hope that this work will serve as a hint for new production methods and stimulate the creativity of many people. We plan to take more time in the future to disclose the production process in more detail.
Compare the amount of leftover material.

1. Materials used this time.

2. Amount of material left after making the main body.

3. The amount of material remaining after making the body and handle.

This process is complete.
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