snowgoose

Thanks Mike. My tools were purchased in Finland, from a company who supply tools made by a company called "Ivan", who are based in Taiwan, so probably not the best of quality of tools, but I guess they are a start. They look very similar to the craftool tools. http://www.ivan.tw/Default.aspx From looking at their site, I would say they are more US rather than European influenced in their products.

Hi Gary. Thanks for your reply. The "thing" was just sold as a stitch marker ( 3 rolls ). This is an image of it;

Thanks for the reply Mike. I can never remember what each piece of kit is called, but at least you knew what I was talking about :D

So, I've bought all the tools to have a try at some hand stitching ( apart from a groover, but that can wait until I have sussed the actual stitching. I just have one question quickly if anyone could assist. I bought a stitch marker ( one with 3 changeable wheels ) but how do you know which stitch count to use per inch? Now, I'm guessing this makes quite a difference to the overall appearance of the finished item. Is it just down to personal preference, or maybe something like smaller stitch count for smaller items and larger for larger, or is it down to the weight of the actual leather, or maybe something totally different? Can anyone just quickly spare 5 mins to answer me please. Regards Jake

Very Nice. I really like the look of the round holder. Does the top part spin around at all or is it fixed?

Thanks for the reply Twinoaks. Will check that book out and take a look at the various awls available :D

Thanks for the replies Aaron. Looks like I will have to go shopping soon :D

Thanks for the reply Aaron. I saw a video of the stitching awl in work and it looks much easier than other methods. With two needles, would I just work in the same way? ( i.e. stab through front side and create a loop at the back and thread the second thread through the loop, pulling the needle back out after, and continue this way?

Ok, so I'd like to try my hand at stitching some leather. I've been looking online and such and think I'd like to try a simple knife sheath to start. Now, just wondering if these tools are worth the money or whether anything else can be used instead ? 1) Sewing Awl ( the one with the bobbin built in and pushes the thread though for overlocking ( I think ) 2 ) Stitching Pony ( they seem pretty pricey for what they are, and as I'm only starting, is one really needed? ) 3) Stitch spacing wheel ( the little wheel you roll along the leather to get even spaces between stitches ) 4) Stitching groover. Now, as I said, I'm only starting out with sewing, but I'd like to end up with half professional"ish" looking end products. Can anyone advise on the above please?

Thanks for all the replies, I will try some Gum stuff and see what happens :D Regards Jake

Thanks for the replies everyone. I had a feeling it may be down to the actual leather, as I've read a few things about Tandy's leather on here. I'm in the UK so will have to source some over here. Will try Le Provo, they seem to have a nice rep over here for their leather

I'm having problems finishing off the backs of my belts. ( as I'm only just starting out, I'm using Tandy's belt blanks ) I can't seem to get my belt backs nice and smooth like on some pictures on here. Every time I try, it either ends up blotchy, rough or just generally not as I'd like them to be. So, are there any tips and tricks for nicely finishing belt backs off so they come out nice and smooth? Regards Jake

Thanks for the reply, I've seen the cuttlebug ( and actually have access to a friends machine, so may try that if I can find a nicely shaped die for it :D

Does anything like this exist for the leather side of things? ( this is one for paper, but gives an idea of what I'm after ) Basically you slide your paper in and press down, cutting out the shape of the punch. Are there any heavier duty punches like this for leather? ( only thin leather for things like keyfobs or barrettes or whatever. ) Regards Jake

Thanks Michael. Just what I was after :D Regards Jake