I start at the top of the bar nearest the stem or neck. As you would lace a shoe, start the first stitch across the two first holes. Cross lace as you do a shoe pulling very tightly as you go. The leather will stretch and pull closed. Keep moving this way until you reach the levers if applicable...you can stitch around them or cut a small hole opposite the stitches. Lace an inch or so PAST the end of the bar. Tuck the remaining leather into the bar and plug as you would normally.

another question: do you wet the leather before (to give it more stretch)? And what type of wire do you stitch with? with leather shoelaces, or other wire?