Another Newbie With Lots Of Questions.

[Chavez]

Hi!

I've just recently got interested in leatherwork and I would be grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

I've had some limited braiding experience before, however, I'm looking to stitch a few things and try some tooling. Thinking of making a simple wallet as a starter project and then practicing on other items. The ultimate goal is a briefcase.

I have ordered some essential stitching tools & the Stohlman's book on stitching. What sort of leather (in mm & oz) do I need to buy for a plain wallet (I'd prefer if the leather was a bit on the thick & sturdy side)?

As far as I understand, not all leather can be used for tooling. What should I look for when I'm choosing tooling leather?

What are the best places to order leather from in the UK (Scotland)?

Thank you!

[Hilly]

Hi!

I've just recently got interested in leatherwork and I would be grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

I've had some limited braiding experience before, however, I'm looking to stitch a few things and try some tooling. Thinking of making a simple wallet as a starter project and then practicing on other items. The ultimate goal is a briefcase.

I have ordered some essential stitching tools & the Stohlman's book on stitching. What sort of leather (in mm & oz) do I need to buy for a plain wallet (I'd prefer if the leather was a bit on the thick & sturdy side)?

As far as I understand, not all leather can be used for tooling. What should I look for when I'm choosing tooling leather?

What are the best places to order leather from in the UK (Scotland)?

Thank you!

Hi Chavez. Welcome to the addiction!

If you want to do some tooling, you're going to need vegetable tanned leather. I would think that a good weight for a wallet might be around 5-6 oz.., or around 2mm.

You made a great choice in choosing the Stohlman book on how to stitch leather. You will learn a lot from it. When you go to make your briefcase, Stohlman's cases books are superb as far as basic construction methods. I don't know anyone who wouldn't say they aren't worth every penny they paid for them.

Sorry, I live in the U.S., so I can't help you with the sources.

Good luck, and enjoy the learning process. Please post some photos when you finish your wallet!

Hilly

[Chavez]

Thank you for the advice!

Any other must-read leatherwork books for a beginner?

[WinterBear]

You have the stitching book, so I would recommend the Stohlman "Art of Making Cases-Vol. 1" which is a great partner book to the stitching book. Many things in Vol 1 reference the Stitching book. Volumes 2 and 3 expand on Volume 1, and deal with handles and more elaborate things. I have all three Volumes and the Stitching book and find them invaluable, but Vol. 1 gets the most use.

[Chavez]

Thanks - will order the cases book after some stitching practice.

I did not realise that I'd have to work with unfinished leather =) Is the eco-flow all-in-one any good as a paint/finish for a beginner?

And can somebody please recommend a book on braiding (and making whips)?

Thanks again!

[Hilly]

Thanks - will order the cases book after some stitching practice.

I did not realise that I'd have to work with unfinished leather =) Is the eco-flow all-in-one any good as a paint/finish for a beginner?

And can somebody please recommend a book on braiding (and making whips)?

Thanks again!

You might try the eco-flow dyes, but keep in mind that they are water based dyes. Personally, I do not like them. If you are after lots of bright colors, then Angelus dyes might work better for you. I believe they are spirit based dyes.

If you just want to dye a belt or wallet a single color such as black or brown, I always go straight to Fiebing's Pro Oil dyes. I've always had great luck with them.

You can seal your product with a lot of things such as Leather Sheen, Bag Kote, or even liquid floor wax.

You can keep it water resistant with beeswax. There are even products to waterproof leather. Can't think of the names right now though, as I haven't had my morning coffee yet

[Chavez]

Thank you.

Single colour is what I'm looking for. Black, dark brown, saddle tan & dark mahogany is all I need to be happy =)

Well, now I just need to wait for all the stuff to arrive and I can start crafting.

[gary]

Hi Chavez,

Welcome to LW and leathercraft. I'm also in Scotland but hidden away on the west coast.

A good book, in parallel with Al Stohlman's, is Valerie Michael's Leathercraft Handbook (or similar title). She covers some things which AS does not. She also goes into bridle and other leathers that you may find useful, particularly if you're ordering over the web or phone. Her book also has a list of UK suppliers at the back which should prove useful as well. This is probably a bit out of date by now but a quick Google should show if they still exist or trade.

The suppliers I use for leather and sundries are mainly Abbey and Le Prevo. There are others out there but I've always found both helpful on the phone even if I'm being a complete moron. Le Prevo will send out swatches of leather for you to choose from as well. When ordering from Abbey, always be clear on what you what. Neither company minds small orders.

If I can be of any direct help, just PM me.

Gary

[Chavez]

Thank you all for your answers. Ordered everything I need to start carving & sewing.

Where can I find some basic patterns that would be good for learning how to use the 7 basic stamping tools?