So I bought some leather, and...........

M

mlehto

Joined
Oct 20, 2012
Messages
220
Well, I guess the pics speak for themselves..... ;)

I am pretty happy with how they came out, as I have never done anything like this before.

The next ones will be even better. I have some new ideas, and reallly doing it, and trying it out is the only way to learn with stuff like this.

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Nice job.
Are you using a sewing machine or hand stitching?

My recent first attempt at leather work, I made a case for a flashlight... hand stitching with a Speedy Awl, the stitches are nowhere near as straight as yours. ha!
 
outstanding work!

following with kuuoto, can you tell us about your stitching methods? How did you keep the stitches so straight, and was your process very time consuming? what tools are you using here?

I'm also dabbling in leatherwork but nothing I make is very decent, and its waaay time consuming!

good work!1
 
All hand stitched.

I use a very fine/sharp flat screwdriver to make the holes/slots for the stitching, but before punching any holes I use a ruler and scrape a faint line in the leather to follow. I then punch out all the slots on this line.

Then it is hand stitched using a saddle stitch.

Honestly I don't have a single purpose built tool used in the process. Just what I already have and making it work.

Feel free to ask questions, and thanks for the kind remarks.
 
Looks pretty sweet. Maybe in a few years you can give Saddleback a run for its money. :D
 
bobusx said:
Looks pretty sweet. Maybe in a few years you can give Saddleback a run for its money. :D
Click to expand...

That is originally what got me to do this.

I liked their stuff, and simply couldn't justify spending soo much, so here I am making them myself.

Like most things in life, it is all a learning process, and I will continue to get better.

At least I know I never have to buy a wallet again. ;)
 
Sweet!

I use a dinner fork for my hole spacing, and drill the holes with a small bit in my drill press.

Where did you buy your leather? I need to buy some 5-6 oz.
 
Appreciate the kind words guys.

Leather came from a local horse/saddle shop. No idea what it is, or what weight. Just looked at a bunch of pieces, and chose this one.

Anyhow, I am gonna try my hand at some pocket organizers, for some of my EDC gear next.

I will update with new stuff as I go.
 
Those look like they will give you years of good service.

One thing I learned from making and repairing many leather items in the saddle shop is this;
Use round holes for sewing, oblong holes for leather wiping, decorations etc.

What ends up happening is the oblong hole punch cuts the leather in one direction and encourages the leather to rip from hole to hole.
The round holes usually punch a non-directional hole and push/compress the leather that actually will grab the thread and hold really well.

One time saving thing is to get a stitch marking wheel. The cheapy plastic handled ones work fine for occasional use. Then just use the marks you want.
You can also use a drawing compass to mark your stitch line. It will be nice and straight.

Did you use any glue?

If you ever want to burnish the edges, you can use an antler, bone or hard piece of plastic.

There are a lot of time saving tricks you'll learn as you do more.
Keep it up!
 
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