blacksands36

Hi All, So I have found a few places that will create a branding stamp for me...that's solution one. I'm going to consider it. But I also was wondering whether or not you can dye a light colored/tan pigskin? Will the dye take at all and does anyone know to what level it would take? If I use a black dye, would it be a light black or could I get a precise, dark black continuity to it? Thanks if you've got any comments...

Hi All, I'm about to work with some sand colored (think light tan, beige etc.) pigskin suede splits and I would like to decorate the edges. That being said my first thought was to brand them with a nice pre-made brand design. Of course, I'm finding that locating such an item is extremely challenging and even non-existent -- not to mention out of budget. Because of the color I'd like to burn/brand a nice crisp black into it - design to be determined, but since it's an edge think Celtic, floral or some other nice continuous design. I also would like the design to be at least an inch wide such that I could put two (or more) together and it would work continuously, as if it's one. I've got a soldering/hot stamp tool and would like to know if this is something that I can even accomplish? What other ways can I get a nice black, "stencil-like" design onto the pigskin? Doing the design itself by hand isn't a great option - I've got alot of edges ). I also doubt stamping would work with some color added to it...but maybe I'm wrong there, having never done it before. I also would prefer the end design to be black as I think it would stand out quite nicely. Though at the very minimum it would have to be a darker brown so it would show up. Any ideas from the more experienced folks? Thank you! Lisa

Thank you everyone, Some great ideas for sure. I think I like the idea of a Tippmann Boss. I don't like using a groover because they always wind up going slightly askew on me (and I like straight lines)...and I love the idea of foregoing the stitching wheel and just using the chisel. As far as the two needle goes, it allows for two stitches side by side (thus in unison and uniformity) and the gauge is supposed to be the distance between the two (quarter inch, half inch etc.) I am looking at the drill presses so that's an option. I appreciate all your responses thus far! Enjoy ) Lisa

Thank you Bob, I do have a leather pricking iron - and rotary wheels to mark them: however, you're right when it takes time and at times I can't keep them very straight. Plus the wheel doesn't mark the leather as well as I would like and the iron then doesn't line up exactly (yes I'm using the same size for both). I just figure that it'd be easier to guide the leather through a machine and let the machine do the work with pre-punching the holes. The double needle (or two needle) would be a nice to have when doing decorative sewing lines for looks in addition to sewing it together. Would love to hear from those machine experts if they'd be willing to chime in. Lisa

Hi Everyone, I am interested in finding out the easiest way to hole punch for hand sewing (messenger, backpack) bags. I'd like to purchase a sewing machine that can potentially use two needles (1/4" gauge - better yet, multiple gauges) and can sew heavy leather and thickness. Not too much to ask right? I've been looking at several different machines (techsew, consew etc.) but honestly - spending a small fortune on a machine to then find out it's not going to do what I want is not something I'd like to do (hence asking the experts)! So, yes ultimately I will sew with machine (and it's got to be a workhorse) but right now, I'd like very much to automate hole punching. Uniform holes is key and one reason why I don't want to do it manually if I can help it. Thoughts? Lisa P.S. If the machine can handle heavy threads to sew those backpack thickness leathers - it's a bonus. Plus, if you have something for sale - OR could point me in the right direction as far as who to deal/work with on purchasing one...awesome! Thank you!!!