Leather seat lacings

[ticonderoga]

With the launch last week of my first restoration, I have started on my next project for the winter, which is a 14 foot UFO that has some interesting lines that I want for my solo trips. The seats need to be redone so I was thinking about trying something new and use leather lacing for the seats similar to snowshoe webbing. I have seen this on other canoes but don't know much about it. What are the pro's and con's of it and where can you get the material for it. It looks like a managable process and the finished product gives it a old rustic look. If anyone has any info or advise I would appreciate it!

 

[WoodNCanvas]

See if this might help, http://reflectionsoutdoors.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/babiche-canoe-seats/

 

[Greg Nolan]

Run a search on "babiche" in these forums and you will find a good deal of information. One useful thread (weaving pattern, material sources) is at http://forums.wcha.org/showthread.php?5488-Babiche-seats&highlight=babiche