good to see someone with actual experience being involved.
Originally Posted by
gaucho777
.. wrapped more rags around the top and taped the rags tightly with duct tape to reform the flared out sides.
On
Classic Lightweights
"Use a toestrap round the narrow part of the saddle to keep the shape intact while it is drying."
You don't need to bind it up. Drying leather does not exert significant force. Just move the strap so the leather dries evenly.
As Rudi has written, I also have hand moulded the saddle flaps when they are drying.
This is part of the satisfaction of recovering them yourself, you get what you want; reshaping the cantleplate, choosing the thickness of the leather, trimming to shape, making and installing your own rivets. Then using the saddle.